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Related Experiment Videos

[The elderly and psychotropic drugs].

D Vernay1, G Dordain

  • 1Service de neurologie, hôpital Nord, Clermont-Ferrand.

La Revue Du Praticien
|May 21, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Elderly individuals experience higher rates of adverse drug reactions, particularly from psychotropic medications like anticholinergics and neuroleptics. These medications should be avoided in older adults due to potential risks and overlapping symptoms with age-related dysautonomia.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Pharmacology
  • Clinical Toxicology

Context:

  • Elderly populations exhibit a 2-3 fold higher incidence of adverse drug reactions compared to younger adults.
  • Psychotropic medications are frequently implicated in these adverse events in the elderly.
  • Age-associated dysautonomia can mimic drug-induced disorders, complicating diagnosis and management.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the increased risk of adverse drug reactions in the elderly, focusing on psychotropic agents.
  • To emphasize the need for caution when prescribing anticholinergics and neuroleptics to older individuals.
  • To address the underestimation of psychotropic drug responsibility in functional disorders among the elderly.

Summary:

  • Adverse drug reactions are significantly more common in the elderly, with psychotropic drugs, especially anticholinergics and neuroleptics, being primary contributors.
  • While generally contraindicated, neuroleptics may be considered in specific severe conditions like uncontrollable excitement or delusions.
  • Prescribing psychotropic agents in the elderly necessitates careful consideration, favoring single-drug, low-dose, and short-term use when unavoidable.

Impact:

  • Promotes safer medication practices in geriatric care.
  • Aims to reduce preventable adverse drug events and hospitalizations in older adults.
  • Enhances clinical awareness regarding the specific vulnerabilities of the elderly to psychotropic medications.

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