Drug-induced psychosis and depression in the elderly

This article discusses drug-induced psychosis and depression in the elderly population. Selected reports with particular emphasis on the geriatric population are evaluated with histamine blockers, antiparkinson, anti-inflammatory, antituberculosis, antineoplastic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, cardiac, antihypertensive, and steroid drugs. Particular emphasis is placed on possible mechanisms of these side effects and factors contributing to increased incidence in the elderly population. In review, the clinician is advised to use special caution when prescribing these agents in the elderly considering increasing patterns of drug-induced psychosis and depression.