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[Analgesic opioids misuse in the elderly: A review]
Manon Cublier1, Pascal Menecier2, Armin von Gunten3
1Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'âge avancé (SUPAA), Hôpital de Cery, Prilly, Suisse, Consultations mémoire, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France.
Geriatrie Et Psychologie Neuropsychiatrie Du Vieillissement
|August 8, 2020
Summary
Analgesic opioids addiction (AOA) is common in the elderly, leading to significant health risks. Early detection through screening tools and careful prescription practices are crucial for prevention and management in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Analgesic opioids addiction (AOA) presents a significant challenge in the elderly population.
- Geriatric patients experience high morbidity and mortality due to associated pathologies and altered pharmacokinetics.
- AOA is frequently underdiagnosed in older adults, necessitating improved detection strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and risks of AOA in the elderly.
- To emphasize the need for specific screening tools for early AOA risk detection.
- To outline essential precautions before initiating opioid therapy in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on AOA in the elderly.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic considerations in geriatric patients.
- Discussion of clinical practices for AOA prevention and management.
Main Results:
- AOA is highly prevalent in the elderly, exacerbating geriatric conditions.
- Pharmacokinetic changes in the elderly increase AOA risks.
- Underdetection of AOA is a critical issue requiring targeted screening.
Conclusions:
- Widespread use of specific screening tools is essential for AOA risk identification in the elderly.
- Pre-prescription checks for drug interactions and doctor shopping are mandatory.
- Collaborative care models involving geriatricians and psychiatrists, alongside optimized management of comorbidities, are vital for effective AOA care in France.
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