[Psychotropic drugs outside of psychiatry, especially in advanced age]

The following main rules will optimate use of psychopharmaca: 1) The 3 main groups of psychopharmaca have to be ordered according to clear cut target symptoms: tranquilizer, neuroleptics, antidepressants. 2) Dosage must be rational and individual. Administration has to be long enough (antidepressants) and short enough (tranquilizers) according to chemical group, to secure efficacy and to avoid addiction. 3) The 2 polar dimensions: more agitating and more tireding, have to be used deliberately. 4) Danger of drug addiction and other unfavourable side effects must be kept in mind.