Prescribing psychotropic medications for elderly patients

Abstract

Compared with younger patients, the use of various psychotropic drugs is typically associated with expected, but exaggerated adverse effects in elderly patients. Falls are the single most important serious complication associated with all types of prescription and nonprescription drug use in older adults; psychotropic drugs contribute to or cause falls by various direct and indirect mechanisms, including sedation, confusion, vision changes, blood pressure changes, cardiac rhythm changes, balance problems, and neuromuscular incoordination. This article discusses dosage titration for elderly patients, laboratory testing for monitoring pharmacotherapy, and the importance of careful clinical assessment. In their role of providing, monitoring, and coordinating treatment, nurses should be knowledgeable about the appropriate use of medication in elderly patients.