The use of antipsychotics in elderly patients to treat psychotic symptoms, organic psychoses, and the behavioral disturbances often associated with these conditions is increasing.
The elderly are particularly sensitive to a variety of side effects induced by neuropleptics due to reduced functional reserve, adaptive ability, and other changes found within the aging brain. Given that antipsychotics have different pharmacology, they also differ in their resulting side effects. Historically, conventional neuropleptics have been used in the elderly despite the high incidence of drug-induced parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. This presentation will focus on the side effects induced by antipsychotics with particular emphasis on atypical antipsychotics, highlighting the available data of their use in elderly patients.
References: Maixner, S et al. The efficacy, safety and tolerability of antipsychotics in the elderly. J Clin Psych 1999;60(suppl 8):29-41.
Maguire, G. Impact of antipsychotics on geriatric patients: efficacy, dosing, and compliance. J Clin Psych (Primary Care Companion) 2000;2:165-172.
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