Psychotropic drugs ; elderly patients ; case errors
Keywords
Psychotropic drugs ; elderly patients ; case errors
Abstract
Psychotropic drug use in the aged from 7-92% in institutional settings and up to 30% in medical settings. And older patients received an average of 5-12 medications per day in general hospitals. I reviewed common errors during psychotropic drug treatment and suggest the proper management guideline. In general, physical illness, medical drugs, drug-drug interactions and age-related physiological changes may alter psychotropic drug pharmacokinetics and it induced the severe adverse reactions from psychotropic agents. To proper management for the elderly patients with psychotropic drug treatment, the clinician must have skilled experiences of the effective drug administration and understand the unique characteristics of elderly individuals. And in addition, geriatric psychiatrist must be emphasized the psychosocial problems that may decrease drug compliance.