Use of antidepressants in medically ill older patients.
Major depression is common in older medical patients, and it can exert a deleterious effect on the treatment, course, and outcome of physical illnesses. Tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and psychosocial interventions often play a role in the treatment of depressed medically ill patients, but well-founded doubts about the efficacy and the safety of TCAs in older, frail medical patients have developed. Based on a review of current knowledge about antidepressant use in these patients, the authors recommend the cautious use of TCAs in medically ill older patients until more data are available.
Koenig
H G
HG
Center for Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Breitner
J C
JC
D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents