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.
Center for Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
H G
HG
Koenig
J C
JC
Breitner
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