title: Geriatric psychopharmacology.
abstract: When selecting a psychotropic agent for an elderly patient, the physician must consider such factors as impaired renal and hepatic metabolism, decreased protein-binding of drugs and increased central nervous system sensitivity. Accordingly, compounds should be selected on the basis of their pharmacokinetic and side-effect profiles. High-potency antipsychotics, because of their lower degree of anticholinergic activity, are usually preferable to the low-potency agents. Cardiac toxicity is an important consideration in selecting an antidepressant.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium