title: Rational use of psychoactive drugs in the geriatric patient.
abstract: It is impossible in an article such as this to present every aspect of psychopharmacology for the geriatric patient. Pharmacists occupy a unique position in the health care system that enables them to monitor and provide input into the pharmacotherapy of the elderly. The reader is encouraged to maintain competency in this important area of practice. Only by diligent attention to the problems experienced by the geriatric patient can we produce a framework of knowledge upon which to make rational therapeutic decisions.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D008094:Lithium