title: Alcohol and the elderly. Psychotropics and the elderly: interactions to watch for.
abstract: Alcohol can increase blood levels of diazepam, and probably of other benzodiazepines. Alcohol also potentiates the CNS-depressant effects of these drugs. Before adding a psychotropic drug in older patients, discontinue as many drugs as possible. Prescribe smaller doses and follow cardiovascular status. Determine serum levels when in doubt, especially with tricyclic antidepressants.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000863:Antacids / Q000494:pharmacology; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001463:Barbiturates / Q000494:pharmacology; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000494:pharmacology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001463:Barbiturates; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000431:Ethanol; D002927:Cimetidine; D004221:Disulfiram; D009638:Norepinephrine