[Psychotropic drugs in geriatrics].
As people grow older, side effects due to the modification of pharmacokinetics are the main disadvantage in the use of psychotropic drugs in geriatrics. First, some general rules of prescription must be respected. One will indirectly influence sleep by modifying habits and, if medication becomes necessary, will give preference to chloral hydrate, then to the benzodiazepine byproducts, and, last, to some sedative neuroleptics. Anxiety should be treated mainly with benzodiazepines, taking great care as to the doses. Regarding depression, all the tricyclics and tetracyclics can be used, not forgetting the atropinic effects they have. In case of glaucoma, some substances are free from side effects. In spite of age, resort to lithium is possible with all cautions needed. Neuroleptics will get their best use in confused or delirious states: their main side effects are of extrapyramidal nature.
D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D002697:Chloral Hydrate / Q000494:pharmacology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D002697:Chloral Hydrate
Les médicaments spychotropes en gériatrie.