title: Strategies for optimizing antiepileptic drug therapy in elderly people.
abstract: The elderly take more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) than all other adults. This extensive use directly correlates with an increased prevalence of epilepsy in a growing population of older people, as well as other neuropsychiatric conditions such as neuropathic pain and behavioral disorders associated with dementia and for which AEDs are administered. The agents account for nearly 10% of all adverse drug reactions in the elderly and are the fourth leading cause of adverse drug reactions in nursing home residents. Numerous factors associated with advanced age contribute to the high frequency of untoward drug effects in this population; however, strategies are available to ensure optimal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Institute for the Study of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Lackner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020329:Essential Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants