The management of agitation in demented patients with propranolol.
Congress and the FDA have strongly suggested that tranquilizers and antipsychotics not be used in agitated demented frail elderly patients. The medical profession has not moved away from the tradition of antipsychotic sedation of such patients. Use of 'modern second generation low dose' antipsychotics continue to be the standard of care. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker with good penetration of the CNS, is a reasonable and safe alternative to sedatives and antipsychotics. Anti-dementia drugs are complementary to propranolol. A case study which contrasts the two pharmacologic approaches is detailed. A method of estimating delirium-agitation risk in dementia patients (DRN method) is described.
Summers
William K
WK
Alzheimer's Corporation, 6000 Uptown Blvd, Suite 308, Albuquerque, NM 87110-4148, USA. aca@swcp.com
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000187:drug effects; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011433:Propranolol