Alternatives to atypical antipsychotics for the management of dementia-related agitation.
Numerous recent studies have challenged the widely held belief that atypical antipsychotics are safe and effective options for the treatment of behavioural problems such as agitation in patients with dementia. Accordingly, there is a need to reconsider the place of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with dementia. The present article is intended to assist clinicians with the assessment and pharmacological management of agitation in patients with dementia. We review the risk-benefit evidence for the use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with dementia-related agitation (DRA). Emerging evidence indicates that, for patients with dementia, the risks associated with atypical antipsychotics may outweigh the benefits except for patients with severe agitation who require short-term chemical restraint. We then discuss the importance of a careful assessment to rule out potentially reversible factors contributing to DRA. Finally, we summarize the evidence supporting the use of medications other than antipsychotics to treat DRA. There is wide variability in the levels of evidence supporting the use of non-antipsychotic medication for the treatment of DRA. The best evidence currently exists for cholinesterase inhibitors and serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Emerging reports suggest that numerous other medications, for example, antiepileptics, lithium, anxiolytics, analgesics, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, cannabinoid receptor agonists and hormonal agents, may prove to be viable alternatives to antipsychotics for the treatment of severe DRA and more research is urgently needed to help assess the effectiveness of these agents. A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and treatment plan is likely the most effective way to manage DRA.
Passmore
Michael J
MJ
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. passmoremd@gmail.com
Gardner
David M
DM
Polak
Yvette
Y
Rabheru
Kiran
K
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000700:Analgesics; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists