Psychotropic drugs and the aging patient.

摘要: Patients older than age 65 currently compose 13% of the US population, yet they receive 35% all prescribed medications. In patients, complications psychotropic drugs alone constitute a highly significant health problem. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences secondary to or illness require careful consideration. Accumulation drug might result from declining cardiovascular renal function, alteration body composition, genetic acquired inhibition metabolism. As patients age, there is general reduction in homeostatic mechanisms such as postural control, orthostatic circulatory responses, visceral muscle function that may adverse experiences. specific receptor neurotransmitter changes associated with senescence include reductions central cholinergic dopaminergic activities lead greater sensitivity medications acting on these systems. Clinical vigilance particularly important when prescribing newly available antidepressants antipsychotics, since typically are not systematically evaluated subjects before their release.