Health

Antipsychotic drugs seen increasing risk of death among some older adults

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 25, 2007

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Those older than 65 who are prescribed antipsychotics to control disruptive behavior associated with dementia are more likely to die than are those in a similar state of health who do not take these drugs. This risk is even higher when older versions of the medications are used, according to a study in the June 5 Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers analyzed data from four administrative health care databases that included information on more than 27,000 seniors diagnosed with dementia from April 1, 1997, through March 31, 2002. The risk of death associated with the use of these drugs was increased by 30% in the first month of use by elders living in the community. The risk went up 55% among those who were in long-term care. This phenomenon persisted for up to six months.

"The clinical message is that even short-term use of these drugs can be associated with an increased risk of death, so physicians need to carefully weigh potential risks and benefits of using these drugs to manage symptoms of dementia and need to reassess their use soon after they're initiated to see if they can be safely discontinued," said Dr. Sudeep Gill, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

The Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada issued warnings in 2005 about the use of these drugs in this population.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/06/25/hlbf0625.htm.

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