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Use of atypical antipsychotics in the elderly: a clinical review
Authors Gareri P, Segura-García C, Manfredi V, Bruni A, Ciambrone P, Cerminara G, De Sarro G, De Fazio P
Received 12 March 2014
Accepted for publication 12 May 2014
Published 16 August 2014 Volume 2014:9 Pages 1363—1373
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S63942
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 4
Pietro Gareri,1 Cristina Segura-García,2 Valeria Graziella Laura Manfredi,1 Antonella Bruni,2 Paola Ciambrone,2 Gregorio Cerminara,2 Giovambattista De Sarro,2 Pasquale De Fazio2
1Elderly Health Care, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; 2Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
Abstract: The use of atypical antipsychotic drugs in the elderly has become wider and wider in recent years; in fact, these agents have novel receptor binding profiles, good efficacy with regard to negative symptoms, and reduced extrapyramidal symptoms. However, in recent years, the use of both conventional and atypical antipsychotics has been widely debated for concerns about their safety in elderly patients affected with dementia and the possible risks for stroke and sudden death. A MEDLINE search was made using the words elderly, atypical antipsychotics, use, schizophrenia, psychosis, mood disorders, dementia, behavioral disorders, and adverse events. Some personal studies were also considered. This paper reports the receptor binding profiles and the main mechanism of action of these drugs, together with their main use in psychiatry and the possible adverse events in elderly people.
Keywords: atypical antipsychotics, dementia, elderly, psychosis, mood disorders, side effects
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