| Researchers compare safety of different antipsychotics for nursing home residents |
| Wednesday, 13 April 2011 10:59 |
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Such medications are used to alleviate symptoms of dementia and related illnesses, and about two-thirds of assisted living patients are given prescriptions for these antipsychotics. However, the effectiveness and safety of such drugs are still disputed. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital set out to compare a group of pyschotropic medication classes, and evaluated the efficacy of these products among a group of residents who were admitted to nursing homes between 1996 and 2006.Out of 10,900 participants in the study, about 1,942 received an atypical antipsychotic, 1,902 were given a conventional medication, 2,169 took antidepressants and 4,887 were prescribed benzodiazepines. The research team found that the risk of death was higher among individuals who took conventional antipsychotics, antidepressants and benziodiazepines. Additionally, these people experienced a higher likelihood of femur fracture. The scientists concluded that a large randomized trial must be conducted in order to confirm these findings, and that in the meantime, clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing such medications to nursing home patients. |
An article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that conventional antidepressants and benzodiazepines administered to nursing home residents may carry increased risks.
