A Caution Against Short-Term Use Of Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are frequently prescribed to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's and other dementias. There are two classes of antipsychotics: conventional (older) drugs, such as Haldol and Loxitane; and atypical (newer) drugs, such as Risperdal and Zyprexa. These drugs are commonly used only on a short-term basis, but since they're used so often, it's important to know whether their use is safe among people with dementia.

Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario recently evaluated the safety of short-term use of antipsychotics among people with dementia. They looked at community-dwelling people with dementia who either were not taking antipsychotics, were taking conventional antipsychotics, or were taking atypical antipsychotics. They also looked at nursing home residents with dementia who either were not taking antipsychotics, were taking conventional antipsychotics, or were taking atypical antipsychotics.

They found some startling results. Among the community dwellers, those taking atypical antipsychotics were 3 times more likely than those not taking antipsychotics to be hospitalized or die within 30 days of beginning the treatment. Those taking conventional antipsychotics were almost 4 times more likely to be hospitalized or die than those not taking the meds.

Among nursing home residents, those taking atypical antipsychotics were 1.9 times more likely to be hospitalized or die than those not taking antipsychotics within 30 days of beginning the treatment. Those taking conventional antipsychotics were 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalized or die than those not taking the drugs.

The researchers did not speculate why people with dementia who take short-term antipsychotics have an increased risk for hospitalization or death, but their results clearly indicate a need for more research. The results should also make physicians more cautious about prescribing these medications to their patients with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

For more information:

• Treatments for Alzheimer's
• Talking to your Doctor About Alzheimer's Medications

Photo of Risperdal © Gold Standard