Treatment

What is Antipsychotics in dementia?

Antipsychotic drugs are sometimes prescribed for distressing behaviour in dementia, and they carry a boxed warning about increased risk of death in older people with dementia.

The US Food and Drug Administration requires that warning on the class. In Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia, some of these drugs can cause severe reactions.

Guidance is to look for causes such as pain, infection or environment first, to use the lowest dose for the shortest time if medication is needed, and to review regularly for stopping.

Why it matters

If one is proposed, it is fair to ask what has been ruled out first and when it will be reviewed.

Sources

Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.

Related terms

All 92 terms, A to Z