National headlines in recent years have highlighted the staggering rates in which antipsychotics are prescribed to frail elderly living in long-term care facilities for the management of challenging behaviours, such as agitation and aggression, even though these drugs are not approved for use in such circumstances and have been associated with increased risk of death in this population. The results of a new study published in JAMA this month indicate that atypical antipsychotics can further harm elderly by increasing their risk of falls and fractures. "Adults ages 65 and older who received a new prescription [for an atypical antipsychotic] had a 53% increased risk of falling and a 50% increased risk of non vertebral osteoporotic fracture. These findings call into question the widespread off-label use of atypical antipsychotic medications and support increasing evidence of safety concerns regarding their use in older adults".
To read more about the research findings, visit http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/49529
To read more about the research findings, visit http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/49529
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