Seniors on anti-psychotic drugs: families should be notified, doc says

Morning North8:28When to use anti-psychotic drugs in non-psychotic patients

The CBC's Kate Rutherford spoke with Dr. James Chau, a geriatrics physician who says it is sometimes appropriate to use anti-psychotic drugs in non-psychotic elderly patients. She also spoke with Monic Bretzlaff who favours behavioural strategies.A Sudbury doctor says a decision to prescribe anti-psychotic drugs to the elderly should be weighed very carefully.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information shows roughly one-in-four residents in the city are given tranquilizing drugs, even though they're not psychotic.

Dr. James Chau, who has experience treating older patients, said sometimes doctors prescribe the drugs because nursing homes are noisy, crowded places and residents become anxious and act out.

"And I think sometimes medications end up being used as a crutch in those situations to support a circumstance where things are quite challenging and there is sort of nowhere else to turn to," he said.

There are instances when anti-psychotics might be prescribed to people who aren't psychotic, but he added doctors need to balance different factors such as the risk of cardiovascular disease with the risk of disruptive behaviour.

"One resident striking out against another [with] significant injuries arising" is a consideration, Chau gave as an example.

Chau said families should be notified if the doctor is considering prescribing anti-psychotics and they should be used in the short-term.