Because advanced stages of dementia frequently include emotional outbursts and aggressive behavior, physicians may prescribe antipsychotic drugs to sedate the patient and relieve care partners and staff from never-ending demands on their time. Although contraindicated for the elderly, antipsychotic drugs have increasingly become accepted as a viable way to manage elder dementia patients. However, recent findings suggest administration of antipsychotic drugs to elderly dementia patient has little benefit, and more often than not increases the likelihood of early death by stroke, heart attack or pneumonia.
Haloperidol brand name Haldol
Despite contraindications, many physicians frequently prescribe haloperidol to manage aggression and agitation in the dementia patient. Ideally, physicians should treat of dementia on an individual basis, and should not prescribe antipsychotics for an agitated patient without careful consideration of the immediate and long-term affects of such aggressive treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, haloperidol is never an appropriate drug for the treatment of dementia in older adults.
Clozapine brand name Clozaril
Introduced in the United States in 1989, clozapine remains one of the first second-generation antipsychotic medications. Said to cause less adverse effects than other prescriptives, clozapine is recommended as an alternative for people with severe schizophrenia. In April 2005, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA issued a public health advisory asking manufacturers to include a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in dementia patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics for treatment of behavioral issues.
Quetiapine brand name Seroquel
Quetiapine is an atypical antipyschotic approved for treatment of bipolar disorders and symptoms of schizophrenia. Despite warnings to the contrary, a 2009 survey of geriatric psychiatrists in the UK found the majority of respondents supported use of antipsychotic drugs in a select group of dementia patients. Quetiapine topped the list of preferred medications, reports The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Risperidone brand name Risperdal
Among other uses, risperidone is an antipsychotic approved to treat agitation and violent behavior in older adults. It is also recommended for management of schizophrenia, bipolar and Tourette's disorder. A 2007 FDA alert regarding increased mortality in the elderly specifically states they do not risperidone for the treatment of patients with dementia, states the National Alliance on Mental Illness website.
