Is trazodone safe for elderly patients?
Trazodone has been shown to be effective in the elderly population mainly due to associated reduced anticholinergic effects and undetectable electrocardiographic changes. Another important aspect of this drug is its good tolerability as a treatment for depression in elderly patients.
Is trazodone safe for sleep in elderly?
Trazodone prescription for antidepressant purposes has decreased, while its use as an agent for insomnia has substantially increased. The recommended maximum tolerated doses of trazodone for elderly patients for the treatment of depression are 300 to 400 mg/day.
What are the side effects of trazodone in the elderly?
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and QT prolongation (see above).
Which antidepressant would be the best choice for an elderly patient?
SSRIs considered to have the best safety profile in the elderly are citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline. [16] These have the lowest potential for drug-drug interactions based on their cytochrome P-450 interactions.
What is the best anti-anxiety medication for the elderly?
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that has been shown to be effective for older adults. Benzodiazepines, another anti-anxiety drug, are effective but should be prescribed carefully to older adults because of risk of memory impairment, unsteadiness, and falls.
Why do the elderly not sleep at night?
As you age your body produces lower levels of growth hormone, so you’ll likely experience a decrease in slow wave or deep sleep (an especially refreshing part of the sleep cycle). When this happens you produce less melatonin, meaning you’ll often experience more fragmented sleep and wake up more often during the night.
What helps elderly with anxiety?
Here Are 10 Ways to Relieve Anxiety Feelings in Seniors
- Breathing Exercises. Deep breathing is a great way to manage the physiological symptoms of anxiety.
- Mindfulness.
- Physical Activity.
- Diet Changes.
- Social Interaction.
- Routines.
- Sleep Hygiene.
- Relaxing Hobbies.
