Use of Psychoactive Drugs in a Group of Seniors from Rosario, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: classify the type of psychoactive drugs used in elderly in a Clinical Research and Assistance Center. Methods: descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out from January 2, 2011 to March 1, 2014; outpatients over 60 years old who attended the Assistance Center and Integral Research Clinic (caici), in Rosario, Argentina were included; and those who signed the respective informed consent. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Results: from a total of 667 patients, the sample only included 235. The highest age group of consumption was from 60 to 70 years (55%). Benzodiazepines were consumed in 67%, 3% antipsychotics and antidepressants 30%. Specialists in medical clinic prescribed 70% of benzodiazepines and antidepressants 20%. All antipsychotic drugs were prescribed by psychiatrists; 35 had a potential risk of interaction; the combinations were benzodiazepines and antidepressants. There was no risk of serotonin syndrome in the indication of citalopram and desvenlafaxine; no alterations were observed by the combination of benzodiazepines from the same group and the same mechanism of action. Conclusions: it was observed in this work an increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs in patients older than 60 years, mainly in those who do not continue with an active life; regarding the gender there is a higher percentage in females. The majority of the patients received indication of benzodiazepines by their clinical physician.