How do psychotropic drugs affect the elderly? Provide examples.

The elderly population (generally defined as individuals aged 65 and older) are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of psychotropic medications due to age-related physiological changes that impact how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated (pharmacokinetics), as well as how they affect the body (pharmacodynamics).

Common Effects and Examples:

• Increased Sensitivity and Side Effects: Older adults often experience an increased magnitude of common side effects, even at lower doses, due to reduced drug clearance and elimination, decreased liver blood flow, increased body fat, and decreased total body water.
  • Example: A standard dose of a benzodiazepine (e.g., diazepam for anxiety or sleep) that might cause mild sedation in a younger adult could lead to profound sedation, confusion, or even paradoxical excitement in an older person.
• Cognitive Impairment: Many psychotropic drugs, especially those acting on the central nervous system, can worsen or induce cognitive impairment, including memory problems, confusion, and delirium.
  • Example: Anticholinergic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) can cause significant cognitive side effects like memory loss and confusion, which can mimic or worsen symptoms of dementia in older adults. Even some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can contribute to cognitive issues.
• Increased Risk of Falls and Fractures: Sedative, anticholinergic, and hypotensive effects of psychotropic drugs significantly increase the risk of falls, which can lead to severe injuries like hip fractures, reduced mobility, and even mortality.
  • Example: Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidol), benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants (especially tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs) are strongly associated with an increased risk of falls due to their sedative effects, gait disturbances, and orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing).
• Cardiovascular Effects: Some psychotropics can cause cardiac arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, or other cardiovascular issues.
  • Example: Tricyclic antidepressants can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, particularly in older adults with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
• Anticholinergic Effects: Many psychotropics have anticholinergic properties, leading to side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and increased confusion.
  • Example: Older antihistamines (like diphenhydramine, often found in over-the-counter sleep aids) and some older antidepressants have strong anticholinergic effects that are poorly tolerated by the elderly.
• Polypharmacy Risk: Older adults often take multiple medications for various health conditions, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions and cumulative side effects, especially with psychotropics.
  • Example: An older adult taking an antidepressant, an anxiolytic, and a medication for chronic pain might experience severe sedation and cognitive impairment due to the combined central nervous system depressant effects.
• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Antipsychotics, especially first-generation ones, can cause movement disorders.
  • Example: An older adult treated with a typical antipsychotic (e.g., haloperidol) for agitation might develop Parkinsonism (tremors, rigidity, shuffling gait) or tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and limbs).
• Hyponatremia: Certain antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can lead to a dangerously low sodium level in the blood (hyponatremia), especially in older adults.
  • Example: An older patient starting on sertraline might develop dizziness, confusion, and fatigue due to hyponatremia.

2. Which consideration are relevant to the use of psychotropic drugs among the older client population?

Given the heightened vulnerability of older adults, several critical considerations guide the use of psychotropic drugs:

• “Start Low, Go Slow”: This fundamental principle of geriatric pharmacotherapy emphasizes initiating treatment with the lowest possible dose and titrating it up very slowly, allowing the body to adjust and minimizing side effects. This approach is crucial to avoid overwhelming an older adult’s system.
• Age-Related Physiological Changes:
  • Pharmacokinetics: Reduced liver metabolism and kidney function prolong drug half-lives, leading to drug accumulation. Increased body fat and decreased muscle mass can alter drug distribution, especially for fat-soluble drugs.
  • Pharmacodynamics: Older brains are often more sensitive to the effects of psychotropics due to changes in receptor sensitivity and blood-brain barrier permeability, meaning a smaller amount of drug can have a more pronounced effect or adverse reaction.
• Polypharmacy and Drug Interactions: A comprehensive review of all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, traditional medicines, if applicable in the Kenyan context) is crucial to identify potential drug-drug interactions and avoid cumulative side effects, particularly central nervous system depressant effects. Using tools like the Beers Criteria (for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults) or STOPP/START criteria is highly recommended in clinical practice.
• Comorbid Medical Conditions: Chronic medical conditions (e.g., renal impairment, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes) can significantly alter drug metabolism and increase the risk of adverse effects. Psychotropics can also exacerbate existing medical conditions. A thorough medical history and ongoing collaboration with primary care providers are essential.
• Baseline Cognitive Function: Assess the client’s cognitive status (e.g., using tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment) before starting psychotropic medication. This helps differentiate drug-induced cognitive impairment from pre-existing conditions and monitors for worsening cognition.
• Target Symptoms vs. Broad Diagnosis: Clearly identify specific target symptoms (e.g., insomnia, agitation, severe anxiety, psychotic symptoms) rather than simply treating a broad diagnosis. Psychotropics should ideally address a specific, measurable problem, and efficacy should be regularly reassessed.
• Non-Pharmacological Interventions First: Prioritize non-pharmacological approaches (e.g., psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, environmental modifications, exercise, social engagement, light therapy, sleep hygiene education) for managing psychiatric symptoms or behavioral disturbances. Medications should often be a last resort or used as an adjunct when non-pharmacological methods are insufficient.
• Risk-Benefit Analysis: Carefully weigh the potential benefits of symptom reduction and improved quality of life against the significant risks of adverse effects, falls, and cognitive decline. For conditions like behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), the risks of antipsychotics often outweigh the benefits, leading to recommendations for very cautious, time-limited, and low-dose use.
• Patient and Caregiver Education: Thoroughly educate the client and their caregivers (e.g., family members, nurses, community health workers) about the purpose of the medication, potential side effects, expected duration of treatment, and the importance of reporting any changes. This empowers them to be active participants in care.
• Regular Monitoring and De-prescribing: Continuously monitor for efficacy and adverse effects. Periodically attempt dose reductions or medication discontinuation (de-prescribing) when symptoms are stable or when the risks outweigh the benefits. Long-term use of certain psychotropics (like benzodiazepines, or even some antipsychotics and antidepressants) is generally discouraged due to cumulative risks.
• Social and Environmental Factors: Consider the client’s living situation (e.g., independent living, nursing home), support system, financial situation, and social environment, as these factors can significantly impact their mental health and response to treatment. Access to care and medication affordability are also important considerations, especially in resource-constrained settings.

3. How do psychotropic affect children? Provide examples.

The use of psychotropic drugs in children is complex and involves unique considerations due to their developing brains and bodies. While these medications can be highly effective for specific conditions, their effects can differ from adults, and long-term impacts are often less understood.

Common Effects and Examples:

• Growth and Development: Some psychotropic medications can affect physical growth (height), weight, and metabolic parameters, which are crucial during childhood and adolescence.
  • Example: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine) used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can sometimes cause temporary growth suppression or weight loss, although the long-term impact on final adult height is often debated and may be minimal or reversible for many children. Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine, risperidone) are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic changes (e.g., increased blood sugar, cholesterol), increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Neurodevelopmental Impact: The developing brain may respond differently to psychotropics. There are concerns about potential long-term effects on brain development, though ongoing research continues to clarify these.
  • Example: Antidepressants, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), are generally effective for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. However, there is a Black Box Warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a small subset of children and adolescents, especially at the beginning of treatment or with dose changes. This requires very careful monitoring.
• Behavioral and Emotional Changes: While intended to improve symptoms, some psychotropics can induce paradoxical or unexpected behavioral and emotional effects.
  • Example: Some children on stimulants for ADHD might experience increased irritability, anxiety, emotional lability, or a “zombie-like” effect (blunted affect). Benzodiazepines can sometimes cause disinhibition or paradoxical agitation in children, rather than calming them.
• Sleep Disturbances: Some medications can either cause excessive sedation or insomnia.
  • Example: Stimulants can cause insomnia if taken too late in the day or if the dose is too high. Certain antidepressants or antipsychotics can cause excessive daytime sedation, affecting school performance.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Some psychotropics can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Example: Stimulants can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure, requiring monitoring, especially in children with pre-existing cardiac conditions. An ECG might be recommended prior to initiation in some cases.
• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation are common with many psychotropics.
  • Example: SSRIs often cause gastrointestinal upset, especially when first initiated or with dose increases.