Psychiatria pre prax 6/2008

ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS OF SECOND GENERATION IN GERONTOPSYCHIATRY

Antipsychotic drugs of second generation are remedies with potential to substitute classical neuroleptics with their known disadvantages in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, FDA has recently issued warning (black box warning) regarding possible metabolic, cardial and cerebrovascular risks associated with these drugs. The discussion about advantages and disadvantages of atypical antipsychotic drugs is not at all leading to a close, although there are cumulating arguments in the form of increasing number of EBM data for giving priority to them instead of classical neuroleptics.

Keywords: atypical antipsychotic drugs, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, safety of treatment