Drug therapy for depression in the elderly

Preview

Depression is frequently overlooked in the older patient. Even when recognized, its drug treatment requires special attention because side effects are greater in the elderly than in younger patients. Slowing of cardiac conduction time and anticholinergic manifestations are the major side effects. Antidepressant dosages should be reduced and divided. One of our peer reviewers said Dr Lippmann's article “is of special interest to me because of my geriatric practice and the frequency of depression encountered.” Another noted that “the subject matter is very important—physicians often overprescribe antidepressants in the elderly.”