Monica Lee, BSc (Phm), MSc
Research Pharmacist
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care,
Toronto, ON.
Julie Dergal, MSc
Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care,
Toronto, ON.
Introduction
Older people often take multiple drug therapies for the treatment of various, concomitant chronic conditions. As a result, older adults are at increased risk of developing adverse drug events. It is important for physicians to regularly review the drug regimen of any older patient, and to discontinue any drug therapies that are no longer required or indicated. Physicians may also have to discontinue a particular drug therapy for other reasons including: if the drug therapy is ineffective; if it causes intolerable adverse effects; if newer and safer alternative drug therapies become available; or if the patient refuses to continue the treatment. It is important that physicians know how to appropriately discontinue or switch an older person's drug therapy in order to avoid adverse events.
There are currently limited practice guidelines available for discontinuing or switching psychotropic drug therapies. When discontinuing a medication, physicians need to consider whether it can be withdrawn abruptly or gradually tapered.
