Psychotropic Drug Considerations
Based on the study of psychotropic medications during this course. Answer the following questions:
1. How do psychotropic drugs affect the older person? Provide examples.
2. Which consideration are relevant to the use of psychotropic drugs among the older client population?
3. How do psychotropic affect children? Provide examples.
4.What is the primary concern for the PMHNP when prescribing psychotropic drugs to children?
To obtain full credit:
-Post Initial discussion with a minimum of 500 words, include References in APA not older than 5 years old.
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Psychotropic Drug Considerations
Effects on the Older
Psychotropic medications can have stronger or unpredictable effects in the older due to age-related changes in metabolism, organ function, and polypharmacy. For example, benzodiazepines may cause sedation, confusion, and increased fall risk. Antipsychotics, such as risperidone, are linked to higher mortality in older dementia patients (Maher et al., 2020). The older people also often take multiple medications, increasing the risk of drug interactions.
Key Considerations for Older Adults
When prescribing psychotropic drugs to older adults, clinicians must consider renal and hepatic function, drug interactions, and increased sensitivity to side effects. Lower starting doses and slower titration are recommended. Monitoring is critical to avoid complications like delirium or worsening of cognitive impairment. Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions are preferred when possible to reduce dependence on medications (Alexopoulos et al., 2019).
Effects on Children
Children respond differently to psychotropic drugs due to ongoing brain development. For instance, stimulants like methylphenidate help treat ADHD but may suppress appetite or affect growth. SSRIs such as fluoxetine are used for depression but may increase the risk of suicidal ideation in some adolescents. Each child’s reaction can vary widely based on age, weight, and developmental stage (Walkup et al., 2019).
Concerns for the PMHNP
For the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), the primary concern when prescribing psychotropic drugs to children is safety. This includes the risk of misuse, side effects, and the long-term impact on brain development. The PMHNP must also ensure informed consent from guardians and ongoing evaluation of therapeutic response and adverse effects (AACAP, 2020).
