Safety and efficacy of anticonvulsants in elderly patients with psychiatric disorders: oxcarbazepine, topiramate and gabapentin EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY Sommer, B. R., Fenn, H. H., Ketter, T. A. 2007; 6 (2): 133-145

Abstract

Few controlled studies are available to guide the clinician in treating potentially assaultive elderly individuals with psychiatric disorders. Safety concerns limit the use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotic medications in the elderly individual, making anticonvulsants an attractive alternative. This paper reviews three specific anticonvulsants for this purpose: gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and topiramate, describing safety and efficacy in elderly patients with severe agitation from psychosis or dementia. Gabapentin, renally excreted, with a half-life of 6.5-10.5 h, may cause ataxia. Oxcarbazapine, hepatically reduced, may cause hyponatremia, and topiramate may cause significant cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, these are important medications to consider in the treatment of agitation.

View details for DOI 10.1517/14740338.6.2.133

View details for PubMedID 17367259