Lebanon
A 22-year-old male asked:
Can we use antipsychotics for patients with alzheimer's disease and psychosis knowing that antipsychotics may lead to death in patients with dementia ?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Dheeraj Rainaanswered
Psychiatry 31 years experience
Sometimes, no choice: Antipsychotics are best avoided in managing agitation in dementia. However, if the agitation is the result of actual psychosis i.e., delusions and hallucinations, the risk/benefit ratio often shifts in favor of using antipsychotics, as untreated psychosis itself is a risk of factor for serious injury to self/others. Hope this helps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed Feb 12, 2023
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
Yes, this is a two-edged sword, but often reluctantly we must use antipsychotics to prevent harm to the patient and others in contact with an agitated and potentially violent individual. This is an example of the subtle practice of the "Art of medicine."
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Feb 12, 2023
Last updated Feb 12, 2023
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