Are there specific kinds of antidepressants for geriatrics?

Answer by  sapphire51 (1048)

There are great individual differences in the effects of these antidepressant drugs, and the effective dose varies widely from one patient to the next. Elderly people may be more sensitive to these drugs because their livers are not as efficient in metabolizing them, and therefore could need lower doses instead.

Answer by  muse (89)

Scientifically there has not been enough studies to say that one particular kind of antidepressant is best for elderly patients. However selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have done well in tests.

Answer by  sassyshortie (8)

Yes, they diagnose it according to the symptoms. There is Tricyclic antidepressants which have important side effects. The antidepressants with milder side effects are used more commonly among the elderly.

Answer by  jheremans (1446)

Usually SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are used in geriatics since they tend to tolerate this more than any other group of antidepressant drug. These medicines include: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Setraline (Zoloft, Paroxetine (Paxil) , Fluvoxamine (Luvox. These medicines are usually prescribed for persons greater than 65 where-in the dosage of each may vary for each individual.

Answer by  Ladymacbeth1980 (86)

There are not specific antidepressants targeted towards the geriatric population, but there are specific dosages recommended for geriatric patients whose renal function may not be optimal.

Answer by  noey1958 (1405)

The antidepressants used for geriatrics are the same kinds that are used for adults of any age. Certain doctors may tend to like one over the other but most are free to prescribe any one they feel coincides with the needs of the patient.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

There aren't any specific antidepressants for the elderly. One thing to keep in mind is they sometimes will need a lower dose because of their age. The elederly tend to be more sensitive to the affects. Some medicines that may be prescrobed are Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor. These are called SSRI's.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

No there are not specific kinds just for the elderly. However because of age and risk a doctor may choose not to put someone on these kinds of medicines. Your doctor will also want to know what other medicines you may be on, due to age most people take more medicines. Its important because there could be interactions.

Answer by  jaime24 (744)

There has not been any proven facts that geriatric depression requires a different kind of antidepressant. There has not been any signs of the antidepressants not working or having a different effect.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Basically it is up to the prescriber to decide as there is no geriatic antidepressants. TCAs are typically avoided due to the cardiac side effects. Any of the SSRIs, SNRI etc are typically safe. However, mirtazapine is often used due to its appetite stimulation which is a common problem in the elderly. See you doctor.

Answer by  PAtobeDU12 (239)

SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed to geriatric patients because they are tolerated better than tricyclic antidepressants. Also, they are safer in the case of an overdose. Some common SSRI's are Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor.