Psychotropic drugs prescription to elderly people in the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and pensioners of Argentina (PAMI)

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prescribing pattern of psychotropic drugs to affiliates over 60 years of age at the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners of Argentina (PAMI). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of the at the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners of Argentina (PAMI) database on the population over 60 years of age who received at least one psychotropic drug during 2016. Results: During the year 2016, 30% of the population over 60 years of age received the prescription of at least one psychotropic drug. There was a greater prescription of psychotropic drugs to women than to men (75.3% vs. 24.7%). Of the drugs prescribed, 67% were benzodiazepines, 20% were antidepressants, 9% were antipsychotics and 4% were non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. 54% of the drugs prescribed were clonazepam and alprazolam. 21% of the population received three or more prescriptions during the period studied. There was a relatively greater prescription of psychotropic drugs in the population of 75 years
old or older. Conclusions: Taking into account the
risks of adverse effects, interactions and the inclusion of some of these drugs among those that should not be prescribed among older adults,
the high prescription rate of some of these drugs is alarming. It is necessary to develop strategies among general practitioners, specialists and also among the general population in order to reduce the prescription of psychotropic drugs.