Practical Geriatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (8): 759-763.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-9198.2026.08.002

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Principles of psychotropic medication use in elderly

YUAN Yucheng, CHEN Gang   

  1. Department of Pharmacy(YUAN Yucheng); Department of Medical Psychology(CHEN Gang),Huai’an No.3 Hospital, Huai’an 223001, China
  • Received:2026-06-05 Online:2026-08-20 Published:2026-08-24
  • Contact: CHEN Gang,Email: chg6443973@163.com

Abstract: With the accelerating global population aging, the burden of mental disorders among the elderly continues to rise, leading to an increasing use of psychotropic medications in this demographic. Elderly patients exhibit heightened sensitivity to adverse effects of psychotropic medications due to alterations in physiological functions, comorbidities, and the prevalence of polypharmacy, necessitating stricter safety protocols and individualized management approaches in clinical practice. This article reviews the clinical applications, major risks, and medication precautions of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedative-hypnotics in elderly patients, aiming to provide a reference for the individualized use of psychiatric medications in this population and thereby comprehensively improve the quality of life of elderly patients with mental disorders.

Key words: aged, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedative-hypnotics, pharmacotherapy

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