Journal of Harmonized Research in Pharmacy

ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS: TREATMENT IN ELDERLY PATIENTS.

Abstract

Author(s): Callegari C., Bianchi L., Vender S

Introduction: This study aims to examine qualitatively the use of AEDs in a population of elderly patients in nursing homes, including the prescription of specialist and monitoring. Methods: This p revalence study was carried out in a state-founded nursing home providing assistance and rehabilitation for elderly people. The first objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the use of antiepileptic drugs. The second objective is to study the monitoring the dosage modification from the time of admission of the patient until the end of the study. Results: In the period of time that we took into consideration 65 of 402 patient’s monitored patients had at least one anti-epileptic therapy (prevalence of 32%). The antiepileptic drug most prescribed was gabapentin with a frequency of 63.6%. Discussion: The prevalence use of AEDs has beeen 32%. The second objective concerns the drugs monitoring and it has also been achieved and shows how gabapentin is the most prescribed drug (53.8% psychiatrist) and was introduced mainly for anxiety disorders, psychosis, neuropathic pain and mood disorders.