Abstract:
Introduction While antipsychotics are often prescribed for behavioral and
psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), typically on an off-label basis,
these medications have serious adverse effects. This study investigated the
long-term use of antipsychotics among inpatients with dementia displaying severe
BPSD, focusing on how prescriptions change over time.
Methods Medical charts at Kusakabe Memorial Hospital were retrospectively
reviewed from October 2012 to September 2021. The study included patients
diagnosed with dementia, admitted for BPSD, and were continuing antipsychotics
at 3 months of their admission. Antipsychotic dosages were categorized as high
(≥300 mg/d), medium (100–300 mg/d), and low (<100 mg/d) based on
chlorpromazine equivalents and tracked until 15 months during hospitalization.
Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dosage
reductions between months 3 and 6.
Results This study involved 188 patients, with an average age of 81.2
years, 67% of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. At 3
months, 15.4% were taking high, 44.1% on medium, and 40.4% on low dosages of
antipsychotics. The highest average dosage was observed at 3 months, with a
subsequent decrease over time. By the 12th month, 20–30% of patients in all
dosage categories had stopped their antipsychotic medication. Significant
factors for dosage reduction included higher initial doses (OR 1.003, 95%Cl:
1.001–1.006, P=0.01) and male gender (OR 2.481, 95%Cl: 1.251–4.918,
P=0.009).
Discussion A trajectory of antipsychotic dosage in inpatients with severe
BPSD has rarely been reported. This research emphasizes the need for
personalized strategies in managing long-term pharmacotherapy for this
vulnerable group of patients.