Tag: Elderly patients

Mortality solely attributable to anesthesia has plummeted since the 1970s, with the current risk for healthy patients estimated to be as low as 1 in 200,000 cases [1.9.1, 1.2.4]. The enduring question, however, is **does anesthesia lower lifespan** in the long term, beyond the immediate surgical period?

While commonly regarded as safe for managing heartburn and acid reflux, rare but serious central nervous system (CNS) side effects have been reported with famotidine. The question, 'Does famotidine affect the nervous system?' is especially relevant for older adults and individuals with kidney impairment, who are at a heightened risk for adverse neurological reactions.

Affecting millions of people, hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder, but many wonder, **can amlodipine affect sodium levels**? While typically considered safe for electrolytes, case reports indicate this widely used calcium channel blocker has been linked to rare instances of clinically significant hyponatremia.

While most people fully recover from anesthesia with no lingering effects, some individuals—especially the elderly and very young—are more susceptible to rare but potential long-term issues. Addressing the question, 'Does anesthesia affect your body long term?', depends on various patient-specific factors, overall health, and the type of procedure.

According to the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria, muscle relaxants like methocarbamol should generally be avoided in adults over 65 due to an increased risk of sedation, falls, and other cognitive issues. Understanding **who should avoid methocarbamol** is critical for minimizing risks and ensuring the safest possible treatment outcome.

According to a 2020 Canadian cohort study, users of older anticholinergic overactive bladder drugs experienced a 23% higher risk of dementia compared to those taking Myrbetriq. But **does Myrbetriq cause dementia** on its own, and how does its safety compare to those older medications? This question is vital for patients and clinicians alike.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning stating that antipsychotic medications, including Abilify (aripiprazole), increase the risk of stroke and death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. This serious concern has prompted careful consideration of its use in this specific population.

Compared to newer antidepressants like SSRIs, amitriptyline is prescribed less frequently today due to its extensive side effect profile and higher risk of toxicity. A key concern is that amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), possesses a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the dose required for a therapeutic effect is close to the dose that causes toxicity.

According to FDA boxed warnings, elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotic drugs like prochlorperazine are at an increased risk of death. This serious risk, along with other severe adverse effects, solidifies why prochlorperazine is considered a high-risk medication, especially for vulnerable populations and when used long-term.

Yes, the antidepressant Trintellix (vortioxetine) can cause hyponatremia, with the FDA-approved drug label explicitly warning about this potential side effect. This serious risk is associated with many serotonergic drugs, and particular vigilance is needed for at-risk groups.