Antipsychotic medications can be dangerous, according to recent research.
Background: New antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone (Risperdal), recently were found to increase the risk for death in dementia patients age 65 or older, prompting the FDA to require a warning label. Antipsychotics are often used to treat dementia-related delirium, psychosis and agitation.
Now: A study of nearly 23,000 patients age 65 or older who took older antipsychotics, such as haloperidol (Haldol), found that the older drugs are even more dangerous (18% death rate in the first six months vs.15% with the newer drugs). Patients taking an antipsychotic may need a review of their medication.
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