How would you like to be sent to a nursing home and suddenly be shot full of strong psychotropic drugs designed to manage behavioral problems?
Apparently, this drug regimen is a common practice that should be curtailed, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The drugs in question are haloperidol, thioridazine and lorazepam, all of which are used to manage the behavior of nursing home residents.
The question is, are these drugs really needed in most cases? The answer is no and here's why. In this study, most residents acted the same whether given the medications or given a placebo. This came as a surprise to many staff members of the nursing homes that were studied.
Researchers say the study's results indicate that long-term use of the drugs on agitated patients should be carefully monitored. Nursing homes should also consider instituting a routine drug withdrawal program for residents who are taking the drugs.
While excessive use of these drugs is prohibited under new laws, significant levels continue to be prescribed in nursing homes. This is a travesty since the study shows patient behavior isn't significantly affected when the drug therapy is halted.
