Recommendations for the use of antipsychotics for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Recommendations for the use of antipsychotics for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are listed in this slideshow.
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1. Complete a risk-to-benefit analysis before prescribing antipsychotics to individuals with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
2. If antipsychotics are indicated, initiate treatment at the lowest possible dose and titrate to the minimum effective dose
3. Re-evaluate the risk-to-benefit analysis if clinically significant adverse effects occur
4. If there is no appreciable benefit after a 4-week trial at an adequate dose, taper and discontinue the medication
5. If there is good response attempt to taper and withdraw the medication within 4 months of initiation of treatment, after discussions with the patient and his or her caregiver
6. Evaluate the patient monthly for at least 4 months during taper and after the medication is discontinued
7. In the absence of delirium, haloperidol should not be used as a first-line agent for management of BPSD
8. Patients with BPSD should not receive long-acting injectable antipsychotics, unless they have a co-occurring chronic psychotic illness
