Summary
Drugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.
Zusammenfassung
Medikamente sind häufige Auslöser von Delirien älterer Menschen und stellen dabei die häufigste reversible Ursache dar – dies ist von besonderer Bedeutung, da die Identifikation auslösender Faktoren die Grundlage einer erfolgreichen Therapie darstellt. Anticholinerg wirksame Medikamente, Tranquilizer, Schmerzmittel und Narkotika sind geläufige Auslöser von Delirien. Dieser Artikel bietet eine klinisch orientierte Übersicht über Prävention und Diagnose pharmakogener Delirien. Neben altersassoziierten Veränderungen der Pharmakologie werden die zu Grunde liegenden pathophysiologischen Mechanismen vor dem Hintergrund der involvierten Neurotransmitter dargestellt.
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Iglseder, B., Dovjak, P., Benvenuti-Falger, U. et al. Medikamenten-induzierte Delirien älterer Menschen. Wien Med Wochenschr 160, 281–285 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-010-0787-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-010-0787-0