Antipsychotic medication and the elderly.

The administration of neuroleptics in the treatment of psychosis and nonspecific behavioral disorders associated with psychotic symptoms in elderly patients is not without consequences. The potential side effects (e.g., dystonia, parkinsonian syndrome, and akathisia) of medications used in treating delirium, dementia, or confusional states are discussed. General guidelines are presented regarding choice of sedatives and antipsychotics and dosage, with attention to management of the individual elderly patient with psychosis.