The use and tolerability of fluoxetine in geropsychiatric inpatients.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine were examined in 31 patients admitted to a geropsychiatric inpatient unit who were initiated and maintained on a regimen of fluoxetine.

METHOD

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rating Scale for Side Effects were administered at admission and discharge, and scores were compared using paired t tests. Two patients were withdrawn from fluoxetine prior to discharge because of side effects; their data are not included in the analysis.

RESULTS

We found significant improvement both in depressive symptoms and in general psychiatric symptoms and nonsignificant improvement in cognitive function. Fluoxetine was well-tolerated, and a significant decrease in the total scores of the Rating Scale for Side Effects was found. Subgroups of older patients (mean age = 75 years), less depressed patients, and demented patients were also examined. In all three groups, we found a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms, general psychiatric symptoms, and total side effects.

CONCLUSION

Fluoxetine appears to be an effective and well-tolerated antidepressant in elderly inpatients of varying age, levels of depression, and psychiatric diagnoses.