Psychotropic drugs in older adults

Older adults are targets of polypharmacy and inappropriate prescription, and self-medication with psychoactive substances is a potential risk for them. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 with the aim of proposing actions focused on reducing the consumption of psychotropic drugs in older adults at the 21st Medical Clinic. In 66.1% of the patients, it was found that they were unaware of the risks of psychotropic drug use in the elderly. A proposal of actions was designed to increase the knowledge of the elderly about the risks of these drugs and to promote intersectoriality for the realization of entertainment activities to get out of the daily routine, relax and avoid stress and practice other alternatives to reduce the consumption of psychotropic drugs.