Trazodone utilization among the elderly in Spain. A population based study

Abstract Introduction Trazodone was authorized for the treatment of depression in the 1970s. Several additional therapeutic uses have been proposed due to its heterogeneous mechanism. This study aims to determine the use of trazodone in the elderly in Spain. Methods A nationwide, longitudinal and de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista de psiquiatria y salud mental (English ed.) 2018-10, Vol.11 (4), p.208-215
Main Authors: Macías Saint-Gerons, Diego, Huerta Álvarez, Consuelo, García Poza, Patricia, Montero Corominas, Dolores, de la Fuente Honrubia, César
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BIFAP
Drug utilisation study
Estudio de utilización
Internal Medicine
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Trazodona
Trazodone
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Summary:Abstract Introduction Trazodone was authorized for the treatment of depression in the 1970s. Several additional therapeutic uses have been proposed due to its heterogeneous mechanism. This study aims to determine the use of trazodone in the elderly in Spain. Methods A nationwide, longitudinal and descriptive analysis was conducted using data from patients aged >65 years with a first prescription of trazodone during the period 2002–2011. Information on dose, comorbidities and relevant co-medication was gathered from the Spanish Primary Care database BIFAP. Incidence rates of trazodone use per 10,000 person-years were calculated by sex and age. Results A total of 11,766 patients receiving a first prescription of trazodone were included. The incidence rate of trazodone use was 47.2 (95% CI: 46.33–48.04) per 10,000 person-years. An increasing trend in the use of trazodone was observed (5-fold increase in 2011 as compared to 2002). The most common therapeutic indications were: depression (21.41%), Alzheimer/dementia (20.36%), sleep disorders (16.22%), and anxiety disorder (8.91%). The median dose was 100 mg/day. The use of trazodone concomitantly with interacting medicines was frequent: anti-hypertensives (53.60%), and CNS depressors (59.32%). Conclusions Trazodone use is increasing in elderly patients, and a high proportion of use in non-approved indications was observed. Trazodone is not being used at high doses, but interacting medicines were frequent, and it may pose additional risks for elderly patients.
ISSN:2173-5050
2173-5050
DOI:10.1016/j.rpsmen.2016.11.008