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 i nitiated and maintained on a regimen of fluoxetine. Method: The Hamilt on Rating Scale for Depression, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, th e Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rating Scale for Side Effects were administered at admission and discharge, and scores were compare d using paired t tests. Two patients were withdrawn from fluoxetine pr ior to discharge because of side effects; their data are not included in the analysis. Results: We found significant improvement both in dep ressive symptoms and in general psychiatric symptoms and nonsignifican t improvement in cognitive function. Fluoxetine was well-tolerated, an d a significant decrease in the total scores of the Rating Scale for S ide Effects was found. Subgroups of older patients (mean age = 75 year s), 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-to lerated antidepressant in elderly inpatients of varying age, levels of depression, and psychiatric diagnoses.