Trazodone, Antipsychotics Tied to Similar Fall Risk in Adults With Dementia

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found adults with dementia exhibit similar rates of falls and major fractures with the antidepressant trazodone and atypical antipsychotics, reports Psych Congress Network . The researchers reviewed 6,588 adults with dementia in long-term care communities in Canada who were administered trazodone for the first time between 2009 and 2015. Also studied were 2,875 first-time recipients of an atypical antipsychotic. Trazodone was associated with similar rates overall of falls or major osteoporotic fractures compared to atypical antipsychotics. The weighted HR was 1.03 for major osteoporotic fracture, 0.91 for falls, and 0.92 for hip fractures. However, trazodone was associated with a lower mortality rate. Suggested strategies for treatment include medications, non-medication options, or both medication and non-medication options, according to Jennifer Watt of St. Michael's Hospital. "Non-medication options to alleviate symptoms include modification of subjects' environments and daily activities to be more tailored to their needs," she noted.