Sleep disorders in the elderly
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Sleep disorders are common in the elderly.
Treatment
Recommended pharmacotherapies to treat sleep disorders in the elderly include the following:
Recommended Drugs
If the patient is delirious, then: Haldol at a low dose of 0.25 mg IV or Zyprexa (olanzapine) at a dose of 2.5 mg PO or the Zydis form at 5 mg PO.
Drugs to Avoid
Benzodiazepines, ativan, and Ambien should be avoided.