Prescribing Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics, and Sedatives: Take Care!

CDC Expert Commentary

Medications can improve the quality of life for many people, but they also carry the risk of causing potentially harmful side effects. Dr. Lee Hampton, a medical officer with the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, describes a recent CDC study estimating the number of adult emergency department visits for adverse events caused by therapeutic use of antipsychotics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and stimulants in the CDC Expert Commentary series on Medscape.

The study estimated that adverse events from antipsychotics cause more than 20,000 emergency department visits each year, while adverse events from sedatives and anxiolytics cause more than 30,000 visits annually. The results provide a reminder that risks for serious side effects and the availability of other treatment approaches should be considered before prescribing medications. Visit CDC’s Medication Safety Program website to learn more about the study and adverse drug events. CDC - Resource Library - Medication Safety Program EXPERT COMMENTARIES Prescribing Sedatives and Anxiolytics: Take Care!  Prescribers need to be aware of the safety risks associated with these drugs and the new lower recommended doses for some. CDC Expert Commentary, July 2014 Antipsychotics: Adverse Events That Send Patients to the ED  Antipsychotic side effects result in a high rate of ED visits. Find out which drug is the worst offender. CDC Expert Commentary, July 2014 MERS-CoV: Evaluating Patients and Managing Close ContactsThe CDC provides detailed recommendations on the presentation of MERS-CoV, infection control, and testing and management of close contacts. CDC Expert Commentary, June 2014 Be on the Lookout for MERS-CoV  More cases of MERS-CoV in the United States are inevitable. Here's what you should look for, and what to do if you suspect MERS-CoV. CDC Expert Commentary, June 2014 'I'm Having My Operation Overseas'  Medical tourism is expected to increase. What should you tell your patients about going overseas for surgery? CDC Expert Commentary, June 2014 Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Treated Patients  The elderly with diabetes now experience episodes of hypoglycemia more frequently than hyperglycemia. CDC Expert Commentary, June 2014 Drug Diversion in Healthcare Settings  The problem of drug diversion in healthcare has caused large infectious disease outbreaks, among other harms to patients and staff. CDC Expert Commentary, June 2014 10 comments Anthrax in Children: Prevention and TreatmentThe clinical presentation and progression of anthrax disease in children can differ from that in adults. CDC Expert Commentary, May 2014 Anthrax in Pregnancy: Protecting Mother and BabyUpdated anthrax recommendations address the special considerations for pregnant, postpartum, and lactating women. CDC Expert Commentary, May 2014 Updated Recommendations: Prevention and Treatment of Anthrax  Would you recognize anthrax if you saw it? Did you know there are 4 types of anthrax? This brief update will refresh your memory about this potentially deadly infection. CDC Expert Commentary, May 2014 Managing Asthma During Pregnancy  A key principle is that experiencing the symptoms of asthma during pregnancy is worse than the potential side effects of asthma medications. CDC Expert Commentary, May 2014