Potentially inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic and anticholinergic drugs in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Aim: The objective was to determine the prevalence of the potentially inappropriate antipsychotics and anticholinergics used in patients with Parkinson's disease. Materials & methods: A cross-sectional study identified the prescription of antipsychotics, anticholinergics and drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The anticholinergic burden was evaluated, and quetiapine and clozapine were considered to be adequate antipsychotics.

Results

2965 patients with Parkinson's disease were identified. The presence of psychiatric disorders and other neurological pathologies was associated with a greater probability of receiving potentially inappropriate antipsychotic prescriptions. The presence of greater number of comorbidities was associated with a greater probability of receiving anticholinergics.

Conclusion

Older age and associated comorbidities, especially psychiatric and neurological comorbidities, increase the likelihood of patients with Parkinson's disease being prescribed antipsychotics and anticholinergics.