Objective

To develop a clinical protocol for the use of antipsychotic drugs in dementia patients with behavioral disturbances that includes prescribing and deprescribing criteria and to assess its applicability in long-term care institutions.

Method

The protocol was developed from an interdisciplinary perspective based on a literature search of the published proposals on antipsychotic drug use in dementia patients. Its applicability to the antipsychotic deprescribing process was assessed in a single center in a prospective before-after study with a follow-up of 6 months after the intervention study.

Results

A protocol was developed that includes prescribing and deprescribing criteria. The intervention was performed in 35 patients (21 (60%) female). Antipsychotic treatment was completely withdrawn in 28 patients (80%) and was reduced to the minimum effective dose in 7 (20%). Treatment was resumed in 2 patients due to worsening symptoms. The pre- and 6 - month post-test results showed that there were no significant changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms (12.91 ± 12.80 vs 13.76 ± 16.68; P = 0.124).

Conclusions

The establishment of a protocol that includes prescribing and deprescribing criteria, in combination with the incorporation of a pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team, can be effective in improving the use of these drugs in elderly dementia patients in long-term care institutions.

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