Thousands of older people in nursing homes are being given powerful sedatives to subdue challenging behaviour, according to a report in today's Irish Times.
Most of the drugs being used are not authorised for over-65s or people with dementia, as they can double the risk of death, and treble the risk of stroke.
The drugs are only meant to be used as a last resort when behaviour poses a risk of harm.
However an Irish Times investigation discovered up to one-in-three residents in some Irish nursing homes are being given psychotropic medication.
Side effects from these drugs may be linked to dozens of deaths each year.
Professor of old age psychiatry at Trinity College, Brian Lawlor, told the Irish Times that "medication like this is being used too widely in long-stay settings – that’s what the evidence is showing".
