Risk Factors for Falls During Treatment of Late-Life Depression

Abstract

Increased monitoring for falls is warranted during the acute treatment of late-life depression. When treating such patients, clinicians should be especially watchful of those with memory impairments or those who develop orthostatic blood pressure changes; orthostatic blood pressure should be measured throughout acute treatment. Additionally, augmenting paroxetine with bupropion may also increase the risk of falls, and this medication combination should be used with caution in elderly patients.