Age-grouped differences in adverse drug events from psychotropic medication

Objective: This review aims to detail specific psychotropic medication treatment differences in adverse drug events (ADEs) between children, adolescents, and adults. Method: A thorough data-based search of ADEs was made, augmented by findings from approved and updated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels, controlled clinical trial reports, and from FDA information on ADEs at scheduled public hearings. Results: Children were found to generally exhibit more ADEs to psychotropic medication than adolescents and adults. These ADEs primarily include altered growth velocity, rash, vomiting, dystonia, tics, affect lability, activation, metabolic blood test abnormalities, sedation, sialorrhea, and electrocardiogram irregularities. Conclusion: Children have more biological vulnerabilities than older individuals, which could account for their greater rate of ADEs to psychotropic medication treatment.