Safety outcomes of trazodone versus antipsychotics for delirium after hospital admission in adults aged 65 years and older: a nationwide cohort study using a target trial emulation framework.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trazodone has emerged as a potentially safer alternative to atypical antipsychotic medications for managing delirium-related symptoms in older adults after hospital admission. This study aimed to compare safety outcomes in older adults who were prescribed trazodone versus atypical antipsychotic medication after hospital discharge.

Methods

This population-based cohort study was done using US Medicare data from Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2022, and Optum de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database data from Jan 1, 2013, to Aug 31, 2025, with a target trial emulation framework. Patients aged at least 65 years without psychiatric disorders who were prescribed a new trazodone or atypical antipsychotic medication (quetiapine, risperidone, or olanzapine) prescription with

SUBMITTER: Yang CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12776590 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature