El uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos en los centros hospitalarios ha crecido significativamente en las últimas décadas, particularmente en pacientes pluripatológicos, geriátricos y en estado crítico. Aunque estos fármacos son instrumentos terapéuticos esenciales para tratar diversas patologías, su empleo indiscriminado implica riesgos significativos: efectos secundarios, interacciones, deterioro funcional, delirium y aumento de la mortalidad. Este artículo examina la envergadura del problema y sus efectos, además de tácticas para fomentar un uso lógico de medicamentos psicotrópicos en el contexto hospitalario.
The use of psychotropic medications in hospitals has increased significantly over the past decades, particularly among patients with multiple comorbidities, older adults, and critically ill individuals. Although these drugs are essential therapeutic tools for managing various conditions, their indiscriminate use carries substantial risks, including adverse effects, drug interactions, functional decline, delirium, and increased mortality. This article examines the scope of the problem and its consequences, as well as strategies to promote rational use of psychotropic medications in the hospital context.