What over-the-counter products help depression and anxiety in older adults?
Older adults commonly use various over-the-counter products including herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and complementary therapies for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, though many lack adequate safety and efficacy evidence specific to this population. A scoping review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies examined the use, safety, and effectiveness of OTC products in older adults, revealing significant gaps in evidence for many commonly used products.
Over-the-counter products work through various mechanisms depending on the specific product - herbal medicines may affect neurotransmitter systems, dietary supplements can support brain function and reduce inflammation, and complementary therapies may provide relaxation and stress reduction, though mechanisms vary widely and many lack well-established evidence in older adults.
What the data show:
- Common product categories: Herbal medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and complementary therapies are frequently used by older adults for mental health symptoms
- Evidence gaps: Many OTC products lack adequate safety and efficacy research specifically in older adult populations
- Safety concerns: Older adults are at higher risk for adverse effects and drug interactions due to age-related metabolic changes and polypharmacy
- Use patterns: Older adults often use OTC products before or while seeking professional treatment for depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Regulation issues: Quality and regulation of OTC products varies significantly, with many products lacking standardization or quality control measures
A scoping review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies systematically examined research on over-the-counter products used by older people for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, highlighting the need for better evidence-based guidance and improved regulation of OTC products in this vulnerable population.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
I understand that there’s some mistrust for the medical profession, and I recognize that older patients are often willing to experiment and try to discover other ways to treat illness - and that’s actually good. This willingness to explore complementary approaches shows initiative and engagement in their own health, which we should respect and support. However, it can also be problematic when patients don’t disclose what they’re taking. Physicians just need to make sure they ask their older patients about non-prescription medications because interactions can occur. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to drug interactions due to age-related metabolic changes and polypharmacy, so knowing about all substances they’re using - prescription or not - is essential for safe care. This scoping review helps us understand what older adults are actually using, which enables us to have more informed, non-judgmental conversations about their self-care practices while ensuring their safety.
Study Snapshot
This scoping review systematically examined research on over-the-counter products used by older people for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The researchers analyzed studies that investigated the use, safety, and effectiveness of OTC products including herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and other complementary therapies in older adult populations. The review aimed to identify commonly used products and assess the evidence for their safety and efficacy in this vulnerable population.
Results in Real Numbers
The scoping review identified numerous over-the-counter products commonly used by older adults for mental health symptoms, including herbal medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and other complementary therapies. The analysis revealed patterns in product use, with certain supplements and herbal remedies being particularly popular among older adults seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
The review found varying levels of evidence for the safety and effectiveness of different OTC products in older populations. Some products showed promising evidence for mental health benefits, while others had limited research support or potential safety concerns, particularly in older adults who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects and drug interactions.
The research highlighted the need for better evidence-based guidance on OTC product use in older adults, as many products lack adequate safety and efficacy data specific to this population.
Who Benefits Most
Older adults who are currently using or considering over-the-counter products for depression, anxiety, or insomnia may benefit most from the evidence-based information provided in this review. Healthcare providers caring for older patients can use these findings to provide informed guidance about OTC product use and potential interactions.
Caregivers and family members of older adults may also benefit from understanding which OTC products have evidence support and which may pose risks, enabling them to support informed decision-making about complementary therapies.
Safety, Limits, and Caveats
The scoping review revealed significant gaps in safety and efficacy data for many OTC products used by older adults, highlighting the need for more research specific to this population. Older adults are at higher risk for adverse effects and drug interactions due to age-related changes in metabolism and polypharmacy.
The quality and regulation of OTC products varies significantly, and many products lack standardization or quality control measures. Individual responses to OTC products can vary greatly, particularly in older adults with multiple health conditions and medications.
Practical Takeaways
- Discuss all over-the-counter products with healthcare providers before use, especially if you’re taking prescription medications or have multiple health conditions
- Understand that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, particularly for older adults who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects
- Choose OTC products with evidence support for safety and effectiveness in older adult populations when possible
- Be aware that many OTC products lack adequate research in older adults, making their safety and effectiveness uncertain
- Keep detailed records of all OTC products used to help healthcare providers assess for potential interactions and side effects
What This Means for Geriatric Care
This scoping review highlights the need for healthcare providers to routinely assess OTC product use in older adults and provide evidence-based guidance about safety and effectiveness. The findings support the development of clinical guidelines for OTC product use in geriatric populations.
The research also emphasizes the importance of improving regulation and quality control of OTC products, particularly those marketed to older adults for mental health conditions.
Related Studies and Research
Episode 31: Depression Explained — The Biology Behind the Darkness
Episode 32: Depression Recovery Roadmap: A Step-by-Step, Evidence-Based Plan
Light Therapy for Dementia: Sleep, Depression, and Cognition
FAQs
Are over-the-counter products safe for older adults with mental health symptoms?
Safety varies significantly by product, and older adults are at higher risk for adverse effects and interactions. Always consult healthcare providers before using OTC products.
Which OTC products have the best evidence for mental health benefits in older adults?
The review identified varying levels of evidence for different products, with some showing promise while others lack adequate research in older populations.
Should older adults avoid OTC products for mental health?
Not necessarily, but they should use them under healthcare provider guidance and choose products with evidence support for safety and effectiveness in older adults.
Bottom Line
This scoping review reveals that older adults commonly use various over-the-counter products for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, but many lack adequate safety and efficacy evidence specific to this vulnerable population. Healthcare providers need to routinely assess and guide OTC product use in older adults to ensure safety and effectiveness.
