Venous thromboembolism following initiation of atypical antipsychotics in two geriatric patients.

The association between antipsychotic medication and VTE has shown the highest risk with atypical antipsychotics, high dosages, and initiation within the past 3 months. Risk assessment tools may assist in assessing the risk of VTE in patients on antipsychotic therapy, although patients who are deemed by these tools to have minimal risk can still develop a VTE. Discussing VTE risk with patients when considering antipsychotic usage may help clinicians and patients safely determine the most appropriate treatment for their psychiatric illnesses while mitigating potential adverse effects.