This is a population based study from the US of Medicare patients. A total of 13 712 propensity score–matched pairs (adjusted to 162 covariates) were included, for an overall sample of 27 424 adults.
During the median follow-up of 180 days, discontinuation vs continuation of antipsychotic medications (APM) was associated with significantly lower risks of rehospitalization, inpatient delirium, fall-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations, hospitalization with urinary tract infection, and all-cause mortality. There was no statistical difference in the risks of pneumonia or stroke between discontinuers and continuers. Subgroups by dementia status, type and dose of APM prescribed, and duration of APM exposure showed consistent results.