Table 2. Consensus-based recommendation for the use of psychotropic medication in specific behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) associated with severe Alzheimer’s dementia.

BPSD		Suggested dose range*	Side effects
Agitation or aggression	Citalopram**	10-20mg/day, single dose	nausea, diarrhea, headache, increased risk of falls
	Sertraline	50-100mg/day, single dose
	Trazodone***	25-100mg/day, single/partial doses
	Risperidone	0.25-1mg/day, single dose	extrapyramidal side effects, weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, hyperprolactinemia
Psychosis	Risperidone	1-3mg/day, single dose	extrapyramidal side effects, weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, hyperprolactinemia
	Quetiapine	100-200mg/day, single/ partial doses	drowsiness, weight gain, metabolic abnormalities
	Aripiprazole	10-30mg/day, single dose	nausea, weight gain, headache, somnolence, akathisia

*Doses are recommended based on clinical trials and personal experience, considering the pharmacological properties of these agents; **May consider escitalopram due to its greater safety and better cognitive profile. It is also more commonly prescribed in Brazil than citalopram; ***Although it has less evidence than the other agents, this drug shows a good balance between safety and effectiveness in clinical practice. Extended-release formulation is better during the day to avoid somnolence.