Implementation of a psychotropic drug review service in a mental retardation facility.

A redesigned psychotropic drug review service was needed for our 650-bed intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR). A committee consisting of a client's rights monitor, pharmacist, and psychologist prepared the necessary policy and procedure as well as data collection sheets. Meetings are now conducted in a semiformal fashion, with each discipline contributing in tis area of expertise. Since the inception of the restructured psychotropic drug review service, psychotropic medication dosages (neuroleptic agents only) have decreased at a projected annual rate of 17% and there have been no significant withdrawal reactions. This dosage decrease has saved the institution approximately $2800 to $3200 in medication costs after a 10-month period.