What is a significant side effect when administering antidepressants to older adults?

When considering the administration of antidepressants to older adults, altered absorption rates is a significant side effect that can influence the overall effectiveness and safety of treatment. As individuals age, physiological changes, such as decreased gastrointestinal motility and altered blood flow, can affect how medications are absorbed and metabolized in the body. This alteration may lead to altered serum drug levels, impacting either the efficacy or the potential for increased side effects of the antidepressants.

Older adults may also experience variations in the distribution and elimination of drugs due to changes in body composition, organ function, and the presence of comorbidities, which can further complicate their response to medications. As a result, careful monitoring and potential adjustments in dosing may be necessary to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse reactions.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes or improvements that are not typically associated with the side effects of antidepressants in older adults. Most antidepressants may not necessarily lead to increased energy levels, enhanced cognitive function, or improved sociability directly. In fact, some antidepressants can cause sedation or cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of managing expectations and closely monitoring this patient population.