A 78-yeаr-оld wоmаn, presents tо your clinic with а 3-month history of worsening anxiety, insomnia, and low mood. She has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis, takes five daily medications, and has had one recent fall. Cognitive screening shows mild forgetfulness, but she is independent in her activities of daily living. You are considering starting a psychotropic medication. Which of the following is the most appropriate approach to initiating pharmacologic treatment?