The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from August 2003

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from August 2003

Chronic anticholinergic use may worsen clinical course of Alzheimer's disease. (New Research).
August 1, 2003... In a two-year, pioneering study, Ching-ju Lu, B.A. and Larry E. Tune, M.D. examined the long-term effects of anticholinergic medications on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) to determine whether chronic exposure to such agents...

Possible serotonin syndrome occurs with risperidone/paroxetine therapy. (Drug-Drug Interactions).
August 1, 2003... Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can result in fatality. It is usually caused by increased serotonin stimulation. The most common pharmacological intervention that results in serotonin syndrome is the concurrent use of a monoamine...

Consensus panel concludes mood disorders diagnosis and treatment inadequate, bipolar disorder understudied. (Late-Life Mood Disorders).
August 1, 2003... A recently published consensus statement reviewed unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in the elderly, concluding that late-life bipolar disorder, in particular, is "remarkably understudied." The Depression and Bipolar...

Open-label valproate helps in dementia. (Clinical Notes).
August 1, 2003... The six-week open-label extension of a six-week double-blind trial found continued improvement in measures of agitation in patients treated with valproate (Depakote, Depakene) for agitation in dementia. Forty-six of the original participants in...

Opioids may reduce agitation in the very old. (Clinical Notes).
August 1, 2003... In a placebo-controlled trial, investigators administered a long-acting opioid to patients with severe dementia. They hypothesized that unrecognized pain could contribute to agitation in these patients. All subjects were administered placebo...

FDA approves olanzapine for combination therapy in mania. (News Updates).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the antipsychotic medication olanzapine (Zyprexa) for use in combination with lithium or valproate (Depakote) for the treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder,...

Newly identified genes may have depression link. (News Updates).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Researchers have identified genes that appear to influence a person's vulnerability to depressive disorders, according to findings published in the July 2 issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics. Researchers found 19 regions on...

Ecstasy use could lead to Alzheimer's disease. (News Updates).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Australian government is concerned that people who use Ecstasy and other psychostimulants may account for future cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD), AAP Information Services Pty. Ltd. reported. Experts advised Trish Worth, parliamentary...

New testosterone therapy. (News Updates).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The FDA has approved a new hormone treatment for men with a deficiency or absence of testosterone. Striant, is the first transbuccal (gum surface) system of testosterone replacement therapy. The tablet-like product is placed in the mouth where...

Lamotrigine approved for maintenance in BD. (News Updates).(bipolar disorder)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The FDA recently approved lamotrigine (Lamictal) for long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder in adults, specifically to delay the onset of recurrent mood episodes in patients treated for acute mood episodes. Lamotrigine is the first...

Aggressive behavior after donepezil treatment. (Case Reports).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... # Patients: 1 male (79 y/o) Medications: donepezil (Aricept) Comments: A 79-year-old man with a three-year history of subjective memory decline showed only limited impairment in instrumental activities and mild behavioral symptoms....

Clozapine (generic) ~ Clozaril (brand). (Your Medication Information).
August 1, 2003... Classification: Atypical antipsychotic. Common Usage: Clozapine is indicated for treatment-resistant psychosis and for suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are at chronic risk. Important Side...