The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from August 2005

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from August 2005

Curbing drinking alleviates depression in dually diagnosed seniors: study examines effectiveness of naltrexone plus SSRI.(Substance Abuse in the Elderly)
August 1, 2005... To get clear answers about how to treat an illness, researchers often seek "pure" cases untainted by additional maladies. Unfortunately, the answers they get may not relate to the real world, where patients' problems frequently come in messier...

Rasagiline may improve symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients: increased dyskinesia also observed.(Parkinson's Disease)
August 1, 2005... According to the results of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials--the PRESTO (1) and LARGO (2) studies--researchers suggest that rasagiline (Agilect, pending FDA approval), a new monoamine oxidase type b (MAO-B) inhibitor, may improve...

Improvement of paroxetine-induced dry mouth by fluvoxamine substitution.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
August 1, 2005... One of the side effects associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants is the occurrence of anticholinergic effects as a result of their inhibitory effects at the muscarinic receptor. In contrast, the selective serotonin reuptake...

Dopamine agonist therapy may be linked to gambling.(What's New In Research)
August 1, 2005... Results from a number of studies suggest a potential link between dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and pathological gambling. New findings, from Mayo Clinic researchers, M. Leann Dodd, M.D., and colleagues,...

Availability of benzodiazepines to be curtailed.
August 1, 2005... A recent article in The Update (July 2005), reviewing an analysis by Heather Ashton, M.D., discussed the uses, misuses, and treatment ranges of benzodiazepines. The article was accompanied by a precis that noted "Potential trauma of...

A vaccine to treat Parkinson's disease?(News Notes)
August 1, 2005... Researchers have reported promising results in mice for a vaccine targeting Parkinson's disease and dementia. According to the researchers this is the first time that a vaccine for this family of diseases has been found to be effective in...

Withdrawal syndrome linked to gabapentin tapering.(Case Report)
August 1, 2005... Patient: Female, 81 y/o Medications: lithium, carbidopa/levodopa, aripiprazole, ativan, gabapentin Comment: An 81-year-old woman with a lifetime history of schizoaffective disorder with bipolar type I tendencies was stable in a...

Public Health Advisory on antidepressants.(From the FDA)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... On July 1, 2005 the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory (PHA) to update patients and healthcare providers on the possible increased risk of suicidal behavior in adults using antidepressants. The advisory comes in response to recently published...

GSK puts Paxil CR back on the market.(From the FDA)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) PLC has returned Paxil CR (paroxetine hydrochloride controlled release) tablets to the U.S. market. In a press release issued June 27, 2005, the company announced that they are committed to re-supplying U.S. pharmacies and...

Ziprasidone oral and injectable (generic): Geodon (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
August 1, 2005... CLASSIFICATION: Atypical antipsychotic. COMMON USAGE: Ziprasidone is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia; injectable ziprasidone (intramuscular, IM) is indicated for the rapid treatment of acute agitation in schizophrenic patients....