The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from August 2008

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from August 2008

Protective effects of ibuprofen against AD but serious side effects may occur.(Alzheimer's Disease)
August 1, 2008... precis * Large case-control study finds long-term use of NSAIDs lower risk of developing AD. * Results by individual drug varied considerably, with ibuprofen showing greatest benefit which increased over time. * Due to risk of...

ECT plus antidepressant more effective than drug alone for psychotic depression.(Psychotic Depression)(Clinical report)
August 1, 2008... precis * A longitudinal, randomized, single-blind study compared, using survival analysis, the 2-year outcome of 2 subgroups of elderly patients with psychotic unipolar depression who were ECT (plus nortriptyline) remitters. * One...

Hallucinations induced by modafinil.(Adverse Events)
August 1, 2008... Modafinil (Provigil) is a novel stimulant with wakefulness-promoting properties. It is indicated for treatment of patients with significant daytime sleepiness induced by narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. In addition, it is also used as an...

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce depressive symptoms in Parkinson patients.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
August 1, 2008... precis * Pilot study finds fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids effective in relieving depressive symptoms in PD patients, with or without concomitant antidepressants. * Omega-3 fatty acids may have antidepressant effects as...

ADAPT: no protective effect, cognitive benefit for AD with naproxen or celecoxib.(What's New in Research)
August 1, 2008... precis * Results from the Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT) show greater declines in cognitive function in patients treated with naproxen or celecoxib compared with placebo. * Findings limited by early...

FDA guidance on off-label promotion may be inadequate.(Food and Drug Administration)
August 1, 2008... In a Commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Bruce M. Psaty, M.D., Ph.D., and Wayne Ray, M.D., cite several limitations to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) proposed new guidelines regarding the publication of...

Bright light plus melatonin reduces aggression in dementia patients.(News Notes)
August 1, 2008... A long-term, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial carried out in the Netherlands found that whole-day bright light ([+ or ] 1000 lux) reduced cognitive deterioration and depressive symptoms in elderly dementia patients (mean age 86 years)...

Clinical trial suspended for ACC-001 AD vaccine.(News Notes)
August 1, 2008... Elan Corporation announced suspension of a clinical trial of an experimental vaccine (ACC-001) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) after a patient developed skin lesions and was hospitalized for a suspected case of vasculitis. The vaccine is being...

Paranoia following atorvastatin treatment in elderly patient.(Case Report)
August 1, 2008... Patient: Female, 79 years old Medications: Aspirin, hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate (Fosamax), atorvastatin (Lipitor), vitamin D, calcium and multivitamin supplements Case: A 79-year-old woman presented with anxiety, paranoia and...

Increased mortality risk with antipsychotics in dementia patients.(From the FDA)
August 1, 2008... The FDA has notified health care professionals of increased risk of mortality associated with both conventional and atypical antipsychotics in elderly patients being treated for dementia-related psychosis. Since issuing a warning in April 2005...

New medication guide and labeling for varenicline.(From the FDA)
August 1, 2008... The FDA approved new labeling and a medication guide for varenicline (Chantix), which warns of depressed mood, including suicidal thoughts and actions and other behavioral changes not typical for the patient. The new medication guide and...

Mirtazapine (generic): Remeron, Remeron SolTab (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
August 1, 2008... CLASSIFICATION: Antidepressant. COMMON USAGE: Mirtazapine is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The safety and effectiveness of mirtazapine in patients under 18 years have not been established. ...