The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from February 2004

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from February 2004

Offering psychotherapy and medication treatment improves both depression and pain associated with arthritis.(IMPACT Study Breaks New Ground)
February 1, 2004... To date, few studies have addressed treatment options for depressed elders with comorbid arthritis; previous trials have focused primarily on rheumatoid arthritis treated with antidepressant agents. In a new first of its kind study...

Clioquinol slows cognitive decline in patients with moderate to severe AD.(Alzheimer's Update)(Alzheimer's disease)
February 1, 2004... A Phase II clinical trial has shown that treatment with clioquinol (PBT-1) slowed progression of cognitive decline in a group of patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings, released by the Australian company Prana...

Venlafaxine, sertraline combination for depression.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
February 1, 2004... Many depressed patients do not experience satisfactory therapeutic response after initiation of antidepressant therapy, and combination therapy is becoming a popular strategy to manage these patients. Venlafaxine (Effexor), with a dual...

Olanzapine vs. haloperidol in geriatric schizophrenia.(Clinical Update)
February 1, 2004... A study by Lilly Research Laboratories demonstrates that in elderly schizophrenia patients, olanzapine (Zyprexa) is more efficacious on some measures than haloperidol (Haldol) and is better tolerated for extrapyramidal signs. The study also...

Citalopram for restless activity in AD.(Clinical Update)(Alzheimer's disease)
February 1, 2004... In a small, open-label study, the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram (Celexa) reduced aberrant motor behavior and overall behavior problems in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. This is one of the first studies...

Study examines efficacy, cost of newer vs. older antipsychotics.(Olanzapine vs. Haloperidol Study)
February 1, 2004... A 12-month study demonstrated that the inexpensive, conventional antipsychotic haloperidol (Haldol)--when taken in combination with the antiparkinsonian agent benztropine (Cogentin)--is as effective as Eli Lilly's highly successful agent...

Alzheimer's caregivers may benefit from services.(News Updates)
February 1, 2004... Home caregivers show resilience, but may benefit from services such as bereavement counseling and pain control for the patient, according to findings in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that caregivers recovered from...

CBT may be better than pills for for insomnia.(News Updates)(cognitive behavioral therapy)
February 1, 2004... According to a British study, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be a better treatment choice than sleeping pills for elderly people with insomnia. In this study, published in the journal Sleep Medicine Review, researchers reviewed existing...

New approvals for olanzapine.(News Updates)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... In January 2004, Eli Lilly and Company announced two new FDA approvals involving olanzapine. First, it was announced that the FDA approved olanzapine(Zyprexa) as a monotherapy for maintenance in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Olanzapine is...

Memantine now available in the United States.(News Updates)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Memantine HCl (Namenda), the first and only medication approved for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, is now available to physicians, patients, and pharmacies nationwide. The FDA approved memantine on October 16, 2003. This...

Amiodarone induced delirium.(Case Report)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Patient: Male (80 y/o) Medication: Amiodarone (Cordarone) Comment: Elderly patients often take multiple medications, some which can lead to changes in mental status. In this report, an 80 year old male with no previous psychiatric,...

Your medication information: Olanzapine and Fluoxetine (generic) ~ Symbyax (brand).
February 1, 2004... Classification: Combined atypical antipsychotic and antidepressant. Common Usage: Symbyax is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Important Side Effects: The most common side effects...