The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from June 2004

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from June 2004

Experts make recommendations about antipsychotic use in elderly.(Prescribing Guidelines)
June 1, 2004... Over 35 million Americans are above the age of 65. However, there are only about 2,500 board-certified geriatric psychiatrists available to treat the psychological conditions that afflict many elderly people. As a result, internists, family...

New research findings spotlight Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder and depression.(American Psychiatric Association Conference Update)
June 1, 2004... In early May, mental health providers gathered in New York City for the 157th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The theme of this year's meeting was "Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology: Dissolving the Mind-Brain...

Serotonin syndrome associated with paroxetine overdose.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
June 1, 2004... The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have increasing been used for management of different psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders. One of the reasons for this increased use is the benign side...

Lamotrigine (generic).(Your Medication Information)
June 1, 2004... CLASSIFICATION: Antiepileptic and mood stabilizer. COMMON USAGE: Lamotrigine is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults and pediatric patients with partial seizures and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It...

Diuretics and ACE inhibitors associated with lithium toxicity.(What's New In Research)(angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)
June 1, 2004... Lithium toxicity is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that is sometimes precipitated by medications used by elderly patients. Researchers from Canada examined the association of lithium toxicity and the use of three major drug...

Galantamine reduces AD behavioral disturbances.(What's New In Research)(Alzheimer's disease)
June 1, 2004... Researchers examining the effects of galantamine (Reminyl) on behavior of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) found that this acetylcholinesterase inhibitor was effective in reducing specific behavioral symptoms....

Sodium valproate for treatment of dementia.(What's New In Research)
June 1, 2004... A study from researchers in The Netherlands demonstrated that three months treatment with sodium valproate (Depacon) improved several behaviors associated with dementia. Aggressive behavior, non-social behavior and distorted memory all improved...

American Academy of Neurology meeting.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... From April 24- May 1, neurologists met in San Francisco for the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. Among the research presented at the meeting were several abstracts about new treatment options for various neurological...

Trazodone drug-drug interactions.(From the FDA)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The FDA and Bristol-Myers Squibb announced revisions to the labeling of trazodone (Desyrel). Sections on "clinical pharmacology" and "precautions" have added information warning of a potential for drug interactions when trazodone is given with...

Wine may reduce risk for dementia.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In a study following a group of elderly in New York City for four years, the consumption of up to three glasses of wine was shown to reduce the risk of dementia. Out of the 980 community-dwelling persons aged 65 and older studied, 260 developed...

La. psychologists gain prescribing privileges.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... On May 6, the state of Louisiana became the second state in the U.S. to pass a law authorizing psychologists to prescribe certain medications for the treatment of mental health disorders. Louisiana House Bill 1426 states that psychologists can...

Risperidone-induced sleep-related eating disorder.(Case Report)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Patient: woman, 94 y/o Medication: lamotrigine (Lamictal), haloperidol (Haldol) A 94-year old woman with Alzheimer's disease was admitted after refusing to eat or take medications for several days. She was dehydrated, agitated, suffering from...