The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from March 2006

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from March 2006

Antidepressants and suicide in the elderly: what are the risks?(New Research)(Clinical report)
March 1, 2006... According to the results of two newly published studies, the risk of suicide may not be significantly increased in patients treated with newer antidepressants. Writing in the January issue of Neuropsychopharmacology, Yoram Barak, M.D., and...

Understanding how cultural competency impacts Alzheimer's disease treatment.(Diversity in Dementia)
March 1, 2006... Two recent papers argue that greater recognition of ethnic differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD) will improve patients' quality of life and other outcomes. In one, Helena Chui, M.D., and Margaret Gatz, Ph.D., of the University of Southern...

Adverse reactions associated with antidepressants in stroke patients.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
March 1, 2006... It is not uncommon for patients to exhibit depressive symptoms after suffering from a stroke. Although effective in managing depression, the use of antidepressants may lead to adverse effects as well as the potential of drug-drug interaction....

Escitalopram vs. citalopram for treating panic attacks in the elderly.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
March 1, 2006... Treating panic attacks with escitalopram in the elderly could result in an earlier therapeutic response compared with citalopram, according to the results of a new study. In a study investigating the two drugs in 40 elderly patients with...

Benzodiazepines and disability in older adults.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
March 1, 2006... Findings from a large prospective cohort study demonstrate a greater risk of incident mobility and physical disability in older patients taking benzodiazepines; short-acting benzodiazepines do not appear to have any safety benefits over...

Diagnosing depression in the elderly.(Case Report)
March 1, 2006... Patient: Female, 82 y/o Medications: sertraline (Zoloft) Comment: An 82-year-old woman presented at a geriatric heart failure clinic with dizziness and shortness of breath. She had been previously diagnosed with hypertension and...

New drug packaging inserts.(From the FDA)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The FDA will be changing its requirements for package inserts. According to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, "By improving the package insert to make it more useful for healthcare providers in their day-to-day clinical practice, we are making it...

New brain imaging strategy to track neural cell loss.(News Notes)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... UCLA researchers have developed a new imaging method to track neuronal cell loss in the hippocampus by using a chemical marker called MPPF and positron emission tomography. The new imaging technique, which allows measurement of the amount of 1A...

New DVD available on Parkinson's disease.(New Notes)(Managing Parkinson's: straight talk and honest hope)
March 1, 2006... A new 90-minute DVD about Parkinson's disease (PD) is available free of charge from the Washington State Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. The DVD, entitled "Managing Parkinson's: straight talk and honest hope," is a...

Bupropion [sustained release, extended release] (generic): Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
March 1, 2006... CLASSIFICATION: Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. COMMON USAGE: Bupropion is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for tobacco smoking cessation in adults. The safety and effectiveness of...