The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from May 2005

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from May 2005

Has the pendulum swung too far in the treatment of late-life depression? New research assesses suboptimal treatment.(Special Report on Depression in the Elderly)
May 1, 2005... Over the past several years, studies have exposed problems in the treatment of late-life depression. Few depressed older people take adequate dosages of antidepressants long enough to obtain lasting relief. Sometimes they received inappropriate...

Part 2: research on geriatric depression highlights comorbidity and augmentation.(AAGP Conference Report)
May 1, 2005... In this issue we continue coverage of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) Conference, held March 3-6 in San Diego, focusing on treatment of geriatric depression discussed in selected poster presentations for mirtazapine...

Donepezil and ginkgo biloba do not appear to interact.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
May 1, 2005... Donepezil (Aricept) is a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase that is available for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase leads to increased availability of acetylcholine in the brain, resulting in...

Is cognitive therapy as effective as antidepressants?(What's New In Research: Depression)
May 1, 2005... Results from a new study indicate that cognitive therapy can be as effective as medication in early treatment of moderate to severe depression, but results may vary depending on the therapist's level of expertise. These findings challenge the...

PROSPECT intervention in late-life depression.(What's New In Research: Depression)
May 1, 2005... A new report from the PROSPECT (Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly: Collaborative Trial) study has found that first remission occurs earlier and is more common among elderly, depressed patients receiving treatment in collaborative...

Depression treatment in elderly improves physical functioning.(News Notes)
May 1, 2005... A new study is the first to suggest that treatment for depression in older adults could have simultaneous benefits for physical functioning and tasks of daily living. Lead study author Christopher Callahan, M.D., and colleagues divided patients...

Reminyl renamed Razadyne.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... In order to support patient safety in prescribing and dispensing Reminyl (galantamine), a drug that is indicated in Alzheimer's disease, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. announced (April 11, 2005) that the drug would now be marketed in the U.S....

Rash associated with lamotrigine and carbamazepine interaction.(Case Report)
May 1, 2005... Patient: Male, white, 63 y/o Medications: Lamotrigine (Lamictal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), olanzapine (Zyprexa) Comment: A 63-year-old man under treatment with lamotrigine and nefazodone for bipolar I disorder, and clonazepam for...

NDA filed for Vivitrex.(From the FDA)(New Drug Application)(Food and Drug Administration)
May 1, 2005... [check] NDA filed for Vivitrex Alkermes Inc. has submitted a New Drug Application to the FDA for marketing approval of Vivitrex (naltrexone long-acting injection). Naltrexone is indicated for decreasing craving and overall general...

Bolded warning for off-label Gabitril use.(From the FDA)(Food and Drug Administration)(medication)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... [check] Bolded warning for off-label Gabitril use The FDA has announced that a Bolded Warning will be added to the labeling for Gabitril (tiagabine) to warn health care professionals of the risk of seizures in patients without epilepsy...

Carbamazepine (generic): Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro (brands).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
May 1, 2005... CLASSIFICATION: Anticonvulsant; neuropathic analgesic; mood stabilizer. COMMON USE: Carbamazepine is indicated for the treatment of certain types of seizure disorders and for relief from chronic pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia or...