The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from May 2006

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from May 2006

New MAOI transdermal patch available to treat major depressive disorder in adults: once daily EMSAM (selegiline) gets FDA approval.(Drug Delivery)(monoamine oxidase inhibitors)(Clinical report)
May 1, 2006... EMSAM (selegiline) is the first FDA-approved transdermal patch to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. According to results from several controlled trials, the selegiline transdermal system (STS) was significantly more effective...

UK study finds ChEIs not cost effective for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: UK's National Health Service may curb patient access.(Cost & Outcomes Studies)(cholinesterase inhibitors)
May 1, 2006... The cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine may slow the progression of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, a recent study done in the United Kingdom (UK) found them not cost effective. ...

Can olanzapine cause delirium in the elderly?(Adverse Events)
May 1, 2006... Delirium is a major concern for the elderly patients, with an estimate of occurrence in up to 56% of elderly medical inpatients. Impairment of cognitive function that accompanies the normal aging process has been implicated as a major risk...

Paroxetine plus psychotherapy for major depression in the elderly.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
May 1, 2006... In a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled maintenance trial of elderly patients, who had fully or partially recovered from major depressive disorder (MDD), researchers found that paroxetine (Paxil) combined with psychotherapy...

Possible benefits of Ginkgo biloba on longer-term memory in older adults.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
May 1, 2006... A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of ginkgo extract on cognitive abilities, executive function, attention and mood in healthy older adults and young adults found that longer-term memory improved with ginkgo in...

Torsades de pointes and QTc prolongation with fluoxetine.(Case Report)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Patient: Female, 83 y/o Medications: acetylsalicylic acid, fluoxetine (Prozac) Comments: An 83-year-old woman was admitted to hospital due to unexplained transient loss of consciousness. No abnormalities were found in routine...

Deaths reported in donepezil (Aricept) phase III clinical trial.(News Notes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A total of 11 subjects died during a phase III clinical trial of donepezil (Aricept) in patients with vascuar dementia. According to the manufacturer, Esai Co., Ltd., the deaths occurred in subjects who were taking donepezil but not in those...

Monthly news video for providers.(News Notes)(www.fda.gov/psn)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A monthly news video for health care professionals is being made available by FDA Patient Safety News (PSN). The video includes new product approvals, recalls and safety alerts with important tips on protecting patients. The video program may...

Confusion between Salagen and selegiline.(From the FDA)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... FDA Patient Safety News (PSN) reports that the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently reported several cases of a drug's brand name (Salagen) being mistaken for the generic drug selegiline. Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase...

ADHD drugs may get new warnings.(From the FDA)(attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A new recommendation, issued on February 9, 2006 by the FDA's Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee is calling for a black box warning of possible increased risk of cardiovascular events in children and adults taking stimulant...

Selegiline transdermal system (generic): Emsam (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)(Drug overview)
May 1, 2006... Classification: Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant Common Usage: The selegiline transdermal system is indicated for the treatment of major depression in adults. When applied to intact skin, it is designed to continuously...