The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from November 2004

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from November 2004

Experts review research on efficacy of antidepressants in the elderly.(Depression)
November 1, 2004... PRECIS * Literature review of antidepressant studies in elderly patients. * 18 trials reviewed included TCAs, SSRIs and others. * Almost 3/4 of antidepressant trials reported greater efficacy than placebo. From six to nine...

Valproic acid and hyperammonemia.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
November 1, 2004... The antiepileptic agent valproic acid is increasingly used for management of psychiatric symptoms in patients with mania. The following case described an elderly woman developing hyperammonemia and thrombocytopenia. Clinical case (1) ...

Exploring the links between vascular disease and depression.(Medical Comorbidity)
November 1, 2004... PRECIS * A Cross-sectional study examining depression and vascular comorbidities. * 370 depressed patients (avg. 70.0 years); 157 controls (avg. 70.1 yrs). * Depressed elderly patients reported more cardio-vascular illnesses than...

Sertraline improves mood, but not cognition in depressed AD patients.(What's New In Research)
November 1, 2004... PRECIS * DIADS secondary outcomoes study. * Double-blind, placebo controlled study of 44 AD patients with depression. * Cognitive functioning not improved by sertraline treatment. Recent results from the Depression in...

Efficacy of atypical antipsychotics for dementia reviewed.(What's New In Research)
November 1, 2004... PRECIS * Literature review of atypical antipsychotic trials in elderly. * Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole included in review. * Efficacy similar, but tolerability and safety may differ between agents. ...

NIH Survey examines drinking patterns of older Americans.(Alcohol Use In The Elderly)(National Institutes of Health )
November 1, 2004... A survey of the drinking habits of older Americans, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, finds that among both men and women, the quantity of alcohol consumed tends to decline with age, although the frequency of drinking may increase...

New rules to limit influence of pharmaceutical industry.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) has approved new rules to limit the influence of pharmaceutical companies. Under the new regulations, physicians with ties to a drug company will no longer be able to present...

Major Alzheimer's study launched.(News Notes)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The National Institute on Aging (NIA) in conjunction with other Federal agencies, private companies and organizations recently launched the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, a $60 million, 5-year public-private partnership. This...

Aripiprazole improves efficacy of clozapine.(Case Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Patient: female, 65 y/o Medications: aripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril) Comment: A 65-year-old woman with DSM-IV schizoaffective disorder and a 30-year history of multiple hospitalizations for refractory psychotic symptoms...

Aripiprazole approved for bipolar mania.(From the FDA)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... On October 1, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that the FDA approved aripiprazole (Abilify) for the treatment of acute bipolar mania, including associated manic and mixed episodes. Approval was based on...

Desipramine (generic): Norpramin (brand).(Your Medication Information)
November 1, 2004... CLASSIFICATION: Tricyclic antidepressant. COMMON USAGE: Desipramine is used in the treatment of depression, and may also be helpful for neurogenic pain, reduction of craving and/or prevention of depression following cocaine abuse, control...