The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update articles from November 2008

The Brown University Geriatric Psychopharmacology Update archives from November 2008

Typical and atypical antipsychotics both linked to increased risk of stroke.(Antipsychotic Adverse Events)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... precis * Self-controlled case series study finds that typical and atypical antipsychotics are both associated with increased risk stroke. * Highest stroke risk found in dementia patients taking atypical antipsychotics. * Study...

Study shows SSRIs most strongly linked to osteoporotic fractures.(Adverse Events)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... precis * Population-based databases were used to examine the relationship between psychotropic medications and fractures in persons over 50 in Manitoba. Medications examined included antidepressants (SSRIs vs. monoamines), antipsychotics,...

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy associated with valproate.(Adverse Events)
November 1, 2008... Other than its primary use as an antiepileptic agent, valproic acid is increasingly used for management of different neuropsychiatric disorders, including psychiatric symptoms in patients with mania. One of the side effects associated with its...

Low vitamin B12 levels linked to loss of brain volume in the elderly.(What's New in Research)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... precis * New study shows low vitamin B12 status associated with increased loss of brain volume in elderly adults (mean age 73 years) without baseline cognitive impairment. * Low vitamin B12 * Further studies needed to confirm...

Quetiapine for bipolar mania in older adults.(What's New in Research)
November 1, 2008... precis * Quetiapine found beneficial for treating older bipolar manic adults (mean age 63 years), according to a post hoc analysis of 2 quetiapine monotherapy trials. * Significant decreases on the Young Mania Rating Score with...

Discontinuing antipsychotics in dementia patients.(News Notes)
November 1, 2008... According to a Norwegian study, nursing home patients who stopped long-term treatment with antipsychotics did well without these medications. In the Bergen District Nursing Home Study (BEDNURS), researchers explored the impact on behavioral and...

Prebagalin as a potential treatment for lithium-induced tremor.(Case Report)
November 1, 2008... Patient: Male, 65 years old Medications: Paroxetine (Paxil), lithium (Eskalith), zolpidem (Ambien), lorazepam (Ativan), clorazepate (Tranxene), pregabalin (Lyrica) Case: A 65-year old man with a history of major depressive disorder...

FDA approval of phase II trial for Serdaxin.(From the FDA)
November 1, 2008... Rexahn Pharmaceuticals announced FDA approval to begin phase II trials with Serdaxin for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Serdaxin is a dual enhancer of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters. According to a company spokesman,...

New approval of levetiracetam (Keppra XR) extended-release tablets.(From the FDA)
November 1, 2008... UCB announced FDA approval of levetiracetam extended-release tablets (Keppra XR) as adjunctive antiepileptic treatment in patients with partial onset seizure ages 16 years and older. [http://hugin.info/133973/ R/1251192/271964.pdf]

FDA requesting additional data for injectable paliperidone.(From the FDA)
November 1, 2008... Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development LLC announced that the FDA is requesting additional data, but not additional studies, before approving a New Drug Application for paliperidone palmitate, a once-monthly investigational...

Donepezil (generic) ariCept (Brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
November 1, 2008... CLASSIFICATION: Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. COMMON USAGE: Donepezil is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: If you are at risk for...