The Brown University Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update articles from February 2009

The Brown University Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update archives from February 2009

Methylphenidate has best evidence for preschooler ADHD; caution still in order.(Preschoolers)
February 1, 2009... An exhaustive review of four decades' worth of research has concluded that methylphenidate (Ritalin) has a greater evidence basis than other medications, psychosocial interventions, and alternative treatments in the short-term treatment of...

Olanzapine improves youths' symptoms, but with significant adverse effects.(Schizophrenia)
February 1, 2009... Investigators of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found significant symptom improvement in adolescents with schizophrenia following a 6-week course of olanzapine. However, the treatment was not without potentially harmful health risks...

Correction: replacement patient handout.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2009... There was an error in last month's patient handout (CPU 11-S1) on atomoxetine. A small amount of information on metformin appeared at the bottom of the first paragraph on the handout. Please use the replacement handout included in this month's...

Fluoxetine in acute treatment of pediatric depression.(What's New In Research)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2009... The rate of symptom improvement during the first few weeks of acute antidepressant treatment may be a reliable indicator of remission in pediatric patients. In a prospective open-label study using fluoxetine, investigators found that children...

Effects of MPH on sleep behavior.(What's New In Research)
February 1, 2009... There is little evidence that methylphenidate (MPH) in sustained-release form is a significant cause of sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are treated at their optimal dose. According to a...

Survey measures CAM use in children.(News Notes)
February 1, 2009... Nearly 12% of children in the U.S. use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), approximately 1 in 9 U.S. children aged 17 years and younger use CAM, mostly for...

Prenatal alcohol exposure and conduct disorder.(News Notes)
February 1, 2009... Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy increase their child's risk of later developing conduct disorder (CD). The study was based on structured diagnostic interviews with 1,252 adolescents (mean age 17 years) and both parents. Few other...

Tobacco exposure linked to behavior problems.(News Notes)
February 1, 2009... Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke may be linked with behavior problems in childhood, according to findings from an asthma intervention trial. The study investigated the relationship between tobacco smoke exposure and behavior problems in...

Successful tapering of antipsychotic plus SSRI after CBT.(Case Report)
February 1, 2009... Patient: Male, 8 years old Medications: Risperidone (Risperdal); sertraline (Zoloft); atomoxetine (Strattera); fluoxetine (Prozac); amphetamine mixed salts (Adderall); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); methylphenidate transdermal system (Daytrana)...

Warning issued on antiepileptics.(From the FDA)
February 1, 2009... The FDA has issued an alert to health care professionals regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antiepileptic medications. The warning follows an FDA analysis of 199 clinical trials of 11 antiepileptic...

Divalproex sodium delayed release, divalproex sodium extended release, valproic acid.(PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET)
February 1, 2009... (Brand: Depakote (divalproex sodium delayed release), Depakote ER (divalproex sodium extended release), Depakene (valproic acid)) What is valproate? Divalproex sodium, valproic acid, and valproate sodium belong to the group of medicines...

Atomoxetine hydrochloride.(PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET)(Drug overview)
February 1, 2009... (Brand: Strattera) What is atomoxetine? Atomoxetine is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children,...