Brown University Psychopharmacology Update articles from May 2006

Brown University Psychopharmacology Update archives from May 2006

New MAOI transdermal patch available to treat major depressive disorder in adults: once-daily selegiline (EMSAM) gets FDA approval.(Drug Delivery)
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...

FDA advisory committee recommends black box warning for ADHD drugs: field reacts to possible increased risk of cardiovascular events.(Adverse Events)
May 1, 2006... Black box warnings may soon be added to the labeling of drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The new, stronger warnings could caution patients and prescribers of the possible increased risk of serious...

Valproic acid and lopinavir/ritonavir.(Drug-Drug Interactions)
May 1, 2006... It is not uncommon for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to exhibit psychiatric symptoms, whether secondary to the dementia and metabolic abnormalities associated with this medical condition, or as a function of the high...

Predictors of behavioral disinhibition in teen depression. (What's New in Research).
May 1, 2006... A report in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that family psychiatric histories differed among adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) defined by the presence or absence of severe behavioral disinhibition (BD), with...

Response to atomoxetine across the life span.(What's New in Research)
May 1, 2006... The results of a meta-analysis of short-term studies, funded by Eli Lilly, suggest that adolescents with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) respond to atomoxetine (Strattera) in essentially the same manner as children with...

iPLEDGE program links Accutane with birth defects.(News Notes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... On February 23 the FDA announced the iPLEDGE program, a strengthened risk management program to educate women about the risk of becoming pregnant while taking isotretinoin (Accutane and its generics). The program will begin on March 1, 2006....

New psychoanalytic guide aims to fill gaps.(News Notes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The American Psychoanalytic Association and a coalition of like-minded groups have unveiled a new diagnostic manual, the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, intended to complement and fill a purpose unmet by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual...

Venlafaxine and the rapid development of anasarca.(Case Reports)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Patient: Female, 23 y.o. Medications: baclofen (Lioresal), hydromorphone (Palladone), venlafaxine (Effexor) A 23-year-old white female had a history of chronic pain following a car accident as a teenager, for which she was taking...

Approval: first time generic alprazolam.(From the FDA)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... On January 27 the FDA approved Mylan Pharmaceuticals' first-time generic alprazolam extended-release tablets (0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg) to treat anxiety disorders. The brand name drug is Xanax XR. Safety and effectiveness of alprazolam in...

Approval: selegiline skin patch for depression.(From the FDA)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... On February 28, the FDA approved the first skin (transdermal) patch for treating major depression in adults, marketed as Emsam. The once-daily patch delivers selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Those using the higher dose...

Tentative approval: 50 mg topiramate tablets.(From the FDA)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The FDA has tentatively approved Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' topiramate 50 mg tablets. The company has previously received tentative approval for the 25, 100, and 200 mg strengths. Final approval is expected at the expiration of patent...

Selegiline transdermal system (generic): Emsam (brand).(YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION)
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...