Matching articles for "quetiapine"
Drugs for Bipolar Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2024; (Issue 1699)
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of
mania, hypomania, and depression. Recurrences of
manic or (more frequently) depressive symptoms
are common. About 15-20% of patients with bipolar
disorder...
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of
mania, hypomania, and depression. Recurrences of
manic or (more frequently) depressive symptoms
are common. About 15-20% of patients with bipolar
disorder die by suicide.
Drugs for Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 11, 2023; (Issue 1691)
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is
generally used for initial treatment of major depressive
disorder (MDD). A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor (SNRI), bupropion (Wellbutrin SR,...
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is
generally used for initial treatment of major depressive
disorder (MDD). A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor (SNRI), bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, and
others), and mirtazapine (Remeron, and others) are
reasonable alternatives. Improvement in symptoms
can occur within the first two weeks of treatment
with these drugs, but a substantial benefit may not be
achieved for 4-8 weeks.
Drugs for Anxiety Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 7, 2023; (Issue 1682)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various
phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric
illness. They can be treated effectively with...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various
phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric
illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy.
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2023; (Issue 1679)
The FDA has approved the oral second-generation
antipsychotic drug brexpiprazole (Rexulti – Otsuka/Lundbeck) for once-daily treatment of agitation associated
with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease...
The FDA has approved the oral second-generation
antipsychotic drug brexpiprazole (Rexulti – Otsuka/Lundbeck) for once-daily treatment of agitation associated
with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Brexpiprazole is the first drug to be approved in the US
for this indication. It is also approved for treatment of
schizophrenia and as an adjunct to antidepressants for
treatment of major depressive disorder.
Cariprazine (Vraylar) for Adjunctive Treatment of Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 29, 2023; (Issue 1677)
The FDA has approved the second-generation
antipsychotic drug cariprazine (Vraylar — Abbvie) for
adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
(MDD) in adults. Cariprazine was previously approved
for...
The FDA has approved the second-generation
antipsychotic drug cariprazine (Vraylar — Abbvie) for
adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
(MDD) in adults. Cariprazine was previously approved
for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression,
and for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes
associated with bipolar I disorder.
Drugs for Chronic Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 9, 2023; (Issue 1667)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is
recommended for initial treatment of chronic insomnia.
CBT-I includes stimulus control, sleep education
and hygiene, sleep restriction, relaxation...
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is
recommended for initial treatment of chronic insomnia.
CBT-I includes stimulus control, sleep education
and hygiene, sleep restriction, relaxation training, and
cognitive therapy. When CBT-I alone is not effective,
pharmacologic treatment should be added.
Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 22, 2022; (Issue 1657)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common
cause of dementia, but cognitive decline is also
associated with other neurological conditions such
as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies,
vascular...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common
cause of dementia, but cognitive decline is also
associated with other neurological conditions such
as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies,
vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Lumateperone (Caplyta) for Bipolar Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 8, 2022; (Issue 1656)
The oral second-generation antipsychotic drug
lumateperone (Caplyta – Intra-Cellular Therapies),
which was approved by the FDA in 2020 for treatment
of schizophrenia, is now approved for use...
The oral second-generation antipsychotic drug
lumateperone (Caplyta – Intra-Cellular Therapies),
which was approved by the FDA in 2020 for treatment
of schizophrenia, is now approved for use as
monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or valproate
for treatment of depressive episodes associated with
bipolar I or II disorder in adults.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 2021; (Issue 1618)
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. The nonmotor symptoms
of the disease are thought to be caused by...
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. The nonmotor symptoms
of the disease are thought to be caused by degeneration of
other neurotransmitter systems. No disease-modifying
drugs are available for treatment of PD.
Lumateperone (Caplyta) for Schizophrenia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 27, 2020; (Issue 1603)
The FDA has approved lumateperone (Caplyta —
Intracellular Therapies), an oral second-generation
antipsychotic, for once-daily treatment of schizophrenia
in adults. It is the 13th second-generation...
The FDA has approved lumateperone (Caplyta —
Intracellular Therapies), an oral second-generation
antipsychotic, for once-daily treatment of schizophrenia
in adults. It is the 13th second-generation antipsychotic
drug to be approved by the FDA for this indication.
Drugs for Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 24, 2020; (Issue 1592)
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of
treatment for major depressive disorder; a partial
response is associated with an increased risk of
relapse. Improvement in symptoms can occur within
the first...
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of
treatment for major depressive disorder; a partial
response is associated with an increased risk of
relapse. Improvement in symptoms can occur within
the first two weeks of treatment with an antidepressant,
but it may take 4-8 weeks to achieve a substantial
benefit. Following successful treatment of a first major
depressive episode, antidepressant treatment should
be continued at the same dose for at least 4-9 months
to consolidate recovery. In patients with recurrent
depressive episodes, long-term maintenance treatment
can reduce the risk of relapse.
Drugs for Anxiety Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 12, 2019; (Issue 1578)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias)
are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They
can be treated effectively with cognitive...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias)
are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They
can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. Obsessive-compulsive
disorder and posttraumatic stress
disorder are now considered separate entities in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5); they can also be treated with CBT and many
of the same drugs.
Drugs for Chronic Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 17, 2018; (Issue 1562)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
is recommended for initial treatment of chronic
insomnia. Pharmacologic treatment should be used in
addition to CBT-I when CBT-I alone is not...
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
is recommended for initial treatment of chronic
insomnia. Pharmacologic treatment should be used in
addition to CBT-I when CBT-I alone is not effective.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 20, 2017; (Issue 1534)
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. The nonmotor
symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused...
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. The nonmotor
symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused by
degeneration of other neurotransmitter systems.
Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 25, 2017; (Issue 1530)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause
of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with
other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's
disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause
of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with
other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's
disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia,
and frontotemporal dementia.
Drugs for Psychotic Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 19, 2016; (Issue 1510)
Oral antipsychotic drugs used for treatment of
schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional
disorder, and other manifestations of psychosis or
mania are listed in Table 1. Parenteral
antipsychotic...
Oral antipsychotic drugs used for treatment of
schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional
disorder, and other manifestations of psychosis or
mania are listed in Table 1. Parenteral
antipsychotic drugs used for treatment of these
disorders are listed in Table 2.
Drugs for Bipolar Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 15, 2016; (Issue 1501)
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intermittent
episodes of mania and/or depression. Even with
maintenance treatment, recurrences of manic or (more
frequently) depressive episodes are common. Some of
the...
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intermittent
episodes of mania and/or depression. Even with
maintenance treatment, recurrences of manic or (more
frequently) depressive episodes are common. Some of
the drugs and dosages recommended here have not
been approved by the FDA for use in bipolar disorder.
Drugs for Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 2016; (Issue 1498)
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of
antidepressant therapy; partial response is associated
with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement can
occur within the first two weeks of drug therapy,
but...
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of
antidepressant therapy; partial response is associated
with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement can
occur within the first two weeks of drug therapy,
but it may take 4-8 weeks to achieve a substantial
benefit. Fewer than 50% of patients with depression
respond to first-line pharmacotherapy, and the rate of
response decreases with each subsequent drug trial.
Following remission after a first episode of depression,
many experts recommend continuing antidepressant
treatment at the same dose for at least 6-12 months
to consolidate recovery. For patients with recurrent
depressive episodes, long-term maintenance therapy
can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Pimavanserin (Nuplazid) for Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 6, 2016; (Issue 1496)
The FDA has approved the atypical antipsychotic
pimavanserin (Nuplazid – Acadia) for treatment
of hallucinations and delusions associated with
Parkinson's disease. It is the first drug to be approved
in...
The FDA has approved the atypical antipsychotic
pimavanserin (Nuplazid – Acadia) for treatment
of hallucinations and delusions associated with
Parkinson's disease. It is the first drug to be approved
in the US for this indication.
Cariprazine (Vraylar) for Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 25, 2016; (Issue 1493)
The FDA has approved cariprazine (Vraylar – Actavis), an
oral, once-daily, second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment
of schizophrenia and for acute treatment of manic or
mixed episodes associated with...
The FDA has approved cariprazine (Vraylar – Actavis), an
oral, once-daily, second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment
of schizophrenia and for acute treatment of manic or
mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for Schizophrenia and Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 17, 2015; (Issue 1475)
The FDA has approved the oral, once-daily, second-generation
antipsychotic brexpiprazole (Rexulti –
Otsuka/Lundbeck) for treatment of schizophrenia
and as an adjunct to antidepressants for treatment
of...
The FDA has approved the oral, once-daily, second-generation
antipsychotic brexpiprazole (Rexulti –
Otsuka/Lundbeck) for treatment of schizophrenia
and as an adjunct to antidepressants for treatment
of major depressive disorder (MDD). Aripiprazole
(Abilify), a structurally similar second-generation
antipsychotic also comarketed by Otsuka (with BMS),
recently became available generically.
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 6, 2015; (Issue 1472)
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes
prescription drugs, non-prescription medications, and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral approaches such as
cognitive behavioral therapy, which are not...
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes
prescription drugs, non-prescription medications, and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral approaches such as
cognitive behavioral therapy, which are not discussed
here, are also used. Pharmacologic treatment and
behavioral therapy are often combined.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2013; (Issue 135)
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by progressive degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The non-motor
symptoms of the disease are thought to be...
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are
caused primarily by progressive degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The non-motor
symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused
by degeneration of other neurotransmitter systems.
Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2013; (Issue 134)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause
of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with
other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease,
dementia with Lewy bodies, and...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause
of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with
other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease,
dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular
dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally
defined as cognitive decline greater than expected
for an individual's age and educational level, but not
interfering with activities of daily living; it may be a
transitional state between the cognitive changes of
normal aging and dementia.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2013; (Issue 130)
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness.
Psychotherapy remains an important component
in the management of these disorders, and cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used for many...
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness.
Psychotherapy remains an important component
in the management of these disorders, and cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used for many of
them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a
long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are
ineffective or cannot be used.
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2012; (Issue 119)
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes prescription
drugs, non-prescription medications and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral changes are often
needed as...
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes prescription
drugs, non-prescription medications and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral changes are often
needed as well.
Quetiapine (Seroquel) and QT-Interval Prolongation
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 3, 2011; (Issue 1374)
The FDA has required the manufacturer of the secondgeneration
antipsychotic quetiapine (Seroquel) to add a
warning to the labeling saying that use of the drug should
be avoided in combination with other...
The FDA has required the manufacturer of the secondgeneration
antipsychotic quetiapine (Seroquel) to add a
warning to the labeling saying that use of the drug should
be avoided in combination with other drugs that prolong
the electrocardiographic QTc interval (Table 1). The
warning is based only on postmarketing reports of QT-interval
prolongation in patients who overdosed on the
drug, had concomitant illness, or were taking other drugs
known to cause electrolyte imbalances or increase the
QT interval. QT prolongation can lead to torsades de
pointes, a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
Adjunctive Antipsychotics for Major Depression
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 19, 2011; (Issue 1373)
Augmentation with a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic is a treatment option for patients with major
depressive disorder (MDD) whose symptoms persist following antidepressant monotherapy. Aripiprazole...
Augmentation with a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic is a treatment option for patients with major
depressive disorder (MDD) whose symptoms persist following antidepressant monotherapy. Aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine in a fixed-dose combination with fluoxetine (Symbyax), and extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) have been approved by the FDA for such use.
Lurasidone (Latuda) for Schizophrenia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 21, 2011; (Issue 1358)
The FDA has approved lurasidone (Latuda - Sunovion), a new second-generation antipsychotic,
for oral treatment of schizophrenia in...
The FDA has approved lurasidone (Latuda - Sunovion), a new second-generation antipsychotic,
for oral treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2011; (Issue 101)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive
degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons
in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be
used to treat PD because it does not cross the...
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive
degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons
in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be
used to treat PD because it does not cross the blood-brain
barrier.
Drugs for Psychotic Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2010; (Issue 96)
The antipsychotic drugs listed in Table 1 on the next page are more effective for treating the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) than the “negative symptoms” (apathy,...
The antipsychotic drugs listed in Table 1 on the next page are more effective for treating the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) than the “negative symptoms” (apathy, social withdrawal, and blunted affect). Some symptoms of schizophrenia and acute psychoses may improve rapidly after treatment with antipsychotic drugs, but chronic schizophrenia improves slowly over many weeks and some patients may continue to improve for months. Most patients with chronic schizophrenia require prolonged maintenance therapy, but the risk of tardive dyskinesia and adverse metabolic effects must be kept in mind.
Drugs for Depression and Bipolar Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2010; (Issue 93)
Drugs are not the only treatment for mood disorders. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and...
Drugs are not the only treatment for mood disorders. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety
when drugs are ineffective, poorly tolerated or cannot be used. Some drugs are recommended here for indications that have not been approved by the FDA.
Iloperidone (Fanapt) - Another Second-Generation Antipsychotic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 2010; (Issue 1332)
The FDA has approved the marketing of iloperidone (Fanapt – Vanda), a second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment of schizophrenia. Iloperidone is chemically related to risperidone (Risperdal, and...
The FDA has approved the marketing of iloperidone (Fanapt – Vanda), a second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment of schizophrenia. Iloperidone is chemically related to risperidone (Risperdal, and others).
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2009; (Issue 79)
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or...
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or anxiety.
Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) for Huntington's Chorea
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 26, 2009; (Issue 1304)
Tetrabenazine (Xenazine - Ovation Pharmaceuticals), an old drug first synthesized 50 years ago for treatment of schizophrenia, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of chorea associated with...
Tetrabenazine (Xenazine - Ovation Pharmaceuticals), an old drug first synthesized 50 years ago for treatment of schizophrenia, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease. It has been available in other countries for decades.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2007; (Issue 62)
ParkinsonÆs disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the...
ParkinsonÆs disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the bloodbrain barrier.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2006; (Issue 46)
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as...
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective or cannot be used.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics - Aripiprazole Revisited
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 10, 2005; (Issue 1219)
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic drug, was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treatment of schizophrenia and more recently for bipolar disorder as...
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic drug, was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treatment of schizophrenia and more recently for bipolar disorder as well. It has been promoted as causing fewer adverse effects than other antipsychotics, without sacrificing efficacy.
Atypical Antipsychotics in the Elderly
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2005; (Issue 1214)
The FDA has reported that 5106 elderly patients with dementia treated with atypical (second generation) antipsychotics in 17 randomized controlled trials had a higher mortality rate (4.5% vs. 2.6%) than those...
The FDA has reported that 5106 elderly patients with dementia treated with atypical (second generation) antipsychotics in 17 randomized controlled trials had a higher mortality rate (4.5% vs. 2.6%) than those receiving placebo. Most of the deaths were due to cardiovascular and infectious causes (such as pneumonia). The drugs used in the trials were aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal). As the increase in mortality was considered a class effect, the FDA advisory also included ziprasidone (Geodon), clozapine (Clozaril) and the olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (Symbyax). The manufacturers of all of these drugs will be required to add a "black box" warning to their labeling.
Extended-Release Carbamazepine (Equetro) for Bipolar Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 28, 2005; (Issue 1205)
An extended-release formulation of carbamazepine, available since 1997 for treatment of epilepsy, has now been approved under a new name, Equetro, for acute mania and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder....
An extended-release formulation of carbamazepine, available since 1997 for treatment of epilepsy, has now been approved under a new name, Equetro, for acute mania and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder. Although the drug was effective in some patients for up to 6 months, it has not been approved for maintenance treatment. Carbamazepine has not been shown to be more effective than lithium or valproate, and it can cause serious adverse effects.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2004; (Issue 22)
Parkinson's disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat Parkinson's disease because it does not cross the...
Parkinson's disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat Parkinson's disease because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Choice of an Antipsychotic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 22, 2003; (Issue 1172)
A recent supplement to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, titled "The Expert Consensus Guideline Series: Optimizing Pharmacologic Treatment of Psychotic Disorders," concluded that most experts endorsed use of...
A recent supplement to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, titled "The Expert Consensus Guideline Series: Optimizing Pharmacologic Treatment of Psychotic Disorders," concluded that most experts endorsed use of second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics rather than first-generation drugs, with risperidone (Risperdal - Janssen) the top choice for first episodes, multiple episodes or switches from another drug (JM Kane et al, J Clin Psychiatry 2003; 64 suppl 12:5). The supplement was sponsored by Janssen.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2003; (Issue 11)
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and...
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Interactions with other drugs can be found in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) for Schizophrenia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 17, 2003; (Issue 1150)
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a quinolinone derivative, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a quinolinone derivative, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of schizophrenia.
Ziprasidone (Geodon) For Schizophrenia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 11, 2001; (Issue 1106)
Ziprasidone (Geodon - Pfizer), a benzisothiazolyl piperazine, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of schizophrenia. An intramuscular formulation will probably be available in the near...
Ziprasidone (Geodon - Pfizer), a benzisothiazolyl piperazine, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of schizophrenia. An intramuscular formulation will probably be available in the near future.
Arbutamine for Stress Testing
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 1998; (Issue 1019)
Myocardial perfusion imaging and stress echocardiography in patients who cannot exercise may require use of drugs. Arbutamine (GenESA - Gensia Automedics), a potent synthetic sympathomimetic, has recently been...
Myocardial perfusion imaging and stress echocardiography in patients who cannot exercise may require use of drugs. Arbutamine (GenESA - Gensia Automedics), a potent synthetic sympathomimetic, has recently been approved by the FDA for use with a computerized drug-delivery system in pharmacologic stress testing.