 |
|
Anti-psychotic drug use in the elderly increases despite drug safety warnings
August 26, 2008Three regulatory warnings of serious adverse events slowed the growth of use of atypical antipsychotic drugs among elderly patients with dementia, but they did not reduce the overall prescription rate of these drugs, found a research analysis of prescription drug claims data in Ontario http://www.cmaj.ca/press/pg438.pdf. The rate of use of these drugs actually increased 20% from the month prior to the first warning in September 2002 to the end of the study period in February 2007.
About 70% of people receiving antipsychotic drugs lived in nursing homes, and approximately 40% were aged 85 or older.
Three new atypical antipsychotic drugs approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and other related psychiatric conditions by Health Canada, however only one of them was approved for short term use to treat symptoms of aggression and psychosis in elderly patients with dementia. Between October 2002 and June 2005 Health Canada released three warning of increased risk of stroke or death in elderly patients with dementia taking these drugs.
Dr. Geoffrey Anderson and coauthors (Dr. Geoffrey Anderson, University of Toronto, 416-946-3770 or 416-480-6852) "found that the 3 warnings about serious adverse events associated with use of atypical antipsychotic agents in elderly people with dementia had a limited effect on the prescription rates of these agents. We also found that the overall rates of use of these drugs actually increased between the first warning in 2002 and the end of our follow-up in 2007."
"This finding highlights the limited impact of warnings and suggests that more effective approaches are needed to protect vulnerable populations from potentially hazardous medications," state the authors.
Some healthcare warnings fail to achieve the desired effect because the warnings have not provided physicians with information about the effectiveness and safety of alternative treatment options, writes Dr. Laurence Katz (Dr. Laurence Katz, University of Manitoba, 204-787-7564, LKatz@exchange.hsc.mb.ca) in a related commentary http://www.cmaj.ca/press/pg405.pdf. He states that health care warnings need to provide complete information about the risks and efficacy of the treatment and should identify alternative treatments.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Dr. Geoffrey Anderson and coauthors (Dr. Geoffrey Anderson, University of Toronto, 416-946-3770 or 416-480-6852) "found that the 3 warnings about serious adverse events associated with use of atypical antipsychotic agents in elderly people with dementia had a limited effect on the prescription rates of these agents. We also found that the overall rates of use of these drugs actually increased between the first warning in 2002 and the end of our follow-up in 2007."
"This finding highlights the limited impact of warnings and suggests that more effective approaches are needed to protect vulnerable populations from potentially hazardous medications," state the authors.
Some healthcare warnings fail to achieve the desired effect because the warnings have not provided physicians with information about the effectiveness and safety of alternative treatment options, writes Dr. Laurence Katz (Dr. Laurence Katz, University of Manitoba, 204-787-7564, LKatz@exchange.hsc.mb.ca) in a related commentary http://www.cmaj.ca/press/pg405.pdf. He states that health care warnings need to provide complete information about the risks and efficacy of the treatment and should identify alternative treatments.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Antipsychotic Current Events and Antipsychotic News RSSThe future of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a major public health problem. Affecting almost 1% of the world's population, it takes an enormous economic and social toll in addition to the distress, dysfunction, disability and mortality for those afflicted with this disease.
Anti-psychotic drugs could help fight cancer
The observation that people taking medication for schizophrenia have lower cancer rates than other people has prompted new research revealing that anti-psychotic drugs could help treat some major cancers.
Traffic jam in brain causes schizophrenia symptoms
Schizophrenia waits silently until a seemingly normal child becomes a teenager or young adult. Then it swoops down and derails a young life.
Map of your brain may reveal early mental illness
John Csernansky wants to take your measurements. Not the circumference of your chest, waist and hips. No, this doctor wants to stretch a tape measure around your hippocampus, thalamus and prefrontal cortex.
Early and network-oriented care may help adolescents at risk of developing psychosis
Family and network oriented, stress-reducing care improves level of overall functioning and mental health in adolescents at risk of developing psychosis, suggests a recent Finnish study.
Flow of potassium into cells implicated in schizophrenia
A study on schizophrenia has implicated machinery that maintains the flow of potassium in cells and revealed a potential molecular target for new treatments.
Researchers discover link between schizophrenia and diabetes
People with schizophrenia are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, Medical College of Georgia researchers have found.
Combating weight gain caused by antipsychotic treatments
Antipsychotic drugs, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel), are commonly used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, but also bipolar disorder and even behavioral problems related to dementia.
Innappropriate drug prescriptions wasting millions, raising health risks
A recent study in Oregon suggests that drugs designed for treating the most severe mental illnesses are often prescribed at inappropriately low doses and at considerable expense, for use in conditions where their benefit has not been established.
Bipolar disorder linked to risk of early death from natural causes
Bipolar disorder appears to increase the risk of early death from medical illnesses, according to a literature review study published as the lead article this week in the journal Psychiatric Services.
More Antipsychotic Current Events and Antipsychotic News Articles
 |
Stahl's Illustrated Antipsychotics by Stephen M. Stahl (Author) All of the titles in the Stahl's Illustrated Series are designed to be fun. Concepts are illustrated by full-color images that will be familiar to all readers of Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, Third Edition and The Prescriber's Guide. The texts in this user-friendly series can be supplements to figures, images, and tables. The visual learner will find that these books make psychopharmacology concepts easy to master, while the non-visual learner will enjoy a shortened text version of complex psychopharmacology concepts. Within each book, each chapter builds on previous chapters, synthesizing information from basic biology and diagnostics to building treatment plans and dealing with complications and comorbidities. Novices may want to approach Stahl's Illustrated Series by first... |
 |
Higher or Lower: Dosing Issues in the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics In spite of the great deal of clinical and basic research, the dosing strategies for atypical antipsychotics still lack a firm rational basis. The manufacturers of atypical antipsychotics recommend ranges (in mg/day) within which the products are supposed to be safe and effective. The selection of the individual patients dose within (or outside) these ranges is up to clinical judgment that should, theoretically, strike the optimal balance between the therapeutic and adverse effects. In practical terms, clinical judgment is difficult to define, and quality is hard to assess. This program will review the dosing and plasma levels of the atypical antipsychotics. |
 |
The Effects Of Anti-Psychotic Medication Forced Upon The Unfortunate Souls Who May Or May Not Need T Lafcadio (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Promoting Wellness: Schizophrenia (Online Tutorial for Institutions) by Adrianne Avillion and Mary Dreher, Educational Global Technologies, Inc. The goal of the online tutorial Promoting Wellness: Schizophrenia is to help healthcare professionals recognize this disorder and its impact on clients, families, and the community, and to promote treatment strategies that enhance the health and wellness of clients dealing with this disorder. This online tutorial is approved for continuing education. |
 |
America Fooled: The Truth About Antidepressants, Antipsychotics And How We've Been Deceived by Timothy Scott (Author) America Fooled is the non-sensational, fact-filled story of how Americans have come to believe that depression and other mental problems are caused by chemical imbalances which can be fixed with pills. It reveals how the drug studies used to achieve FDA approval are designed, paid for and written by the drug companies themselves and are purposely deceptive. Part 1 of America Fooled is focused on antidepressants, their effectiveness, and their side effects including the permanent brain damage that results from long-term use about which so few Americans have any knowledge (including those who prescribe and those who take antidepressants). Part 2 deals with the various approaches used throughout history to treat more serious mental problems including the use of antipsychotics. The side... |
 |
Medicines for Mental Health: The Ultimate Guide to Psychiatric Medication by Kevin Thompson PhD (Author) A finalist in the National Indie Excellence 2008 book awards, this book was written for anyone who suffers from sexual dysfunction, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia (or cares for someone who does). Medicines for Mental Health is the first book to provide detailed and readable information about all psychiatric medications, and other medical treatments, for these mental illnesses. Medicines cuts through jargon, demystifies mental illness, and explains how treatments work. It goes beyond current fads to cover important medications you need to know about, including many that will be new to your doctor. |
 |
Essential Psychopharmacology of Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers (Essential Psychopharmacology Series) by Stephen M. Stahl (Author), Nancy Munter (Illustrator) Drawn from the best-selling second edition of Essential Psychopharmacology, Steve Stahl has revised and updated the chapters covering antipsychotics and mood stabilizers in this separate volume. This new book covers the many dimensions of psychosis, particularly as associated with schizophrenia, and examines the role of dopamine in psychosis along with the various theories about the causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of schizophrenia. New material includes discussion of a promising new agent, aripiprazole, the first in a new class of dopamine stabilizers; the use of anticonvulsant agents to treat manic psychosis as well as being used as adjuncts to more traditional antipsychotic treatments for psychosis and schizophrenia; and the newest atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone. CME... |
 |
The Evidence-based Guide to Antipsychotic Medications by Anthony J. Rothschild (Editor) "The Evidence-Based Guide to Antipsychotic Medications" is designed to provide both clinicians and residents with focused, comprehensive, and clinically relevant information regarding the use of antipsychotic medications to treat a broad range of psychiatric conditions - from mood and anxiety disorders to substance abuse, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. The volume editor is a renowned psychiatrist and author with more than 25 years of experience in both clinical and research settings diagnosing and treating patients with mood and psychotic disorders. In addition, each of the volume's 13 contributors is an expert with many years of clinical experience to draw on. The book is down-to-earth and reader-friendly and is structured for maximal utility in both coverage and format: Key... |
 |
Psychopharmacology of Antipsychotics by Stephen M. Stahl (Author) (Martin Dunitz) Univ. of California, San Diego. Pocket-sized text presents a series of visual lessons on the antipsychotic drugs. Figures and diagrams are based on the textbook Essential Psychopharmacology, c1996. Color illustrations. For clinicians and students. Trim size: 8.25 x 5.75 inches. Softcover. |
 |
Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers: Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, 3rd edition (Essential Psychopharmacology Series) by Stephen M. Stahl (Author) Relying upon the best-selling third edition of Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, Dr. Stephen M. Stahl has revised chapters covering antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for this third edition of Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers. More than one-third longer than the previous edition, Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers is essential reading for professionals treating psychosis and students learning the mechanisms of drug reactions. This updated edition includes advances in neurobiology and recent clinical developments to explain the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. The fully revised text is complemented by many new illustrations and enhanced to reflect new knowledge and topics not covered in the previous edition. Intended as a primer text covering all... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |