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Oricco S, Quintavalla C, Apolloni I, Crosara S. Bradyarrhythmia after treatment with atenolol and mirtazapine in a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Cardiol 2024; 53:72-76. [PMID: 38735230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
A nine-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with a previous diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and treated for one month with atenolol (6.25 mg q 12 h) was referred for respiratory distress and anorexia. The cat was diagnosed with pulmonary oedema secondary to obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After stabilisation, she was discharged with furosemide (1 mg/kg q 12 h), clopidogrel (18.75 mg q 24 h), atenolol (6.25 mg q 12 h), and mirtazapine (2 mg/cat q 24 h) to increase appetite. At recheck, the cat was lethargic and presented with severe bradycardia with a junctional escape rhythm and ventriculoatrial conduction. The mirtazapine was discontinued due to its possible side-effects on cardiac rhythm. After three days, the atenolol was halved because the bradyarrhythmia was still present. After 10 days, the rhythm returned to sinus; atenolol was reintroduced twice daily with no further side-effects. The absence of a sinus rhythm with a junctional escape rhythm and P' retroconduction is compatible with a third-degree sinus block or a sinus standstill; the differentiation of these rhythm disturbances is impossible, based on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The sinus rhythm was restored after mirtazapine was withdrawn. However, it is not possible to rule out the role of the atenolol or the combined effect of the two drugs. The cat was affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the role of myocardial remodelling cannot be excluded. This is the first time that a bradyarrhythmia consequent to the treatment with atenolol and mirtazapine was described in a cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oricco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - C Quintavalla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - I Apolloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - S Crosara
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
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2
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Lonardo A. The heterogeneity of metabolic syndrome presentation and challenges this causes in its pharmacological management: a narrative review focusing on principal risk modifiers. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:891-911. [PMID: 37722710 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2259306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome (MetS), i.e. the cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors comprising visceral obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, arterial hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia, is prevalent globally and exacts a heavy toll on health care expenditures. AREAS COVERED The pathophenotypes of individual traits of the MetS in adults are discussed first, with strong emphasis on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sex differences. Next, I discuss recent studies on phenotypic and outcome heterogeneity of the MetS, highlighting the role of NAFLD, sex, reproductive status, and depressive disorders. In the second half of the article, the therapeutic implications of the variable MetS types and features are analyzed, focusing on the most recent developments, and guidelines. EXPERT OPINION I have identified physiological, pathological, social and medical sources of phenotypical heterogeneity in the MetS and its constitutive traits. Improved understanding of these variables may be utilized in the setting of future precision medicine approaches in the field of metabolic disorders and target organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- Operating Unit of Metabolic Syndrome, Azienda Ospedaliero-Unversitaria di Modena, Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, Baggiovara, Modena, Italy
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3
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Clark A, Tate B, Urban B, Schroeder R, Gennuso S, Ahmadzadeh S, McGregor D, Girma B, Shekoohi S, Kaye AD. Bupropion Mediated Effects on Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Smoking Cessation. Health Psychol Res 2023; 11:81043. [PMID: 37405312 PMCID: PMC10317506 DOI: 10.52965/001c.81043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bupropion had been in use since the late 1980s as an unconventional treatment for depression. Unlike other antidepressants, bupropion has no serotonergic activity and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. The drug has been used to treat depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and smoking cessation. This investigation reviews the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of bupropion and its mechanisms of action and interactions with other drugs. We evaluated the efficacy of major on and off-label uses of bupropion, focusing on the indications, benefits, and adverse effects. Our review demonstrates that bupropion is superior to placebo and non-inferior to SSRIs such as escitalopram in treating major depressive disorder. More research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as increases in quality of life. In the case of ADHD, the evidence for efficacy is mixed with poorly conducted randomized clinical trials, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term assessments. The same is true in the case of bipolar disorder in which there is still limited and controversial data available on bupropion's safety and efficacy. In the case of smoking cessation, bupropion is found to be an effective anti-smoking drug with synergistic benefits when used as a combination therapy. We conclude that bupropion has the potential to provide benefit for a subset of patients who do not tolerate other typical antidepressants or anti-smoking therapies or for those whose treatment goals align with bupropion's unique side effect profile, such as smokers who wish to quit and lose weight. Additional research is needed to determine the drug's full clinical potential, particularly in the areas of adolescent depression and combination therapy with varenicline or dextromethorphan. Clinicians should use this review to understand the varied uses of the drug and identify the situations and patient populations in which bupropion can lend its greatest benefit.
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4
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Snyder D, Mujais S. Commentary on: Pharmacist-driven interventions to de-escalate urinary antimuscarinics in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:2008-2010. [PMID: 36929817 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Snyder
- Medical Affairs, Urovant Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Salim Mujais
- Clinical Development, Urovant Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
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5
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Metoprolol and CYP2D6: A Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating Genotype-Based Outcomes. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030416. [PMID: 36983598 PMCID: PMC10058912 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metoprolol is a medication commonly utilized in select patients to achieve a reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, or other indications. A majority of metoprolol metabolism occurs via CYP2D6. Decreased expression of the CYP2D6 enzyme increases the concentration of metoprolol. Current pharmacogenomics guidelines by the Dutch Pharmacogenomics Working Group recommend slower titrations and dose decreases to minimize adverse effects from poor metabolizers or normal metabolizers taking concomitant medications that are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6 (phenoconverters). This study aimed to evaluate adverse effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope in patients who are expected to have absent CYP2D6 enzyme activity due to drug–drug or drug–gene interactions. The secondary aims of this study were to evaluate heart rate measurements for the included participants. Retrospective data were collected for individuals with CYP2D6 genotyping results obtained for clinical purposes. Three categories (CYP2D6 normal metabolizers, poor metabolizers, and phenoconverters) were assigned. A total of 325 participants were included. There was no statistically significant difference found in the primary composite outcome between the three metabolizer groups (p = 0.054). However, a statistically significant difference was identified in the incidences of bradycardia between the poor metabolizers and the normal metabolizers or phenoconverters (p < 0.0001). The average heart rates were 2.8 beats per minute (bpm) and 2.6 bpm lower for the poor metabolizer and phenoconverter groups, respectively, compared to the normal metabolizers (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). This study further supports the role of genetic testing in precision medicine to help individualize patient care as CYP2D6 poor metabolizers taking metoprolol were found to have an increase in bradycardia. Additional research is needed to clarify the dose relationship in this drug–gene interaction.
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6
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What should clinicians do for patients with hypertension and knee osteoarthritis? Pain Manag Nurs 2022; 23:893-894. [PMID: 35810127 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Gedde-Dahl A, Spigset O, Molden E. Co-prescription of metoprolol and CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressants before and after implementation of an optimized drug interaction database in Norway. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 78:1623-1632. [PMID: 35871665 PMCID: PMC9482580 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03364-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the co-prescription of metoprolol and potent CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressants before and during a 10-year period after implementation of an optimized drug interaction database into clinical decision support systems in Norway.
Methods
The study was a retrospective, cross-sequential nationwide analysis of drug-dispensing data retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database over a 1-year period before (2007) and two 1-year periods after (2012 and 2017) implementation of a drug interaction database providing recommendations on non-interacting alternative medications. Primary outcome was changes in co-prescription rates of metoprolol and the potent CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressants fluoxetine, paroxetine, or bupropion relative to alternative antidepressants with no or limited CYP2D6 inhibitory potential. To control for potential secular trend bias, a comparison group consisting of atenolol/bisoprolol users was included.
Results
The co-prescription rate of metoprolol with potent CYP2D6 inhibitors declined following implementation of the optimized database, by 21% (P < 0.001) after 5 years and by 40% (P < 0.001) after 10 years. Compared with atenolol/bisoprolol users, patients treated with metoprolol had significantly reduced likelihood of being prescribed a CYP2D6-inhibiting antidepressant in the two post-implementation periods (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.54–0.69) and OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.40–0.51), respectively, versus OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.74–0.94) prior to implementation). Small and mostly insignificant differences in average daily metoprolol dosage were found between patients treated with the various antidepressants.
Conclusion
The present study suggests that implementation of a drug interaction database providing recommendations on non-interacting drug alternatives contributes to reduced co-prescribing of drug combinations associated with potentially serious adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Gedde-Dahl
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs plass, N-0130, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Espen Molden
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Psychopharmacology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Hypertensive Emergency and Stroke With Medication Interaction: A Case Report on Metoprolol and Duloxetine. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:424-426. [PMID: 35695709 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Mar PL, Horbal P, Chung MK, Dukes JW, Ezekowitz M, Lakkireddy D, Lip GYH, Miletello M, Noseworthy PA, Reiffel JA, Tisdale JE, Olshansky B, Gopinathannair R. Drug Interactions Affecting Antiarrhythmic Drug Use. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e007955. [PMID: 35491871 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.007955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) play an important role in the management of arrhythmias. Drug interactions involving AAD are common in clinical practice. As AADs have a narrow therapeutic window, both pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic interactions involving AAD can result in serious adverse drug reactions ranging from arrhythmia recurrence, failure of device-based therapy, and heart failure, to death. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions frequently involve the inhibition of key metabolic pathways, resulting in accumulation of a substrate drug. Additionally, over the past 2 decades, the P-gp (permeability glycoprotein) has been increasingly cited as a significant source of drug interactions. Pharmacodynamic drug interactions involving AADs commonly involve additive QT prolongation. Amiodarone, quinidine, and dofetilide are AADs with numerous and clinically significant drug interactions. Recent studies have also demonstrated increased morbidity and mortality with the use of digoxin and other AAD which interact with P-gp. QT prolongation is an important pharmacodynamic interaction involving mainly Vaughan-Williams class III AAD as many commonly used drug classes, such as macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, antipsychotics, and antiemetics prolong the QT interval. Whenever possible, serious drug-drug interactions involving AAD should be avoided. If unavoidable, patients will require closer monitoring and the concomitant use of interacting agents should be minimized. Increasing awareness of drug interactions among clinicians will significantly improve patient safety for patients with arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Mar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO (P.L.M., P.H.)
| | - Piotr Horbal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO (P.L.M., P.H.)
| | - Mina K Chung
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (M.K.C.), Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | | | - Michael Ezekowitz
- Lankenau Heart Institute, Bryn Mawr Hospital & Sidney Kimmel Medical College (M.E.)
| | | | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool & Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom (G.Y.H.L.).,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark (G.Y.H.L.)
| | | | - Peter A Noseworthy
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (P.A.N.)
| | - James A Reiffel
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY (J.A.R.)
| | - James E Tisdale
- College of Pharmacy, Purdue University (J.E.T.).,School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis (J.E.T.)
| | - Brian Olshansky
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (B.O.)
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Ito N, Maruko A, Oshima K, Yoshida M, Honma K, Sugiyama C, Nagai T, Kobayashi Y, Odaguchi H, Okada N. Kampo formulas alleviate aging-related emotional disturbances and neuroinflammation in male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:109-142. [PMID: 34979499 PMCID: PMC8791223 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging-induced neuroinflammation, also known as neuroinflammaging, plays a pivotal role in emotional disturbances, including depression and anxiety, in older individuals, thereby leading to cognitive dysfunction. Although numerous studies have focused on therapeutic strategies for cognitive impairment in older individuals, little research has been performed on treating its preceding emotional disturbances. Here, we examined whether Kampo formulas (kososan [KS], nobiletin-rich kososan [NKS], and hachimijiogan [HJG]) can ameliorate aging-induced emotional disturbances and neuroinflammation in mice. The depression-like behaviors observed in SAMP8 mice, relative to normally aging SAMR1 mice, were significantly prevented by treatment with Kampo formulas for 13 weeks. Western blot analysis revealed that hippocampal neuroinflammation was significantly abrogated by Kampo formulas. KS and NKS also significantly attenuated the hippocampal neuroinflammatory priming induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.33 mg/kg, i.p.) challenge in SAMP8 mice. Hippocampal IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels were significantly decreased in NKS-treated SAMP8 mice. KS and NKS showed significantly reduced tau accumulation in the brains of SAMP8 mice. RNA-sequencing revealed that each Kampo formula led to unique dynamics of hippocampal gene expression and appeared to abrogate hippocampal inflammatory responses. HJG significantly blocked the LPS-induced increase in serum IL-6 and MCP-1. These results suggest that Kampo formulas would be useful for treating aging-induced depression, in part by regulating neuroinflammatory pathways. This finding may pave the way for the development of therapeutic strategies for aging-related emotional disturbances, which may contribute to the prevention of cognitive dysfunction in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Ito
- Oriental Medicine Research Center, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Akiko Maruko
- Laboratory of Genomics for Health and Longevity, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Oshima
- Laboratory of Genomics for Health and Longevity, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yoshida
- Research Laboratory, Kotaro Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hakusan, Ishikawa 920-0201, Japan
| | - Kengo Honma
- Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Chika Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nagai
- Oriental Medicine Research Center, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan.,Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan.,Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology for Phytomedicines, Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kobayashi
- Oriental Medicine Research Center, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Odaguchi
- Oriental Medicine Research Center, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan.,Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Norihiro Okada
- Laboratory of Genomics for Health and Longevity, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
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11
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Pashaei Y. Drug repurposing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Could these drugs help fight COVID-19 and save lives? J Clin Neurosci 2021; 88:163-172. [PMID: 33992179 PMCID: PMC7973060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The current 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an emerging infectious disease, is undoubtedly the most challenging pandemic in the 21st century. A total of 92,977,768 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,991,289 deaths were reported globally up to January 14, 2021. COVID-19 also affects people's mental health and quality of life. At present, there is no effective therapeutic strategy for the management of this disease. Therefore, in the absence of a specific vaccine or curative treatment, it is an urgent need to identify safe, effective and globally available drugs for reducing COVID-19 morbidity and fatalities. In this review, we focus on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs: a class of antidepressant drugs with widespread availability and an optimal tolerability profile) that can potentially be repurposed for COVID-19 and are currently being tested in clinical trials. We also summarize the existing literature on what is known about the link between serotonin (5-HT) and the immune system. From the evidence reviewed here, we propose fluoxetine as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for COVID-19 based on its known immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Fluoxetine may potentially reduce pro-inflammatory chemokine/cytokines levels (such as CCL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α) in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, fluoxetine may help to attenuate neurological complications of COVID-19.
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van Poelgeest EP, Pronk AC, Rhebergen D, van der Velde N. Depression, antidepressants and fall risk: therapeutic dilemmas-a clinical review. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:585-596. [PMID: 33721264 PMCID: PMC8149338 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00475-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aim To summarize the existing knowledge on fall risk associated with antidepressant use in older adults, including the underlying pathophysiology, and assist clinicians in (de-) prescribing antidepressants. Findings Untreated depression and antidepressant use both increase fall risk in older people. Antidepressants differ in fall-related side effect profile. They contribute to (or cause) falling through orthostatic hypotension, sedation/impaired attention, hyponatremia, movement disorders and cardiac toxicity. Although withdrawal of antidepressants is recommended in fall-prone elderly persons, physicians are frequently reluctant to deprescribe antidepressants. Practical resources and algorithms are available that guide and assist clinicians in deprescribing antidepressants. Message Insight in fall-related side effect profile of antidepressants, and clinical decision tools such as the STOPPFalls antidepressant withdrawal algorithm assist prescribers in rational (de-) prescribing decision making. Purpose The aim of this clinical review was to summarize the existing knowledge on fall risk associated with antidepressant use in older adults, describe underlying mechanisms, and assist clinicians in decision-making with regard to (de-) prescribing antidepressants in older persons. Methodology We comprehensively examined the literature based on a literature search in Pubmed and Google Scholar, and identified additional relevant articles from reference lists, with an emphasis on the most commonly prescribed drugs in depression in geriatric patients. We discuss use of antidepressants, potential fall-related side effects, and deprescribing of antidepressants in older persons. Results Untreated depression and antidepressant use both contribute to fall risk. Antidepressants are equally effective, but differ in fall-related side effect profile. They contribute to (or cause) falling through orthostatic hypotension, sedation/impaired attention, hyponatremia, movement disorder and cardiac toxicity. Falling is an important driver of morbidity and mortality and, therefore, requires prevention. If clinical condition allows, withdrawal of antidepressants is recommended in fall-prone elderly persons. An important barrier is reluctance of prescribers to deprescribe antidepressants resulting from fear of withdrawal symptoms or disease relapse/recurrence, and the level of complexity of deprescribing antidepressants in older persons with multiple comorbidities and medications. Practical resources and algorithms are available that guide and assist clinicians in deprescribing antidepressants. Conclusions (De-) prescribing antidepressants in fall-prone older adults is often challenging, but detailed insight in fall-related side effect profile of the different antidepressants and a recently developed expert-based decision aid STOPPFalls assists prescribers in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P van Poelgeest
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A C Pronk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Rhebergen
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Mental Health Care Institute GGZ Centraal, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - N van der Velde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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