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Tamrakar S, Mendoza Diaz A, Nevarez Flores AG, Castle D. Characterising the nature of psychiatric disorders and patterns of antipsychotic medications prescribed in a psychiatric ward in a public hospital in Tasmania. Australas Psychiatry 2024:10398562241283156. [PMID: 39275805 DOI: 10.1177/10398562241283156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present an evaluation of antipsychotic prescribing in an inpatient psychiatry ward in Hobart, Tasmania, to establish pattern of use, alignment with other psychiatric wards or centres and the recommendations in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry Clinical Practice Guidelines, and to determine predictors of polypharmacy. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Data from 118 patients discharged from the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Mental Health Inpatient Unit between 01/02/2021 to 01/08/2021 were evaluated. RESULTS Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) was observed in 40% of patients. When low doses of adjunctive ('PRN') use of olanzapine and quetiapine were excluded, the APP proportion was 35%. APP was predicted by age and by a schizophrenia diagnosis. Long-acting injections (LAIs) were used in 46% of the patients. The most common LAI was risperidone (52%). Average daily dose of antipsychotic at the time of discharge was 529 mg chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents. High dose antipsychotics (more than 1000 mg CPZ equivalents per day) was observed in 13% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS The observed prescribing practice is consistent with other clinical settings. Antipsychotic prescribing practice should, however, continue to be monitored to ensure adherence to best practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Tamrakar
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adriana G Nevarez Flores
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - David Castle
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Hu Y, Su J, Xu X, Li J, Zhang S, Chen X. Antipsychotic prescription patterns among schizophrenia patients in Guangdong Province, China's 686 program: A retrospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39629. [PMID: 39298629 PMCID: PMC11404898 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder. However, there is limited data on the prescribing patterns of patients under China's Central Government Support for the Local Management and Treatment of Severe Mental Illnesses Program, known as the "686 program." This study aimed to investigate the use of antipsychotic medications and associated factors among discharged schizophrenia patients in Guangdong Province, within the 686 Program. This study encompassed schizophrenia patients who were discharged from the Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University and enrolled in the 686 Program between January 2019 and December 2019. A total of 1645 hospitalized schizophrenia patients were included in the analysis. Clinical and sociodemographic data were acquired from medical records upon discharge. A total of 15 unique antipsychotic medications were utilized, comprising 4 first-generation (FGAs) and 11 second-generation (SGAs) options. FGAs were prescribed at a rate of 8.3%, while SGAs dominated at 98.8%. Risperidone (40.8%), olanzapine (30.2%), clozapine (24.6%), and amisulpride (15.4%) emerged as the top 4 prescribed medications. Additionally, mood stabilizers were used by 20.4%, antidepressants by 14.8%, sedative-hypnotics by 33.6%, anticholinergics by 26.9%, and other internal medicine drugs by 46.4%. Notably, 60.5% received antipsychotic monotherapy (AMT), while 39.5% underwent antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP). Predictors of polypharmacy included multiple hospital admissions, longer hospital stays, and undergoing modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (mECT) during hospitalization. In Guangdong Province, China's 686 Program, hospitalized patients commonly receive multiple antipsychotic medications simultaneously. Due to the varying outcomes in current studies on the benefits and risks of polypharmacy, it's vital to educate psychiatrists about the importance of AMT to reduce APP. Additionally, randomized, controlled trials are essential to identify the safest and most effective antipsychotic combinations, as well as to understand which patient profiles may benefit from these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingji Hu
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Chronic Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Su
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Social Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanyu Xu
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Chronic Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Li
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Chronic Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujia Zhang
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Chronic Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Chronic Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Chiang CL, Chinen M, Daskiran M, Wakamatsu A, Turkoz I. Clinical effectiveness of paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly and 1-monthly as monotherapy in patients with schizophrenia: A retrospective cohort study based on the Medicaid claims database. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024. [PMID: 39259889 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Real-world data (RWD) for paliperidone palmitate (PP) three-monthly (PP3M) is lacking based on Japan label requirements. This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of PP3M versus PP once-monthly (PP1M) in patients with schizophrenia administered according to Japan label requirements. METHODS Retrospective analyses were conducted using RWD from Merative™ MarketScan® Multi-State Medicaid (MDCD) claims database (June 2015-December 2022). Adult patients with schizophrenia switching from PP1M to PP3M were included. Patients transitioning to PP3M were matched with patients who continued with PP1M using propensity score matching (PSM) at 1:1 ratio. Primary hypothesis aimed to investigate non-inferiority of PP3M versus PP1M in terms of relapse-free status at 24 months from index PP injection. Outcome measures were proportions of relapse-free patients at 24 months, time to relapse, treatment persistence, and adherence. RESULTS Total 4252 eligible adult schizophrenia patients on PP (PP3M:582; PP1M:3670) were identified. After PSM, each PP cohort comprised 562 matched individuals. Estimated proportion of relapse-free patients was higher in PP3M (85.7%) versus PP1M (77.9%), per Japan PP label. PP3M demonstrated superiority to PP1M after testing for non-inferiority in terms of achieving relapse-free status at 24 months, with an estimated difference of 7.8% (95% CI: 1.7%-13.9%). PP3M cohort had lower risk of relapse (HR: 0.605; CI: 0.427-0.856), longer treatment persistence, and higher treatment adherence versus PP1M cohort. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggests that patients who switched to PP3M might be able to reduce risk of relapse compared to those who continued PP1M after aligning particularly with Japan's label requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Lin Chiang
- Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Madoka Chinen
- Medical Affairs, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mehmet Daskiran
- US Statistics & Decision Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Ibrahim Turkoz
- US Statistics & Decision Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, New Jersey, USA
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Mishra A, Maiti R, Ramasubbu MK, Srinivasan A. Evaluation of the pharmacodynamic interaction effect of augmentation agents with clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: A simulation study of clinical data. Psychiatry Res 2024; 338:115989. [PMID: 38824710 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to evaluate interaction effect of various augmentation strategies with clozapine in patients with Treatment-resistant schizophrenia. METHODS Data was extracted for change in positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) or brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) scores for monotherapy with various antipsychotic agents alone and their combination with clozapine. Individual patient data was generated using simulation of data (factorial trial framework) from published clinical trials for sample sizes from eight to 400 to evaluate interaction effect through linear modeling. Dose equivalents were calculated, and best fit models were determined for simulated data. RESULTS The polynomial model was found to be the best fit for the simulated data to determine interaction effect of combination. The clozapine augmentation with risperidone and ziprasidone was found to be antagonistic, whereas it was additive for haloperidol, aripiprazole, and quetiapine. A synergistic effect was observed for ECT combined with clozapine (Interaction effect: -7.62; p <0.001). A sample size of 250-300 may be sufficient to demonstrate a clinically significant interaction in future trials. CONCLUSION Clozapine may be augmented with electroconvulsive therapy, leading to the enhancement of antipsychotic effect. Though some antipsychotics like aripiprazole demonstrate additive effects, they may also add to the adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, India
| | - Rituparna Maiti
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, India
| | - Mathan Kumar Ramasubbu
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, India
| | - Anand Srinivasan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, India.
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Harding SL, Ellis KA, Boisseau J, Petreca V. Psychiatric Deprescribing: A Narrative Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2024; 30:810-818. [PMID: 37392084 DOI: 10.1177/10783903231185353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychiatric deprescribing is an intervention where psychiatric medications are reduced or discontinued with the goal to improve health and reduce unnecessary risks. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the literature related to psychiatric deprescribing to discuss practice and research implications. METHODS A structured search of the literature was conducted from May to September 2022, yielding 29 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Articles were reviewed and synthesized. RESULTS Psychiatric deprescribing is a complex process with many potential facilitators and barriers. The extant literature provides insight into current gaps in knowledge and implications for clinical practice and research. CONCLUSIONS In current clinical practice, psychiatric deprescribing is a priority but there are significant barriers. Several areas of future research could be pursued to better support evidence-based practice in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shari L Harding
- Shari L. Harding, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPRP, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kerri A Ellis
- Kerri A. Ellis, DNP, ACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - John Boisseau
- John Boisseau, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LifeStance Health, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor Petreca
- Victor Petreca, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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6
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Dragasek J, Dombi ZB, Acsai K, Dzurilla V, Barabássy Á. The management of patients with predominant negative symptoms in Slovakia: A 1-year longitudinal, prospective, multicentric cohort study. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e44. [PMID: 38778040 PMCID: PMC11441340 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predominant negative symptoms (PNSs) in schizophrenia can affect the patients' psychosocial functioning immensely and are less responsive to treatment than positive symptoms. AIMS The aim of the study was to observe negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning in PNS schizophrenia patients and to understand whether PNS can be improved and with what treatment strategies. METHODS This was a 1-year, prospective, multicentric cohort study conducted in Slovakia. Adult outpatients with diagnosis of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 and PNS evaluated using the criteria by the European Psychiatric Association's (EPA) guidance were included. Change in negative symptoms, functionality, and treatment patterns were observed. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the modified Short Assessment of Negative Domain (m-SAND), the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) scale, the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale, and the Clinical Global Impression - Severity (CGI-S) and the Clinical Global Impression - Improvement (CGI-I) scales. Least-squares (LS) means were calculated for the change from baseline to final visit for the outcomes. RESULTS The study included 188 patients. Functionality improved as, by the end of the study, fewer patients were unemployed (53%) and more worked occasionally (21%). PNS improved significantly according to both physicians and patients (LS mean change from baseline in m-SAND total score: -10.0 (p-value <0.0001)). Most patients received polytherapy throughout the study. Cariprazine was utilized most (20% monotherapy and 76% polytherapy). Only a few patients discontinued treatment due to adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS With the right treatment strategy, it is possible to achieve improvement in PNS and everyday functioning in schizophrenia outpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Dragasek
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, Košice, Slovakia
| | | | - Károly Acsai
- Global Medical Division, Gedeon Richter Plc., Budapest, Hungary
- Ceva Animal Health, Ceva-Phylaxia, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ágota Barabássy
- Global Medical Division, Gedeon Richter Plc., Budapest, Hungary
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7
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Parabiaghi A, Monzio Compagnoni M, D’Avanzo B, Caggiu G, Galbussera AA, Tettamanti M, Fortino I, Barbato A. Association of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy and Two-Year All-Cause Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 33,221 Italian Continuous Users. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2073. [PMID: 38610838 PMCID: PMC11012528 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072073] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Differences in survival between patients treated with antipsychotic monotherapy vs. polytherapy are debated. This study aimed to examine the association of antipsychotic polytherapy with 2-year all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort. Methods: Data were retrieved from healthcare databases of four local health units of Lombardy, Italy. Subjects aged 18-79 years who received continuous antipsychotic prescriptions in 2018 were identified. Overall survival among patients with antipsychotic monotherapy vs. polytherapy was compared. A multivariate Cox PH model was used to estimate the association between antipsychotic therapy, or antipsychotic use (continuous vs. non-continuous), and all-cause mortality. Adjustments were made for the presence of metabolic disturbances, total antipsychotic dosage amount (olanzapine equivalent doses), age, and sex. Results: A total of 49,875 subjects receiving at least one prescription of antipsychotics during 2018 were identified. Among the 33,221 patients receiving continuative antipsychotic prescriptions, 1958 (5.9%) experienced death from any cause at two years. Patients with continuous antipsychotic use had a 1.13-point increased mortality risk compared with non-continuous users. Patients treated with antipsychotic polytherapy showed an adjusted mortality risk increased by 17% (95% CI: 2%, 33%) compared to monotherapy. Conclusions: The study highlights the potential risks associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy, emphasizing the importance of optimizing drug prescriptions to improve patient safety and reduce mortality rates in individuals receiving antipsychotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Parabiaghi
- Unit for Quality of Care and Rights Promotion in Mental Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”-IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Matteo Monzio Compagnoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara D’Avanzo
- Laboratory for Assessing Quality of Care and Services, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”-IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giulia Caggiu
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- National Centre for Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Alessia A. Galbussera
- Laboratory of Geriatric Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”-IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (A.A.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Geriatric Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”-IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (A.A.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Ida Fortino
- Directorate General for Health, Lombardy Region, 00144 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Barbato
- Unit for Quality of Care and Rights Promotion in Mental Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”-IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (A.B.)
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8
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Levenson S. Antipsychotics: Past, Present, and Future (Part 2): Article 2 of 3. Sr Care Pharm 2024; 39:57-72. [PMID: 38263570 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2024.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The history of antipsychotics in nursing facilities is one piece of a much larger, more complex puzzle. In many ways, it reflects the virtues and limitations of the entire health care system and those who provide care. None of the issues related to the use of antipsychotics are specific to these medications or to nursing facilities. After decades of effort to reduce unwarranted antipsychotics use, the current situation is still a work in progress. Many widely held assumptions and standard narratives, such as those about behavior, the place of medications in person-centered care, and the causes of inappropriate medication use are only partially correct. This second of three articles is not intended to discuss how to diagnose and manage behavior disorders or choose medications. Instead, it addresses the diverse perspectives and key players that have been involved and the results of their efforts. Ultimately, this will set the stage for specific recommendations (part 3) about learning from past efforts surrounding antipsychotics to identify more definitive and lasting improvements in the future. Part 1 of this series covered the history of attempts to influence use of medications-especially, antipsychotics-in nursing facility care of residents with behavior, mood, and cognitive issues. These improvement efforts can be described as fragmented, often ineffectual, and politically fraught. After decades of effort, and despite a significant reduction in the indiscriminate use of antipsychotics, psychotropics are still widely used in nursing facilities.1 The extent of improvement overall in managing individuals with dementia and other diverse behavior, mood, and cognitive issues is unclear.
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Tirupati S, Arachchi MK. High rates of myocarditis with clozapine in the Hunter region of Australia. Schizophr Res 2024; 264:543-548. [PMID: 38330687 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the causes of clozapine treatment discontinuation and measure clozapine-induced myocarditis (CIM) rates in an Australian region, to compare the observed rates of CMI with reports from Australia and the world, and discuss factors related to CIM incidence rates in the region. METHODS The study is a retrospective clinical audit of 327 patients prescribed clozapine. All patients were monitored by the mandatory CIM monitoring protocol for the first six weeks of treatment. The validity of a diagnosis of CIM was assessed using six criteria. Socio-demographic and clinical factors and clozapine prescription practices were analysed for their association with CIM. The study could not examine co-existing medical illness, co-prescribed psychotropic medication, genetics, and environmental factors. RESULTS CIM occurred in 9.8 % of the cohort after a mean treatment duration of 19.5 days. The diagnosis of CIM was considered valid in all cases. Gender, age at the start of treatment, ethnicity, cumulative clozapine dose, dose titration, and clozapine/norclozapine ratio were unrelated to CIM. CONCLUSION The CIM rate in the Hunter region was higher than in the rest of Australia and the world and increased after adopting the monitoring protocol. Over-diagnosis, patient's age and gender, ethnicity, cumulative clozapine dose, dosing titration, and clozapine metabolism rate were unrelated to the high occurrence rates. The possible role of comorbid illnesses, co-prescribed psychiatric medications, genetic, and environmental factors in the etiology of CIM requires further study. The reasons underlying the high rates of CIM in the Hunter region need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Tirupati
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, Hunter New England Mental Health, Morisset, NSW 2264, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Mahinda K Arachchi
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, Hunter New England Mental Health, Morisset, NSW 2264, Australia
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Levenson S. Antipsychotics in Perspective: Past, Present, and Future (Article 2 of 3). J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:S1525-8610(23)00954-4. [PMID: 38300201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The history of antipsychotics in nursing homes is one piece of a much larger, more complex puzzle. In many ways, it reflects the virtues and limitations of the entire health care system and those who provide care. None of the issues related to the use of antipsychotics are specific to these medications or to nursing homes. After decades of effort to reduce unwarranted antipsychotics use, the current situation is still a work in progress. Many widely held assumptions and standard narratives, such as those about behavior, the place of medications in person-centered care, and the causes of inappropriate medication use are only partially correct. This second of 3 articles is not intended to discuss how to diagnose and manage behavior disorders or choose medications. Instead, it addresses the diverse perspectives and key players that have been involved and the results of their efforts. Ultimately, this will set the stage for specific recommendations (part 3) about learning from past efforts surrounding antipsychotics to identify more definitive and lasting improvements in the future.
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11
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Rosenstand NJ, Nielsen AS, Skøt L, Anhøj S, Nielsen DG, Højlund M, Mellentin AI. Pharmacological Treatment of Alcohol use Disorder in Patients with Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1129-1143. [PMID: 36582063 PMCID: PMC10964102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221229160300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with psychotic disorders (PD) often have comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is typically treated pharmacologically. Up till now, no systematic review has examined the effectiveness and safety of AUD treatment in PD patients. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review the literature on (1) the effects of pharmacological treatments for AUD on drinking outcomes, (2) the side effects of the drugs, and (3) the effects of polypharmacy in patients with comorbid AUD and PD. METHODS Bibliographic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO. At least two reviewers extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias, and performed the qualitative synthesis of the collected evidence. RESULTS Twelve eligible studies were identified, half being randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Three studies examined disulfiram, nine naltrexone, two acamprosate, and one nalmefene by comparing the effects of treatment to placebo, baseline, or pharmacological agents. Disulfiram and naltrexone were shown to reduce alcohol intake. Regarding acamprosate, the findings were mixed. Nalmefene decreased alcohol intake. All pharmacological agents appeared safe to use as AUD monotherapy, but cardiac events were reported when combining naltrexone and disulfiram. Nine studies had a high risk of bias, and three had some other concerns. CONCLUSION The studies provide tentative support for the use of naltrexone and disulfiram in this population, although combinations of pharmacological AUD treatments and other polypharmacy remain unexplored. The studies had high adherence rates that are hardly replicable in real-world settings. Thus, the findings should be confirmed in larger high quality efficacy and effectiveness RCTs with longer follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Jørgen Rosenstand
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Søgaard Nielsen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Brain Research-Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lotte Skøt
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Simon Anhøj
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Region of Southern Denmark, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Grüner Nielsen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Drug Treatment Center Odense, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Højlund
- Drug Treatment Center Odense, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry Aabenraa, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Angelina Isabella Mellentin
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Telepsychiatry and E-Mental Health, Center for Telepsychiatry, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Morishita H, Perera LMB, Sunakawa H, Kimura S, Yoshida H, Ogihara T. P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Interaction Is a Risk Factor for QT Prolongation in Concomitant Use of Antipsychotics and SSRIs as P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Inhibitors: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database. J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 64:118-124. [PMID: 37658631 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The inhibition of human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels is a known cause of QT prolongation triggered by antipsychotic drugs. Our previous studies suggest that P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug interactions may lead to increased gastrointestinal absorption of pimozide and its accumulation in cardiomyocytes, thereby enhancing the inhibitory effect of hERG channels. There is a paucity of epidemiological studies examining the risk of QT prolongation by antipsychotic drugs in terms of P-gp-mediated interactions with concomitant drugs. Therefore, using the Japanese Adverse Event Reporting Database, we investigated whether the risk of QT prolongation triggered by antipsychotic drugs associated with hERG inhibition is affected by the concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) associated with P-gp inhibition. The results showed that the frequency of QT prolongation increased when the antipsychotic drugs quetiapine and sulpiride, which are P-gp substrates, were combined with SSRIs with P-gp inhibition. In contrast, no association with QT prolongation was observed in patients on non-P-gp-substrate antipsychotics, irrespective of the P-gp inhibitory effect of the concomitant SSRI. These results suggest that P-gp-mediated interactions are a risk factor for antipsychotic-induced QT prolongation. There is a need for further investigation into the risks of specific drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Morishita
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Sunakawa
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
| | - Satsuki Kimura
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- Department of Pharmacy, Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takuo Ogihara
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
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13
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Jakobsen MI, Austin SF, Storebø OJ, Nielsen J, Simonsen E. Non-prescribing of clozapine for outpatients with schizophrenia in real-world settings: The clinicians' perspectives. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:91. [PMID: 38135678 PMCID: PMC10746712 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is the gold standard for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia although continuously underutilized. Previous surveys of clinicians have found that some of the most frequently cited barriers to clozapine prescribing are related to the blood-monitoring requirements. However, these surveys tend to explore general perspectives and may not reflect the true impact of different barriers in real-world outpatient settings. This study aimed to explore this issue. First, by surveying the clinicians responsible for the treatment of 39 clozapine-eligible, yet clozapine-naive, outpatients with schizophrenia. Then, based on the survey results, explanatory interviews with the participating psychiatrists were conducted and analyzed thematically. The most frequently cited reason for non-prescribing of clozapine was the expected non-compliance with blood-monitoring requirements; however, overall stability and/or severe mental illness was chosen as the most important reason in most patient-cases. The qualitative analysis highlighted the combined impact of standard clinical practice, personal experiences, and organizational constraints on clozapine utility.
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Grants
- This study is part of a PhD project funded by the Mental Health Services of Region Zealand Psychiatry East, Roskilde, Denmark, The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark, and the Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Unit for Complicated Schizophrenia, the Mental Health Services of The Capital Region of Denmark, in collaboration. Due to the funding by the Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, the study is partially funded by a private donation favoring patient-oriented research within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Iris Jakobsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Stephen Fitzgerald Austin
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
- The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- The Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jimmi Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Unit for Complicated Schizophrenia, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Simonsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Research Unit East, Mental Health Services East, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
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Belkacem A, Lavigne KM, Makowski C, Chakravarty M, Joober R, Malla A, Shah J, Lepage M. Effects of Anticholinergic Burden on Verbal Memory Performance in First-Episode Psychosis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:894-903. [PMID: 37254533 PMCID: PMC10657580 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231179161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antipsychotics are widely used to treat first-episode psychosis but may have an anticholinergic burden, that is, a cumulative effect of medications that block the cholinergic system. Studies suggest that a high anticholinergic burden negatively affects memory in psychosis, where cognitive deficits, particularly those in verbal memory, are a core feature of the disease. The present study sought to replicate this in a large cohort of well-characterized first-episode psychosis patients. We expected that patients in the highest anticholinergic burden group would exhibit the poorest verbal memory compared to those with low anticholinergic burden and healthy controls at baseline (3 months following admission). We further hypothesized that over time, at month 12, patients' verbal memory performance would improve but would remain inferior to controls. METHODS Patients (n = 311; low anticholinergic burden [n = 241] and high anticholinergic burden [n = 70], defined by a Drug Burden Index cut-off of 1) and healthy controls (n = 128) completed a clinical and neurocognitive battery including parts of the Wechsler Memory Scale at months 3 and 12. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, using an analysis of variance, patients in the highest anticholinergic burden group had the poorest performance in verbal memory when compared to the other groups at month 3, F(2,430) = 52.33, P < 0.001. Longitudinally, using a Generalized Estimating Equation model, the verbal memory performance of all groups improved over time. However, patients' performance overall remained poorer than the controls. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of considering the anticholinergic burden when prescribing medications in the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Belkacem
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Katie M. Lavigne
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carolina Makowski
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Ridha Joober
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ashok Malla
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jai Shah
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Martin Lepage
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Lin JY, Yeh LL, Pan YJ. Exposure to psychotropic medications and mortality in schizophrenia: a 5-year national cohort study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5528-5537. [PMID: 36134676 PMCID: PMC10482725 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively few studies have explored the differential contributions of the accumulative dosage of psychotropic medications on mortality in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS We aimed to explore the effects of the exposure dosage of psychotropic medications on mortality during a follow-up period of 5 years with a national cohort of individuals with schizophrenia in 2010. Causes of death were linked through Taiwan's National Mortality Registry. The mean defined daily dose of antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and sedative-hypnotics, were calculated and survival analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 102 964 individuals (54 151 men, 52.59%) with schizophrenia were included. Compared to patients with no exposure to antipsychotics, those with antipsychotic exposure had better survival outcomes, regardless of antipsychotic dosage. Antidepressant exposure, in low and moderate dosage, was associated with decreased all-cause mortality; exposure to mood stabilizers appeared to be associated with an increase in all-cause mortality. Although 89.7% of the patients had been prescribed sedative-hypnotics, exposure to sedative-hypnotics was associated with dose-related increased mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) in low dose group: 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.27; HR in moderate dose: 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44; HR in high dose: 1.83, 95% CI 1.67-2.01)]. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that in the treatment of schizophrenia, antipsychotics and antidepressants are associated with lower mortality when using adequate dosages and mood stabilizers and sedative-hypnotics with higher mortality compared with no use. Furthermore, exposure to sedative-hypnotics is associated with a dose-related increased mortality risk which warrants clinical attention and further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yu Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ling Yeh
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Gemnani R, Saboo K, Deolikar V, Kumar S, Acharya S. A Case of Antipsychiatry Polypill Overdose (200 Tablets) Successfully Treated With Hemodialysis: A Serious Encounter. Cureus 2023; 15:e44664. [PMID: 37799240 PMCID: PMC10550259 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacy refers to using and consuming multiple drugs as part of the treatment for a disease or disorder. Polypharmacy can lead to an increase in the number of drug overdose emergencies. Age-related metabolic changes and reduced drug clearance in older adults can result in severe drug reactions and other clinical consequences, which can sometimes be fatal, raising concerns about the safety of polypharmacy. We discuss a case of a 50-year-old female who presented to us in a drowsy state after an antipsychiatry (antipsychotic and antidepressant) polypill overdose with 200 tablets and was successfully treated with hemodialysis. This case report highlights that prompt treatment initiation based on the patient's clinical status and drug serum levels is crucial to achieving the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinkle Gemnani
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Keyur Saboo
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Vinit Deolikar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Korade Z, Anderson A, Balog M, Tallman KA, Porter NA, Mirnics K. Chronic Aripiprazole and Trazodone Polypharmacy Effects on Systemic and Brain Cholesterol Biosynthesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1321. [PMID: 37759721 PMCID: PMC10526910 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The concurrent use of several medications is a common practice in the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. One such commonly used combination is aripiprazole (ARI), an antipsychotic, and trazodone (TRZ), an antidepressant. In addition to their effects on dopamine and serotonin systems, both of these compounds are inhibitors of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) enzyme. To evaluate the systemic and nervous system distribution of ARI and TRZ and their effects on cholesterol biosynthesis, adult mice were treated with both ARI and TRZ for 21 days. The parent drugs, their metabolites, and sterols were analyzed in the brain and various organs of mice using LC-MS/MS. The analyses revealed that ARI, TRZ, and their metabolites were readily detectable in the brain and organs, leading to changes in the sterol profile. The levels of medications, their metabolites, and sterols differed across tissues with notable sex differences. Female mice showed higher turnover of ARI and more cholesterol clearance in the brain, with several post-lanosterol intermediates significantly altered. In addition to interfering with sterol biosynthesis, ARI and TRZ exposure led to decreased ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) and increased DHCR7 protein expression in the cortex. Changes in sterol profile have been also identified in the spleen, liver, and serum, underscoring the systemic effect of ARI and TRZ on sterol biosynthesis. Long-term use of concurrent ARI and TRZ warrants further studies to fully evaluate the lasting consequences of altered sterol biosynthesis on the whole body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Korade
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Allison Anderson
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA;
| | - Marta Balog
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Keri A. Tallman
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (K.A.T.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Ned A. Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (K.A.T.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Karoly Mirnics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA;
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18
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Tamene FB, Sema FD, Sendekie AK. Antipsychotic polypharmacy and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia: Multicenter cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290037. [PMID: 37578965 PMCID: PMC10424862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) remains common despite guideline recommendations to minimize combinations, except after repeated antipsychotic monotherapy trials. This study aimed to assess APP and its associated factors among schizophrenia patients at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 schizophrenia patients at selected hospitals in Ethiopia from June to August 2022. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Study participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling. Data entry and analysis were done with Epi-data version 4.6.1 and SPSS version 24, respectively. APP was determined by reviewing the number of medications based on relevant evidence. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify APP factors. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. RESULTS From a total of 430 approached samples, 422 (98.1% response rate) eligible patients were included in the study. An overall APP prevalence was 22.7% (95% CI: 19-27). Duration of illness (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.49, 5.59); duration of treatment (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.05, 13.62); number of admissions (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI: 2.52, 9.64); and substance use (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.47) were significantly associated with APP. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION In this study, APP was recorded in a considerable number of patients. Patients with a longer duration of illness and treatment, frequent admissions, and substance users need critical follow-up to minimize antipsychotic medication use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Bayafers Tamene
- Clinical Pharmacy Unit, Pharmacy Department, Health Science College, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Faisel Dula Sema
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Villar JD, Stavrum AK, Spindola LM, Torsvik A, Bjella T, Steen NE, Djurovic S, Andreassen OA, Steen VM, Le Hellard S. Differences in white blood cell proportions between schizophrenia cases and controls are influenced by medication and variations in time of day. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:211. [PMID: 37330513 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cases with schizophrenia (SCZ) and healthy controls show differences in white blood cell (WBC) counts and blood inflammation markers. Here, we investigate whether time of blood draw and treatment with psychiatric medications are related to differences in estimated WBC proportions between SCZ cases and controls. DNA methylation data from whole blood was used to estimate proportions of six subtypes of WBCs in SCZ patients (n = 333) and healthy controls (n = 396). We tested the association of case-control status with estimated cell-type proportions and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in 4 models: with/without adjusting for time of blood draw, and then compared results from blood samples drawn during a 12-h (07:00-19:00) or 7-h (07:00-14:00) period. We also investigated WBC proportions in a subgroup of medication-free patients (n = 51). Neutrophil proportions were significantly higher in SCZ cases (mean=54.1%) vs. controls (mean=51.1%; p = <0.001), and CD8+T lymphocyte proportions were lower in SCZ cases (mean=12.1%) vs. controls (mean=13.2%; p = 0.001). The effect sizes in the 12-h sample (07:00-19:00) showed a significant difference between SCZ vs. controls for neutrophils, CD4+T, CD8+T, and B-cells, which remained significant after adjusting for time of blood draw. In the samples matched for time of blood draw during 07.00-14.00, we also observed an association with neutrophils, CD4+T, CD8+T, and B-cells that was unaffected by further adjustment for time of blood draw. In the medication-free patients, we observed differences that remained significant in neutrophils (p = 0.01) and CD4+T (p = 0.01) after adjusting for time of day. The association of SCZ with NLR was significant in all models (range: p < 0.001 to p = 0.03) in both medicated and unmedicated patients. In conclusion, controlling for pharmacological treatment and circadian cycling of WBC is necessary for unbiased estimates in case-control studies. Nevertheless, the association of WBC with SCZ remains, even after adjusting for the time of day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonelle D Villar
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne-Kristin Stavrum
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Leticia M Spindola
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anja Torsvik
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Bjella
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels Eiel Steen
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vidar M Steen
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stephanie Le Hellard
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Dr. Einar Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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20
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Peng P, Li J, Chen Y, Li M, Ma F, Ji S, Sun S, Tang F. Associations between antipsychotics and the risk of incident cardiovascular diseases in individuals with schizophrenia: a nested case-control study. BMJ MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 26:e300501. [PMID: 37290905 PMCID: PMC10254892 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2022-300501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between antipsychotics and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains significant yet unestablished, especially in Chinese populations. OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk of CVDs associated with antipsychotics among Chinese individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study on individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in Shandong, China. The case group included individuals diagnosed with incident CVDs between 2012 and 2020. Each case was randomly matched with up to three controls. We used weighted logistic regression models to assess the risk of CVDs associated with antipsychotics and restricted cubic spline analysis to explore the dose-response relationship. FINDINGS In total, 2493 cases and 7478 matched controls were included in the analysis. Compared with non-users, any antipsychotics use was associated with higher risk of any CVDs (weighted OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.79), with the risk mainly driven by ischaemic heart diseases (weighted OR=2.26, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.99). Treatments with haloperidol, aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, sulpiride and chlorpromazine were associated with increased risk of CVDs. A non-linear dose-response relationship between dosage of antipsychotics and risk of CVDs was observed, with a sharp increase in risk in the beginning and then flattening out with higher doses. CONCLUSIONS Use of antipsychotics was associated with increased risk of incident CVDs among individuals with schizophrenia, and the risk varied substantially among different antipsychotics and specific CVDs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should consider the cardiovascular risk of antipsychotics and choose the appropriate type and dose of drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Big Data Research in Health and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiqing Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujiao Chen
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Mingzhuo Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Big Data Research in Health and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Big Data Research in Health and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Ji
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shihua Sun
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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21
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Ajayi SU, Arora P. A Survey Study on Clinicians' Rationale and Attitude Towards the Prescription of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in the East Perth Metropolitan Area in Western Australia. Cureus 2023; 15:e37234. [PMID: 37064723 PMCID: PMC10098027 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Patients challenging refractory and residual psychotic symptoms have led to the concomitant use of combined antipsychotics, which was later introduced and labelled 'antipsychotic polypharmacy' (APP). Many clinicians have become somewhat hesitant to adjust psychotropic medication dosages, resulting in a higher dose and combination prescription of antipsychotics and only achieving modest success. This study examines and investigates clinician perspectives and the rationale for the prescription of antipsychotic polypharmacy. Methods A structured questionnaire designed to reflect 15 target-directed questions evaluating clinicians' attitudes and rationale on antipsychotic polypharmacy prescription was administered from November to December 2022. Information was obtained from inpatient and outpatient prescribers (psychiatric consultants) in two government-funded psychiatric facilities and outpatient clinics in the East Perth Metropolitan Area in Western Australia. Results After exclusion, a total of 45 participants' responses were analysed. These results suggest a higher frequency of questions relating to the prescription of APP based on previous prescribers' consultation and recommendation from a prior treating team; senior nurses' pressure impacting clinicians' decisions on APP perception; and the patient's risk of aggression impacting the clinician's rationale for the prescription of APP. Conclusions Clinicians' rationale and attitude towards the prescription of APP are mostly influenced by recommendations from prior treatment teams or consultations and patients' risk for aggression without compromising practice guidelines. Our findings also highlight the need to evaluate prescribers' attitudes and how it presents an opportunity to enhance patients' holistic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Praveena Arora
- Older Adult Mental Health Service, Royal Perth Bentley Health Service, Perth, AUS
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22
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Wu R, Li M. Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in a Geriatric Patient. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.12.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Lunghi C, Rochette L, Massamba V, Tardif I, Ouali A, Sirois C. Psychiatric and non-psychiatric polypharmacy among older adults with schizophrenia: Trends from a population-based study between 2000 and 2016. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1080073. [PMID: 36825148 PMCID: PMC9941679 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1080073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with multiple psychiatric and non-psychiatric comorbidities. As adults with schizophrenia age, they may use many medications, i.e., have polypharmacy. While psychiatric polypharmacy is well documented, little is known about trends and patterns of global polypharmacy. This study aimed to draw a portrait of polypharmacy among older adults with schizophrenia from 2000 to 2016. Methods: This population-based cohort study was conducted using the data of the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec to characterize recent trends and patterns of medication use according to age and sex. We identified all Quebec residents over 65 years with an ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia between 2000 and 2016. We calculated the total number of medications used by every individual each year and the age-standardized proportion of individuals with polypharmacy, as defined by the usage of 5+, 10+, 15+, and 20+ different medications yearly. We identified the clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with polypharmacy using robust Poisson regression models considering the correlation of the responses between subjects and analyzed trends in the prevalence of different degrees of polypharmacy. Results: From 2000 to 2016, the median number of medications consumed yearly rose from 8 in 2000 to 11 in 2016. The age-standardized proportion of people exposed to different degrees of polypharmacy also increased from 2000 to 2016: 5+ drugs: 76.6%-89.3%; 10+ drugs: 36.9%-62.2%; 15+: 13.3%-34.4%; 20+: 3.9%-14.4%. Non-antipsychotic drugs essentially drove the rise in polypharmacy since the number of antipsychotics remained stable (mean number of antipsychotics consumed: 1.51 in 2000 vs. 1.67 in 2016). In the multivariate regression, one of the main clinically significant factor associated with polypharmacy was the number of comorbidities (e.g., Polypharmacy-10+: RR[2 VS. 0-1] = 1.4; 99% IC:1.3-1.4, RR[3-4] = 1.7 (1.7-1.8); RR[5+] = 2.1 (2.1-2.2); Polypharmacy-15+: RR[2 VS 0-1] = 1.6; 99% IC:1.5-1.7, RR[3-4] = 2.5 (2.3-2.7); RR[5+] = 4.1 (3.8-4.5). Conclusion: There was a noticeable increase in polypharmacy exposure among older adults with schizophrenia in recent years, mainly driven by non-antipsychotic medications. This raises concerns about the growing risks for adverse effects and drug-drug interactions in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Lunghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Lévis, QC, Canada,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,Institut national de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Carlotta Lunghi, ,
| | - Louis Rochette
- Institut national de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Amina Ouali
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Sirois
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada,Institut national de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada,Quebec Excellence Centre on Aging, VITAM Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Québec, QC, Canada
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Benzodiazepines and Mood Stabilizers in Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Oral versus Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics-An Observational Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020173. [PMID: 36831716 PMCID: PMC9953951 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic, invalidating, and polymorphic disease, characterized by relapses and remission periods. The main treatment option in schizophrenia are antipsychotics, administered as an oral or as a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation. Although international guidelines rarely recommend it, mood stabilizers (MS) and/or benzodiazepines (BZD) are frequently prescribed as adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia patients for various reasons. This is an observational, cross-sectional study including stabilized schizophrenia patients. A total of 315 patients were enrolled. Of these, 77 patients (24.44%) were stabilized on LAIs and 238 (75.56%) patients on oral antipsychotics (OAP). Eighty-four patients (26.66%) had concomitant treatment with MS and 119 patients (37.77%) had concomitant benzodiazepine treatment. No statistical significance was observed in MS or BZD use between LAIs and OAPs. In total, 136 patients (43.17%) were stabilized on antipsychotic monotherapy. Our study shows that the long-term use of benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers remains elevated among stabilized schizophrenia patients, regardless of the antipsychotic formulation (oral or LAI). Patients receiving second-generation LAI antipsychotics (SGA-LAI) seem to be more likely to be stabilized on monotherapy compared to those receiving oral antipsychotics. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary in order to clarify the benefits of the current drug polypharmacy trends.
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Oliva V, Fanelli G, Zamparini M, Zarbo C, Rocchetti M, Casiraghi L, Starace F, Martinelli A, Serretti A, de Girolamo G. Patterns of antipsychotic prescription and accelerometer-based physical activity levels in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a multicenter, prospective study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 38:28-39. [PMID: 36165505 PMCID: PMC9722380 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is usually not recommended, though it is very common in clinical practice. Both APP and SSDs have been linked to worse health outcomes and decreased levels of physical activity, which in turn is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality. This real-world, observational study aimed to investigate antipsychotic prescribing patterns and physical activity in residential patients and outpatients with SSDs. A total of 620 patients and 114 healthy controls were recruited in 37 centers across Italy. Each participant underwent a comprehensive sociodemographic and clinical evaluation. Physical activity was monitored for seven consecutive days through accelerometer-based biosensors. High rates of APP were found in all patients, with residential patients receiving more APP than outpatients, probably because of greater psychopathological severity. Physical activity was lower in patients compared to controls. However, patients on APP showed trends of reduced sedentariness and higher levels of light physical activity than those in monopharmacy. Rehabilitation efforts in psychiatric residential treatment facilities were likely to result in improved physical activity performances in residential patients. Our findings may have important public health implications, as they indicate the importance of reducing APP and encouraging physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Oliva
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Zamparini
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia
| | - Cristina Zarbo
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia
| | - Matteo Rocchetti
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, ASST of Pavia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia
| | - Letizia Casiraghi
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, ASST of Pavia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia
| | - Fabrizio Starace
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, AUSL of Modena, Modena
| | - Alessandra Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni de Girolamo
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia
| | - the DiAPASon Consortium
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Unit of Epidemiological and Evaluation Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, ASST of Pavia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia
- Department of Mental Health and Dependence, AUSL of Modena, Modena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Chin K, Ghosh S, Subramaniam H, Beishon L. Cardiovascular disease in older people with serious mental illness: Current challenges and future directions. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1110361. [PMID: 36926467 PMCID: PMC10011471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1110361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Chin
- Department of Ageing and Health, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sudip Ghosh
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Hari Subramaniam
- The Evington Centre, Leicestershire Partnership National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Beishon
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Torrico TJ. The pathophysiology of rapid fluctuations in mental status associated with olanzapine: A case report. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1028350. [PMID: 37082516 PMCID: PMC10111197 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1028350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOlanzapine toxicity is reported to be a rare but specific phenomenon characterized by rapid fluctuations between somnolence and agitation, which has been referred to as “agitation despite sedation.” A similar phenomenon is observed as an adverse reaction of the long-acting injectable olanzapine formulation, which has been referred to as “delirium/sedation syndrome.”Case presentationThis case report describes a 48-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia who experienced rapid fluctuations between somnolence and agitation during a cross-titration of olanzapine to clozapine. The patient had normal serum levels of both medications and the symptoms resolved with the discontinuation of olanzapine.ConclusionRapid fluctuations in mental status between somnolence and agitation are not clearly described among other antipsychotics, and it is possible that this phenomenon may be specific to olanzapine. The findings of this case report suggested that this phenomenon was likely the result of the oversaturation of (H1) and (M1) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Torrico
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, United States
- American Psychiatric Association Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Tyler J. Torrico,
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Lippi M, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. The dilemma of polypharmacy in psychosis: is it worth combining partial and full dopamine modulation? Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:263-275. [PMID: 35815937 PMCID: PMC9521590 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy in psychotic disorders is widespread despite international guidelines favoring monotherapy. Previous evidence indicates the utility of low-dose partial dopamine agonist (PDAs) add-ons to mitigate antipsychotic-induced metabolic adverse effects or hyperprolactinemia. However, clinicians are often concerned about using PDAs combined with high-potency, full dopaminergic antagonists (FDAs) due to the risk of psychosis relapse. We, therefore, conducted a literature review to find studies investigating the effects of combined treatment with PDAs (i.e. aripiprazole, cariprazine and brexpiprazole) and FDAs having a strong D 2 receptor binding affinity. Twenty studies examining the combination aripiprazole - high-potency FDAs were included, while no study was available on combinations with cariprazine or brexpiprazole. Studies reporting clinical improvement suggested that this may require a relatively long time (~11 weeks), while studies that found symptom worsening observed this happening in a shorter timeframe (~3 weeks). Patients with longer illness duration who received add-on aripiprazole on ongoing FDA monotherapy may be at greater risk for symptomatologic worsening. Especially in these cases, close clinical monitoring is therefore recommended during the first few weeks of combined treatment. These indications may be beneficial to psychiatrists who consider using this treatment strategy. Well-powered randomized clinical trials are needed to derive more solid clinical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lippi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Watanabe Y, Ono S, Sugai T, Suzuki Y, Yamazaki M, Sugawara N, Yasui‐Furukori N, Shimoda K, Mori T, Ozeki Y, Matsuda H, Okamoto K, Sagae T, Someya T. Associations between the number of antipsychotics prescribed and metabolic parameters in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2022; 1:e28. [PMID: 38868699 PMCID: PMC11114415 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Aim There is little evidence on the effects of antipsychotic polypharmacy on metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia. Thus, this cross-sectional study explored the associations between the number of antipsychotics prescribed and metabolic parameters in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Methods We obtained metabolic parameter data from 19,675 patients with schizophrenia. Of these, 1380 (7.0%), 8422 (42.8%), 6326 (32.2%), and 3547 (18.0%) were treated with none, one, two, and three or more antipsychotics, respectively. We compared eight metabolic parameters among the four groups using univariate analyses. We then performed multiple regression analysis to assess the effect of the number of antipsychotics prescribed on metabolic parameters after controlling for the effects of age, sex, type of care (outpatient/inpatient), chlorpromazine-equivalent dose, and antipsychotic type (aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone). Results There were significant differences in body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (dBP), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides among the four groups. The multiple regression analysis showed that the number of antipsychotics prescribed was significantly correlated with BMI and dBP (standardized regression coefficient = 0.031 and 0.026, respectively). Conclusion Our results suggested that the number of antipsychotics prescribed adversely affects BMI and dBP. Clinicians should avoid inappropriate antipsychotic polypharmacy, especially polypharmacy involving three or more antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Watanabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
| | - Shin Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
| | - Takuro Sugai
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
- Murakamihamanasu HospitalMurakamiNiigataJapan
| | - Yutaro Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
| | | | - Norio Sugawara
- Department of Psychiatry, School of MedicineDokkyo Medical UniversityMibuTochigiJapan
| | - Norio Yasui‐Furukori
- Department of Psychiatry, School of MedicineDokkyo Medical UniversityMibuTochigiJapan
| | - Kazutaka Shimoda
- Department of Psychiatry, School of MedicineDokkyo Medical UniversityMibuTochigiJapan
| | - Takao Mori
- Japan Psychiatric Hospital AssociationTokyoJapan
| | - Yuji Ozeki
- Department of PsychiatryShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuShigaJapan
| | | | | | - Toyoaki Sagae
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and NutritionYamagata Prefectural Yonezawa University of Nutrition SciencesYonezawaYamagataJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Someya
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
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Woo YS, Park SY, Yoon BH, Choi WS, Wang SM, Bahk WM. Amisulpride Augmentation in Schizophrenia Patients with Poor Response to Olanzapine: A 4-week, Randomized, Rater-Blind, Controlled, Pilot Study. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:567-572. [PMID: 35879041 PMCID: PMC9329105 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.3.567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of continued olanzapine (OLA) versus amisulpride (AMI) augmentation in schizophrenic patients with poor response to OLA monotherapy. Methods The present 4-week, randomized, rater-blinded study included 25 patients with schizophrenia who were partially or completely unresponsive to treatment with OLA monotherapy. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned at a 11 ratio to continuation of OLA monotherapy (OLA group) or OLA with AMI augmentation (AMI group). Efficacy was primarily evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Results The changes in PANSS total score and PANSS-positive subscale score were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the OLA and AMI groups. The differences between the two groups in PANSS-negative subscale, PANSS-general subscale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale scores were not statistically significant. Conclusion AMI augmentation could be an effective strategy for patients with schizophrenia who show inadequate early response to OLA monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sup Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Bo-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Naju National Hospital, Naju, Korea
| | - Won-Seok Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Myong Bahk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Arain S, Al Shakori M, Thorakkattil SA, Mohiuddin SI, Al-Ghamdi F. Implementation of Pharmacist-led Telepsychiatry Services: Challenges and Opportunities in the Midst of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 7:468-476. [PMID: 35909919 PMCID: PMC9313938 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, healthcare systems worldwide have seen many transformations, and one of the most significant transformations is the adoption of telemedicine. Its rapid and wide adoption has created an entirely different set of healthcare experiences. The healthcare field has vastly benefited from integrating technology and patient care. Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) has implemented several telehealth models as a response measure to overcome challenges in access to patient care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes the implementation of pharmacist-led telepsychiatry services utilized to provide several psychiatric services such as counseling patients, ensuring the appropriateness of medications prescribed, conducting therapeutic drug monitoring, and making clinical interventions to ensure a safe and effective therapy. By utilizing this newly integrated telepsychiatry model, pharmacists have continued to remain an integral part of improving patients’ health outcomes and overall patient experience for psychiatric patients.
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Martínez-Giner G, Giménez-De Llano E, Romero-Rubio D, Abad-Pérez MJ, Sánchez-Martínez V. Sexual dysfunction in people treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics in monotherapy or polypharmacy: a naturalistic study. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:576-590. [PMID: 34973049 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction, psychosis, and antipsychotics are known to be related, but the precise association between them is still unknown. Most evidence about the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in people treated with antipsychotic drugs comes from studies with restrictive samples. That is why our main objective was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in a real-life sample of outpatients treated with antipsychotics, considering gender. A cross-sectional naturalistic study was developed, including people treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics, with or without other psychotropic drugs. Participants were interviewed to assess sexual satisfaction through a Likert scale (0 to 10) and the presence of sexual dysfunction (the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire, PRSexDQ-SALSEX). The participants also had a blood test to determine prolactin (men and women) and testosterone levels (men only). A total of 131 people participated in the study (90 men and 41 women). Some extent of sexual dysfunction was found in 62.2% of men and 51.2% of women. The most frequent sexual dysfunction symptom for both genders was the loss of libido (45%). Hyperprolactinemia was present in 56% of men and 61% of women. The presence of sexual dysfunction was associated with higher doses of antipsychotics, hyperprolactinemia, and smoking in men and with smoking and hyperprolactinemia in postmenopausal women. This study provides real-life evidence of sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia in persons treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics segregated by gender. The high rates of sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia detected corroborate the need to consider these aspects in clinical practice.
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Taipale H, Tanskanen A, Luykx JJ, Solmi M, Leucht S, Correll CU, Tiihonen J. Optimal Doses of Specific Antipsychotics for Relapse Prevention in a Nationwide Cohort of Patients with Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:774-784. [PMID: 35524479 PMCID: PMC9212108 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Optimal doses of most antipsychotics in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia are unknown. We aimed to study the risk of severe relapse indicated by rehospitalization for different dose categories of 15 most frequently used antipsychotics in monotherapy in Finland. STUDY METHODS We studied the risk of rehospitalization (Adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR) associated with six antipsychotic monotherapy dose categories (as time-varying dose, measured in defined daily dose, DDDs/day) in a nationwide cohort of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 61 889), using within-individual analyses to eliminate selection bias. STUDY RESULTS Among the 15 most widely used antipsychotics, 13 had a U- or J-shaped dose-response curve, showing the lowest risks of relapse for doses of 0.6-<1.1 DDDs/day vs nonuse of antipsychotics. The exceptions were oral perphenazine (aHR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.68-0.76, <0.6 DDDs/day), and olanzapine-long-acting injectable (LAI), which had the lowest aHR of any antipsychotic (aHR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.11-0.25, 1.4-<1.6 DDDs/day). Certain risperidone and perphenazine doses <0.9 DDD/day were associated with 21%-45% lower risk of rehospitalization (P < .001) than the standard dose of 0.9-1.1 DDD/day (ie, 5 mg for risperidone and 30 mg for perphenazine). CONCLUSIONS For most antipsychotics, the risk of severe relapse was the lowest during use of standard dose. Our results suggest that olanzapine LAI is highly effective in dose ranges >0.9 DDD/day, and especially at 1.4-<1.6 DDDs/day (405 mg/4 weeks) associated with substantially lower risk of rehospitalization than any dose of any other antipsychotic. The current WHO standard dose definitions appear to be clearly too high for perphenazine and somewhat too high for risperidone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Taipale
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland,Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council
, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council
, Stockholm, Sweden,Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada,Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Section Evidence Based Medicine in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +358 50 3418363, fax: +358 17 3682419, e-mail:
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Tirupati S, Gulati S. Electrocardiographic abnormalities and psychotropic polypharmacy in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:243-246. [PMID: 34839745 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211047462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant cause for increased mortality in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Cardiac arrhythmia is one cause of SCD. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities predictive of arrhythmias are associated with antipsychotic drug use. METHOD This chart audit examined the types and frequency of ECG abnormalities (ECG-Abs) in 169 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in a long-stay inpatient unit. We examined the association of ECG-Abs with demographic details and psychotropic drug prescription using chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test, independent two-sample t-test, Pearson's correlation, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS Eighty-eight patients (52.1%) recorded at least one ECG-Ab, and 20.7% had two or more ECG-Abs. The use of multiple antipsychotics, with or without other psychotropic drugs, did not associate significantly with the presence or number of ECG-Abs. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have ECG-Abs other than prolonged QTc interval, which can predispose them to cardiac arrhythmias. The abnormalities were not limited to patients on psychotropic polypharmacy. ECG evaluation is indicated for all patients and should consider various electrical abnormalities to identify arrhythmia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Tirupati
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, Hunter New England Mental Health, Morisset, NSW, Australia; and School of Public Health and Medicine, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sachal Gulati
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, Hunter New England Mental Health, Morisset, NSW, Australia
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Untreated Mental Illness Has Created a National Tragedy: A Pandemic of Homelessness. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:115-117. [PMID: 35135977 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lin SK, Yang SY, Park SC, Jang OJ, Zhu X, Xiang YT, Ouyang WC, Javed A, Khan MNS, Grover S, Avasthi A, Kallivayalil RA, Chee KY, Chemi N, Kato TA, Hayakawa K, Pariwatcharakul P, Maramis M, Seneviratne L, Kang S, Tang WK, Oo T, Sartorius N, Tan CH, Chong MY, Park YC, Shinfuku N. Prescription Patterns for Bipolar Disorder in Asian Countries: Findings from Research on Asian Prescription Pattern-Bipolar Disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:61-69. [PMID: 35078949 PMCID: PMC8813322 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Pharmacotherapy including mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are frequently used in bipolar disorder (BD); however, the lack of consensus regarding the definition of polypharmacy hinders conducting comparative studies across different settings and countries. Research on Asian Prescription Pattern (REAP) is the largest and the longest lasting international collaborative research in psychiatry in Asia. The objective of REAP BD was to investigate the prescription patterns of psychotropic medications across Asian countries. The rates of polypharmacy and psychotropic drug load were also analyzed. Methods The data collection was web-based. Prescription patterns were categorized as (1) mood stabilizer monotherapy: one mood stabilizer; (2) antipsychotic monotherapy: one antipsychotic; (3) simple polypharmacy: one mood stabilizer and one antipsychotic; and (4) complex polypharmacy: ≥ 2 mood stabilizers or/and antipsychotics. The psychotropic drug load in each patient was calculated using the defined daily dose method. Results Among 2003 patients with BD (52.1% female, 42.4 years) from 12 countries, 1,619 (80.8%) patients received mood stabilizers, 1,644 (82.14%) received antipsychotics, and 424 (21.2%) received antidepressants, with 14.7% mood stabilizer monotherapy, 13.4% antipsychotic monotherapy, 48.9% simple polypharmacy, 20.3% complex polypharmacy, and 2.6% other therapy. The average psychotropic drug load was 2.05 ± 1.40. Results varied widely between countries. Conclusion Over 70% of psychotropic regimens involved polypharmacy, which accords with the high prevalence of polypharmacy in BD under a permissive criterion (2 or more core psychotropic drugs) worldwide. Notably, ≥ 80% of our sample received antipsychotics, which may indicate an increasing trend in antipsychotic use for BD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ku Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei City Hospital and Psychiatric Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Seon-Cheol Park
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Ok-Jin Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Bugok National Hospital, Changyeong, Korea
| | - Xiaomin Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, the Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Anding Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wen-Chen Ouyang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Jianan Psychiatric Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Afzal Javed
- Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Kok Yoon Chee
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Tunku Abdul Rahman Institute of Neurosciences, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Chemi
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Takahiro A. Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Hayakawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Margarita Maramis
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Soetomo Hospital - Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lakmi Seneviratne
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Sim Kang
- Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, Singapore
| | - Wai Kwong Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tin Oo
- Mental Health Hospital, Yangon University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Norman Sartorius
- Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programs, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chay-Hoon Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mian-Yoon Chong
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung & Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Yong Chon Park
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Naotaka Shinfuku
- School of Human Sciences, Seinan Gakuin University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Maric NP, Andric Petrovic S, Russo M, Jerotic S, Ristic I, Savić B, Pemovska T, Milutinovic M, Ribic E, Markovska-Simoska S, Dzubur Kulenovic A, Jovanovic N. Maintenance Therapy of Psychosis Spectrum Disorders in a Real-World Setting: Antipsychotics Prescription Patterns and Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:796719. [PMID: 35463504 PMCID: PMC9022963 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.796719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintenance therapy of patients with primary psychosis spectrum disorders (PSD) in the Western Balkans has received limited interest so far. The present study aimed to investigate long-term prescription patterns among outpatients with PSD. METHODS Information about prescription of antipsychotics (AP), benzodiazepines (BZD) and other psychotropic medication over a 6-month period was collected from outpatients (n = 134; ICD-10 diagnosis F20-29) recruited by a larger multi-site study, to find mean daily number of psychotropic drugs, AP prescription patterns (including AP daily dose, route of administration, monotherapy vs. polypharmacy) and BZD utilization (long-term add-on BZD therapy). Additionally, sex-differences in the variables were explored. RESULTS Clinically stable outpatients (age 41.7 ± 11.0; male 62.7%; duration of untreated illness 12.7 ± 8.7 years; mean number of lifetime hospitalizations 2.6 ± 0.7) were prescribed 2.8 ± 1.1 psychotropic medications daily. The mean 6-month AP dose was 14.2 ± 7.8 mg olanzapine equivalents. Long-acting injectable AP was prescribed to 25.2% of the patients. Long-term AP monotherapy was found in 52.7% patients and most of them were prescribed second generation AP (65.2%). Long-term AP polypharmacy (42.7%) was more common in males (p = 0.015). The most frequent co-prescription patterns were first generation AP plus clozapine. The highest rate of long-term AP co-prescription was found for BZD (in 42.7% cases, average 6-months daily dose of 2.8 ± 2.7 mg lorazepam equivalents) and anticholinergics (33.6%). CONCLUSION Existing appropriately designed interventions aiming to safely switch the inappropriate therapeutic regimens, i.e. very high prevalence of long-term AP polypharmacy and non-rational BZD co-prescription, should be implemented in the region of Western Balkans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja P Maric
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Andric Petrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Manuela Russo
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Jerotic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Ristic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Savić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Pemovska
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Milos Milutinovic
- University Clinic of Psychiatry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Emina Ribic
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Alma Dzubur Kulenovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nikolina Jovanovic
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Kim JJ, Pae CU, Han C, Bahk WM, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS. Exploring Hidden Issues in the Use of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:600-609. [PMID: 34690115 PMCID: PMC8553537 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.4.600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The mainstay of schizophrenia treatment is pharmacological therapy using various antipsychotics including first- and second-generation antipsychotics which have different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic property leading to differential presentation of adverse events (AEs) and treatment effects such as negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms and cormorbid symptoms. Major treatment guidelines suggest the use of antipsychotic monotherapy (APM) as a gold standard in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the effects of APM is inadequate and less potent to achieve symptom remission as well as functional recovery in real practice which has been consistently reported in numerous controlled clinical trials, large practical trials, independent small studies and systematic reviews till today. Therefore anti-psychotic polypharmacy (APP) regardless of the class of antipsychotics has been also commonly utilized for many reasons in real world practice. However, APP has also crucial pitfalls including increase of total psychotics including antipsychotics, high-doses of antipsychotics used, poor compliance, drug-drug interaction and risks for developing AEs, all of which are paradoxically related to poor clinical outcomes, whereas APP has also substantial advantages in reduction of re-hospitalization, severe psychopathology and targeted control of concurrent symptoms. Given currently limited therapeutic options, it is also important to properly utilize APP in order to maximize its clinical utility and minimize its risk for better treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia, based on risk/benefit with full understanding of pharmacological and clinical issues on APP. The present paper intends to address intriguing and important issues in the use of APP in real world practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Myong Bahk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ashwin A Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Patrichi B, Ţăpoi C, Rogojină RŞ, Bedreagă I, Dumitrache A, Itu A, Dragomir R, Buciuc AG. Antipsychotic polypharmacy in adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: A retrospective study. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1225. [PMID: 34539821 PMCID: PMC8438669 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is a common practice in the treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of APP in our department, as well as the trends associated with co-prescribing antipsychotics. We collected data from the medical records of all 193 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were admitted to Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatry Hospital (Bucharest, Romania), Department 9, during January 2019-December 2019. Demographic characteristics of the patients, clinical diagnosis, psychiatric admission type and duration of hospitalization were examined. Data regarding the antipsychotic regimen at discharge and other psychotropic drugs used were collected. A total of 69 (35.75%) patients received more than 2 antipsychotics upon discharge. Patients treated with APP did not differ in regards to sex, age, education level, employment status, marital status, living situation, type of admission from those receiving antipsychotic monotherapy (APM). Prolonged hospitalization was found to be an independent predictor of APP (P=0.014). Most of the combinations used in our unit included clozapine (47.8%), and the most frequently used treatment in the APP group was the combination of paliperidone and clozapine (14.5%). In the APP group, 30 (43.5%) patients included in their regimen was a long-acting intramuscular antipsychotic. There was no significant difference in terms of the use of mood stabilizers, antiparkinsonian drugs or anxiolytics between the APP and the APM group; yet, a higher prevalence of antidepressant use, although not statistically significant (P=0.067), in the APP group compared to the APM group, was observed. The use of APP as a long-term regimen is a common practice in our department, as it is worldwide. There is a great need for randomized-control trials and evidence-based studies in order to define the safest and most effective combinations of antipsychotics and also the characteristics of patients that may benefit from these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Patrichi
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of General Psychiatry, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Ţăpoi
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Ştefan Rogojină
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Bedreagă
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dumitrache
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Itu
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Dragomir
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela-Georgiana Buciuc
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
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Review: Influence of the CYP450 Genetic Variation on the Treatment of Psychotic Disorders. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184275. [PMID: 34575384 PMCID: PMC8464829 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Second-generation antipsychotic metabolism is mainly carried out by the CYP450 superfamily, which is highly polymorphic. Therefore, knowing the influence of the different known CYP450 polymorphisms on antipsychotic plasmatic levels and, consequently, the biological effect could contribute to a deeper knowledge of interindividual antipsychotic treatment variability, prompting possible solutions. Considering this, this state of the art review aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the influence of the diverse characterized phenotypes on the metabolism of the most used second-generation antipsychotics. Forty studies describing different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the genes CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 and their influence on pharmacokinetics of olanzapine, clozapine, aripiprazole, risperidone, and quetiapine. Most of the authors concluded that although significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the different phenotypes could be observed, more thorough studies describing pharmacokinetic interactions and environmental conditions, among other variables, are needed to fully comprehend these pharmacogenetic interactions.
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Association of CNR1 and INSIG2 polymorphisms with antipsychotics-induced weight gain: a prospective nested case-control study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15304. [PMID: 34315947 PMCID: PMC8316361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Weight gain is a frequent and severe adverse reaction in patients taking antipsychotics. The objective was to further investigate in a natural setting influential risk factors associated with clinically significant weight gain. An observational follow-up study was conducted. Patients when initiating treatment with whatever antipsychotic were included; a structured questionnaire was applied at baseline, 3 and 6 months later; a blood sample was obtained. In a nested case-control approach, patients with an increase ≥ 7% of their initial weight were considered as cases, the remaining, as controls. The results showed that, out of 185 patients, 137 completed the 6-month follow-up (cases, 38; controls, 99). Weight gain gradually and significantly increased in cases (baseline, 65.0 kg; 6 months, 74.0 kg) but not in controls (65.6 kg and 65.8 kg, respectively). Age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99, p = 0.004), olanzapine (adjusted OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.13-7.80, p = 0.027) and quetiapine (adjusted OR = 0.25, 95% = 0.07-0.92, p = 0.037) significantly associated with weight gain. An association was also found for the CNR1 (rs1049353) and INSIG2 (rs7566605) polymorphisms. In conclusion, an increased risk of antipsychotics-induced weight gain was observed for younger age and olanzapine, and a relative lower risk for quetiapine. A potential role of CNR1 rs1049353 and INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphisms is suggested.
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Lähteenvuo M, Tiihonen J. Antipsychotic Polypharmacy for the Management of Schizophrenia: Evidence and Recommendations. Drugs 2021; 81:1273-1284. [PMID: 34196945 PMCID: PMC8318953 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating illness with a lifetime prevalence estimate of 0.6% and consists of symptoms from the positive, negative, and cognitive domains. Social support, therapy, psychoeducation, and overall case management are very important aspects of the treatment of schizophrenia. However, as abnormalities in neurotransmission are one of the key findings of schizophrenia pathology, pharmacotherapies are cornerstones of the management of schizophrenia. Antipsychotics have been used as the primary pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia. These agents often have a good effect on reducing positive symptoms, but may not markedly improve negative symptoms or cognitive defects. However, at least 20% of individuals with schizophrenia do not experience a substantial response from monotherapy with antipsychotics. Further, despite evolving treatment protocols and advances in early recognition of the disorder, 70% of patients with schizophrenia require long-term, even lifetime, medication to control their symptoms and do not achieve complete recovery. To address these shortcomings, clinicians and research scientists have explored different combinations of treatments, polypharmacy, to improve the treatment of patients. Antipsychotic polypharmacy has been shown to cause more side effects than monotherapy, which is the main reason why most treatment guidelines caution against it. Antipsychotic monotherapy should be strived for and clozapine should be tried at the latest if two monotherapy trials with other antipsychotics have failed and no absolute contraindications exist. If residual symptoms exist despite trials of adequate dose and duration, other reasons that may reduce treatment effect should be ruled out. Long-acting injectables or blood concentration measurements should be considered to affirm compliance and proper serum levels. Antipsychotic polypharmacy should be considered and discussed with patients from whom the aforementioned procedures do not produce a satisfactory treatment result. In some cases, antipsychotic polypharmacy may produce better results than other forms of treatment augmentation, such as benzodiazepines. In particular, combining aripiprazole with clozapine may be effective in reducing treatment side effects or residual symptoms, and this is likely to hold true for combining other partial dopamine D2 agonists with clozapine as well, although currently scant data exist. More research is needed, both in controlled but also real-world settings, to define optimal antipsychotic polypharmacy and/or other psychotropic treatment augmentation strategies for specific patient groups and situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markku Lähteenvuo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, 70240, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, 70240, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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Nguyen ML, Sunderland B, Lim S, Hattingh L, Chalmers L. A qualitative exploration of factors contributing to non-guideline adherent antipsychotic polypharmacy. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:2457-2467. [PMID: 33840621 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.03.014] [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: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic polypharmacy ("polypharmacy") involves the concurrent prescribing of two or more antipsychotics for managing schizophrenia. It occurs frequently despite there being limited clinical evidence for this practice and an increased risk of adverse events. Little is understood about why it occurs outside of treatment guidelines, highlighting a current research gap. OBJECTIVE To explore the factors contributing to non-evidence based polypharmacy practice and possible strategies for addressing these factors. METHODS Three focus groups were conducted between June and August 2018 with doctors and nurses employed at a mental health unit of a Western Australian public hospital. Participants were asked about their perceptions of polypharmacy, why it occurred and what could limit its prevalence. Thematic inductive analysis was mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify key underlying themes and to establish potential enablers and barriers for practice change. RESULTS Participants understood the risks of polypharmacy and perceived it to largely be perpetuated by external factors, out of which two key themes emerged: system-related issues (e.g.: communication failures whereby de-prescribing plans are not actioned); and patient-related issues (e.g.: misinformed views translating to medication-seeking behaviour). This led to the third theme: a disconnect between clinicians' knowledge and their practices (i.e.: being aware of Australian evidence-based guideline recommendations yet acknowledging polypharmacy still occurred due to the aforementioned issues). Strategies suggested to address these issues included developing medication management plans to bridge communication gaps and managing patients' medication expectations with education. CONCLUSIONS Management of schizophrenia is complex, requiring consideration of many patient-related and systemic factors. Polypharmacy has a place in certain contexts, however, must be well considered and closely monitored to allow for early identification of opportunities to rationalise (i.e.: de-prescribe) therapy, where appropriate. Future research objectives will centre on implementing strategies identified from these focus groups to optimise patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- My Linh Nguyen
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Armadale Kalamunda Group, Mount Nasura, Western Australia, 6112, Australia.
| | - Bruce Sunderland
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Stephen Lim
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Laetitia Hattingh
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4215, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Leanne Chalmers
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
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Savić B, Jerotić S, Ristić I, Zebić M, Jovanović N, Russo M, Marić NP. Long-Term Benzodiazepine Prescription During Maintenance Therapy of Individuals With Psychosis Spectrum Disorders-Associations With Cognition and Global Functioning. Clin Neuropharmacol 2021; 44:89-93. [PMID: 33560008 PMCID: PMC8115742 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive difficulties have a significant impact on life functioning and overall well-being in patients with psychosis spectrum disorders (PSDs). There are indications that continuous use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in various patient groups has a detrimental effect on cognition. Our aim was to explore the association between long-term BZD prescription, global functioning, and cognitive functioning in persons with PSD. METHODS This exploratory study included 55 PSD patients, recruited from 2 outpatient services in Serbia. Patients were grouped into BZD long-term prescription group and BZD-other group. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was used for symptom assessment, functioning was measured by Global Assessment and Functioning Scale, and cognition was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning-Cognition in Schizophrenia Scale. RESULTS The sample comprised 52.7% patients who were prescribed with BZD for 6 months or more continually (29/55), with a mean daily dose of 3.16 ± 0.66 mg lorazepam equivalents. There were no differences between study groups in any of the sociodemographic characteristics, duration of illness, or antipsychotic daily dosages. The BZD long-term prescription group had lower global (P < 0.01) and cognitive functioning (P < 0.01), higher Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores (1.86 vs 1.58, respectively, P < 0.01), and more psychotropic drugs prescribed on a daily basis than the other group (median: 4 vs 2, respectively, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The study explored a topic that continues to be underresearched, especially in the Balkans. Prospective studies and comprehensive cognitive batteries are needed to further elucidate the associations between polypharmacy, long-term BZD use, cognitive functioning, and global functioning during maintenance therapy of individuals with PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Savić
- Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Nikolina Jovanović
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry-WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Russo
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry-WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Colizzi M, Bortoletto R, Zoccante L. The Effectiveness of Lurasidone Add-On for Residual Aggressive Behavior and Obsessive Symptoms in Antipsychotic-Treated Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome: Preliminary Evidence from a Case Series. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020121. [PMID: 33572131 PMCID: PMC7915970 DOI: 10.3390/children8020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome may suffer from comorbid psychological and behavioral difficulties, primarily Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-related manifestations including impulsive, aggressive, and disruptive behavior, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder-related disturbances. Often, such additional problems represent the major cause of disability, requiring their prioritization above the tic symptomatology. Here, we present six cases of children and adolescents with treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome aged 11–17 years, whose symptoms, especially the non-tic symptoms such as aggressive behavior and obsessive symptoms, failed to respond adequately to at least two different antipsychotics and, where deemed appropriate, to a combination with a medication with a different therapeutic indication or chemical class (e.g., antidepressant or anticonvulsant). Such symptomatic manifestations were significantly reduced by the time of the subsequent control visit planned 30 days later, by using lurasidone as an add-on therapy to risperidone or aripiprazole (all p ≤ 0.009). No significant neuromotor or metabolic side effects were reported in all cases in a follow-up period ranging from 4 months to 6 months, supporting the stability of the observed clinical improvement. While still investigational, the preliminary evidence presented here gives reason to hope that lurasidone could possibly be an effective option in Tourette syndrome, warranting further investigation of its potential benefits in neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Colizzi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bortoletto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Leonardo Zoccante
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
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Tirupati S. The risk for Torsades de Pointes and polypharmacy in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2021; 228:239-240. [PMID: 33482609 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Tirupati
- Hunter New England Mental Health, Morisset Hospital, Morisset, NSW 2264, Australia; Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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García-Carmona JA, Simal-Aguado J, Campos-Navarro MP, Valdivia-Muñoz F, Galindo-Tovar A. Evaluation of long-acting injectable antipsychotics with the corresponding oral formulation in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia: a real-world study in Spain. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:18-24. [PMID: 33086252 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To date, only a few studies compared some long-acting injectables (LAIs) antipsychotics showing similar symptom improvement, relapse rates and adherence to treatment. We evaluated the use of LAIs antipsychotics [aripiprazole-1-month (A1M); paliperidone-1-month and 3-month (PP1M and PP3M) and biweekly (2w)-LAIs] and their corresponding oral formulations through (1) the number of hospital re-admissions, (2) the number of documented suicidal behaviour/attempts and (3) the use of concomitant benzodiazepines, oral antipsychotics and biperiden. A total of 277 patients, ≥18 years old, were included if were treated with the corresponding oral or LAI antipsychotic during at least 12 months and were previously diagnosed with schizophrenia. Our results showed that LAIs associated significantly lower suicidal behaviour, reduced the number of hospital admissions, lower diazepam and haloperidol equivalents and mean daily dose of biperiden intake versus oral antipsychotics. Furthermore, significant differences were found between LAIs. Specifically, PP3M was associated to lower hospital admissions versus A1M; PP1M and PP3M lower doses of diazepam equivalents versus 2w-LAIs and finally, PP1M lower antipsychotic intake versus 2w-LAIs. In conclusion, LAIs improved clinical outcomes by reducing the need for concomitant treatments and hospital admissions over oral antipsychotics. PP1M and PP3M showed better outcomes versus A1M and biweekly LAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio García-Carmona
- Department of Neurology, Santa Lucia University Hospital, Cartagena
- Unit of Acute Psychiatry, Reina Sofía University Hospital
| | - Jorge Simal-Aguado
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, UCAM
| | | | | | - Alejandro Galindo-Tovar
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, UCAM
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Application of a Pharmacogenetics-Based Precision Medicine Model (5SPM) to Psychotic Patients That Presented Poor Response to Neuroleptic Therapy. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040289. [PMID: 33352925 PMCID: PMC7767089 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotics are the keystone of the treatment of severe and prolonged mental disorders. However, there are many risks associated with these drugs and not all patients undergo full therapeutic profit from them. The application of the 5 Step Precision Medicine model(5SPM), based on the analysis of the pharmacogenetic profile of each patient, could be a helpful tool to solve many of the problematics traditionally associated with the neuroleptic treatment. In order to solve this question, a cohort of psychotic patients that showed poor clinical evolution was analyzed. After evaluating the relationship between the prescribed treatment and pharmacogenetic profile of each patient, a great number of pharmacological interactions and pharmacogenetical conflicts were found. After reconsidering the treatment of the conflictive cases, patients showed a substantial reduction on mean daily doses and polytherapy cases, which may cause less risk of adverse effects, greater adherence, and a reduction on economic costs.
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Azorin JM, Simon N. Antipsychotic polypharmacy in schizophrenia: evolving evidence and rationale. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:1175-1186. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1821646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aix Marseille University, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Marseille, France
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