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Fagiolini A, González Pinto A, Miskowiak KW, Morgado P, Young AH, Vieta E. Trazodone in the Management of Major Depression Among Elderly Patients with Dementia: A Narrative Review and Clinical Insights. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2817-2831. [PMID: 38155994 PMCID: PMC10753355 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s434130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Major depressive disorder (MDD) often co-occurs with dementia and other neurological disorders, and treatment with antidepressants can improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival in these patients. This narrative review provides an expert opinion about the role and effectiveness of trazodone in the treatment of older adults with MDD and cognitive impairment due to physical illnesses, such as dementia. Results Because of its mechanism of action, trazodone can treat several depression symptoms often seen in people with dementia, including insomnia, agitation, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and irritability. Conclusion Trazodone may be beneficial for patients with dementia or other neurological disorders comorbid with MDD, especially when the clinical picture of depression includes or is comorbid to symptoms of insomnia, irritability, inner tension, anxiety, or psychomotor agitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, University of Siena School of Medicine, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Ana González Pinto
- Bioaraba Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria, 01004, Spain
- CIBERSAM, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders Centre (NEAD), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pedro Morgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4710-057, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga (2CA), Braga, 4710-243, Portugal
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
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Coin A, Noale M, Gareri P, Trevisan C, Bellio A, Fini F, Abbatecola AM, Del Signore S, Malara A, Mossello E, Fumagalli S, Volpato S, Monzani F, Bellelli G, Zia G, Incalzi RA. Clinical profile of trazodone users in a multisetting older population: data from the Italian GeroCovid Observational study. Eur Geriatr Med 2023:10.1007/s41999-023-00790-1. [PMID: 37204681 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Depression is highly prevalent in older adults, especially in those with dementia. Trazodone, an antidepressant, has shown to be effective in older patients with moderate anxiolytic and hypnotic activity; and a common off-label use is rising for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The aim of the study is to comparatively assess the clinical profiles of older patients treated with trazodone or other antidepressants. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved adults aged ≥ 60 years at risk of or affected with COVID-19 enrolled in the GeroCovid Observational study from acute wards, geriatric and dementia-specific outpatient clinics, as well as long-term care facilities (LTCF). Participants were grouped according to the use of trazodone, other antidepressants, or no antidepressant use. RESULTS Of the 3396 study participants (mean age 80.6 ± 9.1 years; 57.1% females), 10.8% used trazodone and 8.5% others antidepressants. Individuals treated with trazodone were older, more functionally dependent, and had a higher prevalence of dementia and BPSD than those using other antidepressants or no antidepressant use. Logistic regression analyses found that the presence of BPSD was associated with trazodone use (odds ratio (OR) 28.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18-44.7 for the outcome trazodone vs no antidepressants use, among participants without depression; OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.05-4.49 for the outcome trazodone vs no antidepressants use, among participants with depression). A cluster analysis of trazodone use identified three clusters: cluster 1 included mainly women, living at home with assistance, multimorbidity, dementia, BPSD, and depression; cluster 2 included mainly institutionalized women, with disabilities, depression, and dementia; cluster 3 included mostly men, often living at home unassisted, with better mobility performance, fewer chronic diseases, dementia, BPSD, and depression. DISCUSSION The use of trazodone was highly prevalent in functionally dependent and comorbid older adults admitted to LTCF or living at home. Clinical conditions associated with its prescription included depression as well as BPSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Coin
- Geriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marianna Noale
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Aging Branch, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Gareri
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia-Catanzaro Lido, ASP Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Geriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellio
- Geriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Fini
- Geriatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Enrico Mossello
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Fumagalli
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpato
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Monzani
- Intermediate Care Unit, Nursing Home Misericordia, Navacchio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- Acute Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Foundation San Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi
- Unit of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University and Teaching Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Trazodone as an Alternative Treatment for Neuroleptic-Associated Akathisia: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 40:611-614. [PMID: 33044356 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Akathisia is a distressing extrapyramidal complication that follows the use of antipsychotic medications. Early treatment of neuroleptic-associated akathisia (NAA) is of great importance because it may lead to poor therapeutic response and ultimately treatment noncompliance. Considering the lack of adequate response of some patients to conventional treatments and the assumption that serotonin might be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease in addition to dopaminergic mechanisms, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of trazodone as an antidepressant agent with strong antagonistic effects on serotonin receptors in the treatment of akathisia. METHODS In a double-blind clinical trial, 52 patients receiving antipsychotic medications who were diagnosed to have mild to severe NAA using Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale were treated with trazodone 50 mg daily for 5 days and compared with the placebo control group. RESULTS Patients receiving trazodone did not show a significant difference compared with the control group in terms of the severity of akathisia symptoms until the third day of the study. In contrast, at the end of the fifth day, there was a significant improvement in objective (P = 0.01) and subjective (P = 0.001) symptoms of akathisia and the global clinical assessment of akathisia scale (P = 0.001). Moreover, there was no clear difference between trazodone and placebo group in terms of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Considering the antagonistic effect of trazodone on postsynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors as a possible mechanism of efficacy of this agent in the treatment of NAA, this study suggests that trazodone might be an effective and relatively safe drug.
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Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia: Role of Serotonin 5-HT 2a Receptor Antagonists. Drugs 2021; 80:871-882. [PMID: 32385739 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Akathisia is one of the most prevalent and distressing adverse effects associated with antipsychotic drug treatment. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, is currently considered a first-line treatment for antipsychotic-induced akathisia (AIA). Surprisingly, the evidence for its anti-akathisia effect is modest. Propranolol's side effects (e.g. orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia), contraindications (e.g. asthma) and increased complexity in titration schedules limit its use in some patients. Anticholinergic agents and benzodiazepines merely provide symptomatic relief in patients with AIA. Effective and well-tolerated treatment remains a major unmet need in akathisia and warrants a search for new anti-akathisia agents. Accumulating evidence during the last two decades indicates that agents with marked postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT2a receptor antagonism (ritanserin, cyproheptadine, trazodone, mianserin, mirtazapine) may represent a new class of potential anti-akathisia remedies. Among these agents, low-dose mirtazapine (7.5 mg or 15 mg once daily) has demonstrated the most compelling evidence for therapeutic efficacy. In this narrative review we highlight the clinical significance of AIA, outline major approaches for its management and propose a practical algorithm for its treatment.
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Stryjer R, Grupper D, Strous R, Poyurovsky M, Weizman A. Mianserin for the rapid improvement of chronic akathisia in a schizophrenia patient. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 19:237-8. [PMID: 15196609 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2003.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2003] [Revised: 12/05/2003] [Accepted: 12/19/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Salem H, Nagpal C, Pigott T, Teixeira AL. Revisiting Antipsychotic-induced Akathisia: Current Issues and Prospective Challenges. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:789-798. [PMID: 27928948 PMCID: PMC5771055 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161208153644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Akathisia continues to be a significant challenge in current neurological and psychiatric practice. Prompt and accurate detection is often difficult and there is a lack of consensus concerning the neurobiological basis of akathisia. No definitive treatment has been established for akathisia despite numerous preclinical and clinical studies.] Method: We reviewed antipsychotic-induced akathisia including its clinical presentation, proposed underlying pathophysiology, current and under investigation therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSION Despite the initial promise that second generation antipsychotics would be devoid of akathisia effects, this has not been confirmed. Currently, there are limited therapeutic options for the clinical practice and the evidence supporting the most widely used treatments (beta blockers, anticholinergic drugs) is still absent or inconsistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Salem
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Caesa Nagpal
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Teresa Pigott
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Abstract
Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative that belongs to the class of serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). The drug is approved and marketed in several countries worldwide for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients. In clinical studies, trazodone has demonstrated comparable antidepressant activity to other drug classes, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Moreover, the SARI action of trazodone may overcome the tolerability issues that are often associated with second-generation antidepressants such as SSRIs (i.e. insomnia, anxiety and sexual dysfunction). Recent focus has been placed on the development of a new prolonged-release once-a-day formulation of trazodone (TzCOAD), which may provide improved tolerability over the conventional immediate-release formulation of trazodone. Clinical studies have led to the recent approval in the USA of TzCOAD (as Oleptro™; Angelini Labopharm LLC, Princeton, NJ, USA), which may see resurgence of interest in the drug for the management of patients with MDD. Although trazodone is approved for the treatment of depression, evidence supports the use of low-dose trazodone as an off-label hypnotic for the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with MDD. The most common adverse effects reported with trazodone are drowsiness (somnolence/sedation), headache, dizziness and dry mouth. Other events reported, albeit with low incidence, include orthostatic hypotension (particularly in elderly patients or those with heart disease), minimal anticholinergic activity, corrected QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes, cardiac arrhythmias, and rare occurrences of priapism and suicidal ideation. Overall, trazodone is an effective and well tolerated antidepressant (SARI) with an important role in the current treatment of MDD both as monotherapy and as part of a combination strategy. Trazodone is effective in controlling a wide range of symptoms of depression, while avoiding the negative effects on sleep seen with SSRI antidepressants. The recently approved prolonged-release formulation should provide further optimization of this antidepressant and may be useful for enabling an appropriate therapeutic dose to be administered with improved patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fagiolini
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena School of Medicine, Viale Bracci 1, Siena, Italy.
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Stryjer R, Rosenzcwaig S, Bar F, Ulman AM, Weizman A, Spivak B. Trazodone for the Treatment of Neuroleptic-Induced Acute Akathisia. Clin Neuropharmacol 2010; 33:219-22. [DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0b013e3181ee7f63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Hieber R, Dellenbaugh T, Nelson LA. Role of mirtazapine in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia. Ann Pharmacother 2008; 42:841-6. [PMID: 18460588 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1k672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of mirtazapine in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (1966-February 2008) and PsycINFO (1967-February 2008) were searched using the terms akathisia and mirtazapine. A bibliographic search was conducted as well. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All English-language articles identified from the search were evaluated. All primary literature was included in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS Antipsychotic-induced akathisia can be difficult to manage and may respond to mirtazapine based on its antagonist activity at the serotonin 5-HT(2A)/5-HT(2C) receptors. Three case reports (N = 9 pts.), 1 placebo-controlled trial (N = 26), and 1 placebo- and propranolol-controlled study (N = 90) that evaluated mirtazapine for antipsychotic-induced akathisia have been published. Mirtazapine demonstrated a response rate of 53.8% compared with a 7.7% response rate for placebo, based on at least a 2-point reduction on the Barnes Akathisia Scale (global subscale; p = 0.004). Using the same criterion, mirtazapine and propranolol demonstrated efficacy based on response rates of 43.3% and 30.0% compared with placebo (6.7%; p = 0.0051). Mirtazapine was better tolerated than propranolol. In both studies, drowsiness was the most common adverse event associated with mirtazapine. CONCLUSIONS Mirtazapine may be considered a treatment option for antipsychotic-induced akathisia. It may be especially useful for patients with contraindications or intolerability to beta-blockers and for those with comorbid depression or negative symptoms. Additional studies should be conducted to provide further evidence of mirtazapine's effectiveness in treating akathisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Hieber
- Western Missouri Mental Health Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Braude D, Boling S. Case report of unrecognized akathisia resulting in an emergency landing and RSI during air medical transport. Air Med J 2006; 25:85-7. [PMID: 16516120 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Braude
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MSC 10-5560, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
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Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2004; 12:699-714. [PMID: 14762987 DOI: 10.1002/pds.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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