Clinical practice. Postpartum depression.
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Antidepressive Agents↗
Biomedical subjects
Catherine M Piontek
Publications and source records attributed to Catherine M Piontek.
Verapamil treatment for women with bipolar disorder.
BACKGROUND: Additional pharmacological treatments are needed for patients with bipolar disorder. We describe our experience with verapamil in an inclusive, sequential series of outpatient women (some pregnant) with bipolar disorder. METHODS: All women who were prescribed verapamil for bipolar disorder (n = 37) were included. We used the criterion of 50% reduction in scores on the Mania Rating Scale or the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to define response for women who were treated for an acute episode of bipolar hypomania/mania or depression, respectively. For euthymic women who chose verapamil maintenance treatment, we evaluated whether they met criteria for a recurrent episode during therapy. RESULTS: Treatment for acute episodes was initiated in 28 women. Of women with depression and mania, 39% and 100% responded, respectively. Seven of the nine patients (77%) with mixed states responded: all seven improved to response criterion on the mania scale, and two responded on the depression scales as well. Six of eight patients who received continuation therapy remained well. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that verapamil is effective for mania. The response rate for mania compares favorably to that for other mood stabilizers. After decades of case reports and underpowered clinical trials, we must definitively study verapamil for efficacy and gender specificity in bipolar disorder.
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents↗
Serum bupropion levels in 2 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs.
BACKGROUND: These are the first reported data on bupropion and hydroxybupropion levels in infants whose treated mothers were breastfeeding. The information will assist physicians and parents in the risk-benefit decision-making process for bupropion treatment during breastfeeding. METHOD: Serum samples were obtained by venipuncture from 2 mother-infant pairs. The serum was assayed for levels of bupropion and its most active metabolite, hydroxybupropion. RESULTS: Neither infant had quantifiable serum levels of bupropion or its metabolite at steady state. Neither infant had medical problems during the time of maternal therapy. CONCLUSION: We recommend obtaining and publishing additional serum level findings for breastfeeding mother-infant pairs since data for bupropion are favorable but limited.
Adult↗