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Biomedical subjects

M H Branchey

Publications and source records attributed to M H Branchey.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

Effects of loxapine on the sleep of chronic schizophrenics.

The sleep patterns of four male chronic schizophrenic patients were monitored throughout the various phases of a 1-year therapeutic trial with loxapine succinate, a newly developed neuroleptic. Compared with the initial drug-free baseline, the early drug period was characterized by an increase in REM percentage, REM density, and REM activity. During the drug maintenance period, the increase in REM phasic events was accompanied by an increase in total sleep. Severe insomnia was noted during the initial period of drug withdrawal. The absence of time lag between changes in drug administration schedule and the associated alterations in sleep patterns was in contrast with the time latency of the therapeutic response. This neuroleptic on sleep and on psychopathology are mediated by different mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

High- and low-potency neuroleptics in elderly psychiatric patients.

The efficacy and side effects of a low-potency neuroleptic, thioridazine hydrochloride, and those of a high-potency neuroleptic, fluphenazine hydrochloride, were compared in 30 elderly chronic schizophrenic patients. Through a crossover design, each patient received both drugs with an intervening washout period. Although both drugs produced a similar degree of improvement, their side effects differed. Fluphenazine caused slightly more extrapyramidal effects than thioridazine, though few occurred with use of either drug. Thioridazine caused weight gain, blood pressure decreases, and ECG changes. High-potency neuroleptic agents appear to be the drugs of choice for elderly schizophrenic patients.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1978

Loxapine succinate as a neuroleptic agent: evaluation in two populations of elderly psychiatric patients.

Loxapine succinate, a newly developed neuroleptic drug, was administered to two groups of geropsychiatric patients: (a) 12 with psychosis and organic brain syndrome, and (b) 14 with chronic schizophrenia. After a two-week baseline period, loxapine was given for 12 weeks. The moderate therapeutic effect of loxapine in the "responders" was similar to that of other neuroleptic drugs. The therapeutic dosage range was found to be from 10 to 80 mg daily--about half that used for younger patients. The chief side effects were drowsiness, mild extrapyramidal symptoms, and a slight increase in blood pressure.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

Lithium in tardive dyskinesia.

A single blind trial and a placebo controlled double blind trial of lithium were carried out in elderly patients with tardive dyskinesia. In the pilot study, neuroleptics were continued: in the controlled trial, neuroleptics were discontinued. The results of both studies were essentially negative. Thus, the suppression effect of neuroleptics is much more dramatic than anything seen in the two studies. Several reasons for this were discussed namely, the severity and chronicity of the symptoms.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

A two year trial of loxapine succinate in chronic psychotic patients.

Thirty-one chronic psychotic patients were treated with loxapine succinate, 20 for two years and eleven for one year, in order to evaluate its long-term efficacy and safety. Results presented here indicate that loxapine succinate is an effective treatment for chronic schizophrenia over a period of at least two years. Improvement, which occurred during the first six months of treatment (mostly during the first month), was maintained over the following year and a half. Unwanted effects were most frequent inthe early months of treatment and decreased as the two year trial progressed. No specifically long-term side effects were observed. The most frequent side effects were mild to moderate extrapyramidal signs. Blood pressure decreased and pulse rate increased, while remaining within normal limits, and returned to normal or near normal levels during the second year of treatment. Weight increased steadily during the two years and dropped markedly during the four week post-drug period. No drug-related abnormal laboratory findings were observed. It may be concluded that loxapine succinate is a safe and effective maintenance treatment for chronic schizophrenia.

Adult↗