PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Subramoniam Madhusoodanan

Publications and source records attributed to Subramoniam Madhusoodanan.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

The switching of risperidone to olanzapine in elderly nursing-home patients with dementia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia present a major challenge in the management of these patients. There is no Food and Drug Administration-indicated medication for the management of these symptoms. Even though atypical antipsychotics are considered safer than conventional antipsychotics, safety concerns have emerged. INTRODUCTION: The FDA has issued warnings regarding the cardiac and metabolic side effects, cerebrovascular events, and, most recently, mortality risk. This study was conducted in 2003 when physicians were notified of the cerebrovascular risks of risperidone. Since then, similar warnings have been issued for olanzapine and aripiprazole. METHODS: The medical records of 58 elderly dementia patients who were taking risperidone and were abruptly switched to olanzapine were reviewed. Clinical Global Impressions scale at assigned retrospectively at switch, and weeks 4-6 assessed treatment. RESULTS: Baseline and follow-up Clinical Global Impressions scale scores were essentially unchanged. Adverse events were mild to moderate in severity. Mean risperidone dose at switch was 1.54 mg/day (range: 0.25-6 mg/day). Mean olanzapine dose after the switch was 5.69 mg/day (range: 2.52-27.5 mg/day). CONCLUSION: Most of the 58 patients were switched from risperidone to olanzapine without any deterioration in their clinical status. Even though it is generally not recommended in elderly patients, abrupt switching did not have any negative consequences in this group of patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Angioedema and maculopapular eruptions associated with carbamazepine administration.

Cutaneous rashes and eruptions can be caused by many medications, including carbamazepine. The presentation can be varied depending on severity. Cutaneous eruptions occur in 3% of individuals administered carbamazepine. Angioedema, a rare side effect of carbamazepine, involves vascular leakage in dermis and subcutis mediated by immunoglobulin E and/or bradykinins. Angioedema is more common in females and in the third decade of life. We report the case of a 27-year-old Indian woman who developed maculopapular rash and angioedema secondary to carbamazepine administration. The patient responded successfully to withdrawal of the drug and treatment with antihistamines. Due to the potentially life-threatening complications of this condition and the increasing use of anticonvulsants in the treatment of mood disorders, psychiatrists must be aware of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Psychiatric symptoms associated with brain tumors: a clinical enigma.

Patients in psychiatric settings may present with medical conditions, such as brain tumors, which may or may not be associated with neurological symptoms. In some cases, patients may only have psychiatric symptoms, such as mood changes (depression or mania), psychotic symptoms, panic attacks, changes in personality, or memory difficulties. Brain tumors may be detected in patients at their first presentation to mental health services or sometimes in patients with well-established psychiatric diagnoses. This article presents the case of a 29-year-old woman who was treated for >4 years for posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality traits, who developed depressive symptoms and memory difficulties. However, she did not develop any major neurological signs or symptoms. Brain imaging showed the presence of a left thalamic tumor, later confirmed as glioblastoma multiforme. She underwent surgical treatment and radiation therapy. With this we show that in some cases, brain tumors can be neurologically silent and only present atypical psychiatric symptoms. We emphasize the need for neuroimaging studies in a patient with atypical changes in mental status, even without neurological signs or symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia in adolescents: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of risperidone on prolactin levels in 3 adolescent patients. METHOD: This is a case study of 3 adolescent patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophreni-form disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia who were treated in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings with risperidone. Patients developed hyperprolactinemia with clinical symptoms. Risperidone was discontinued gradually over 2 weeks, and patients were treated with other atypical antipsychotics. RESULTS: Prolactin levels returned to normal, and clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinemia resolved in all 3 patients after 2 weeks of tapering and discontinuation of risperidone. CONCLUSION: Hyperprolactinemia can be a troublesome side effect with potentially serious complications. It is being increasingly reported in younger patients treated with risperidone. Recognition and treatment of this condition including switching to a prolactin-sparing agent are important to prevent this complication.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Risperidone for bipolar disorders.

Atypical antipsychotic medications are a relatively new, increasingly prominent component of the treatment armamentarium for bipolar disorder -- a development that provides more options for potentially improved outcomes for patients and families affected by bipolar disorder. The US Food and Drug Administration-approved bipolar indications for risperidone include monotherapy for the short-term treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and combination therapy with lithium or valproate for the short-term treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Risperidone is also approved in over 30 countries worldwide for bipolar mania either as monotherapy, adjunct therapy, or both monotherapy and adjunct therapy. A number of controlled and open-label treatment trials have shown risperidone's efficacy and tolerability in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Risperidone has also been reported to be useful in the longer-term treatment of bipolar disorder. This drug profile of risperidone for bipolar disorder will address the chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of risperidone, clinical trials in bipolar disorder, postmarketing surveillance, safety, tolerability and regulatory issues. Finally, a discussion of potential future directions, a summary of key issues and information resources are provided.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed2005

Managing bipolar disorder in the elderly: defining the role of the newer agents.

Clinical research in geriatric psychopharmacology has been a relatively neglected focus compared with the wealth of information on younger populations, and there is a dearth of published, controlled trials. Similarly, these are limited data in the area of geriatric bipolar disorder. Although there is an absence of rigorous, evidence-based information, preliminary data on older adults with bipolar disorder suggest some promising treatment options and important differences in older versus younger patients with bipolar illness. Lithium, while widely utilised in younger populations, is often poorly tolerated in the elderly. Clinical evidence regarding use of antiepileptic compounds in late-life bipolar disorder is generally compiled from bipolar disorder studies in mixed populations, studies in older adults with seizure disorders, and studies on dementia and psychotic conditions other than bipolar disorder. Valproate semisodium and carbamazepine are widely prescribed compounds in older adults with bipolar disorder. However, the popularity of these compounds has occurred in context of an absence of evidence-based data. The atypical antipsychotics have expanded the treatment armamentarium for bipolar disorder in mixed populations and may offer particular promise in management of bipolar illness in older populations as well. Olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone and aripiprazole are atypical antipsychotics that have been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder; however, there are no published, controlled trials with atypical antipsychotics specific to mania in geriatric patients. Preliminary reports on the use of clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine suggest a role for the use of these agents in late-life bipolar disorder. Information with ziprasidone and aripiprazole specific to geriatric bipolar disorder is still lacking.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Clinical experience with aripiprazole treatment in ten elderly patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: retrospective case studies.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials of aripiprazole, a recently Food and Drug Administration-approved atypical antipsychotic, included elderly patients, but more data are needed on the effects of aripiprazole in this population, especially those with comorbid medical illnesses. OBJECTIVE: To assess the response and safety of aripiprazole treatment in elderly patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. METHOD: Data was obtained by retrospective review of medical records. Aripiprazole was used to treat 10 elderly hospitalized patients between 62 and 85 years of age who manifested signs of psychosis related to schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. All patients had been treated previously with atypical and classic antipsychotics. Response was assessed by clinical observation of patients' behavior and Clinical Global Impression Scale assigned retrospectively. RESULTS: Seven patients responded to treatment, two did not respond, and one had a partial response. The mean Clinical Global Impression Scale scores improved from 6 (severely ill) at baseline to 2.3 (much improved) at discharge. Treatment was discontinued in the two patients who did not respond. Of the seven patients who responded, four presented with positive symptoms and showed significant improvement while three presented with positive and negative symptoms and both symptoms improved significantly. Four patients had preexisting extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and these symptoms decreased in three patients. In addition, two patients were able to discontinue antiparkinson medications. One patient who had severe tardive dyskinesia showed significant improvement in the dyskinetic symptoms. Four patients showed postural hypotension (without clinical symptoms) which resolved over time without treatment. Six patients showed a mean weight loss of 5.2 lbs. No adverse consequences occurred when divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, clonazepam or citalopram were given concurrently. CONCLUSION: The reduction of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and the lack of significant EPS, tardive dyskinesia, sedation, weight gain, anticholinergic effects, and QTc prolongation gives preliminary indication that aripiprazole may be a safe and effective medication for elderly patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Safety of benzodiazepines in the geriatric population.

Benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed antianxiety drugs in the elderly. Despite their usefulness and safety in the younger population, there is concern about the rationale for their use in the elderly. Studies of the therapeutic use of benzodiazepines in the elderly are rare. Elderly females with co-morbid medical and psychiatric conditions and who are taking multiple medications form the group most frequently prescribed benzodiazepines among the elderly, and the group most likely to experience side effects. Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes increase the potential for certain side effects in the elderly. Significant adverse effects that may be associated with benzodiazepine use in the elderly include falls, cognitive impairment, sedation, and impairment of driving skills, all of which are particularly related to the long half-life of benzodiazepines. Long-term use of benzodiazepines should be discouraged because of the risk of dependence, which is a serious problem in the elderly. Unrecognised and untreated benzodiazepine dependence can lead to serious medical complications.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Hyponatraemia associated with psychotropic medications. A review of the literature and spontaneous reports.

Psychotropic medication-induced hyponatraemia is an uncommon but important clinical problem with potential serious consequences if not recognised and treated early. Several risk factors have been associated with the development of hyponatraemia. This article reviews reported cases of hyponatraemia associated with the use of psychotropic medications and evaluates possible risk factors and causes. The data were sourced by a search of Medline for reports of hyponatraemia associated with the use of psychotropic medication between January 1966 and December 2000 and a search of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spontaneous reporting system database between January 1966 and December 1999. All the reports were included in this review. In the case reports the following data were assessed: age, gender, daily dosage, days to onset, days to recovery, medical condition, concurrent medications. Several risk factors were identified: advanced age, female gender, use of other medications, medical comorbidity. The risk of hyponatraemia was found to be higher during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Administration of the dosage of the drug was not found to be related to the development of hyponatraemia. Hyponatraemia can cause confusion, agitation and lethargy. Any change in the course of illness should alert the physician to the possibility of hyponatraemia.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Brain tumor and psychiatric manifestations: a case report and brief review.

Brain tumors may present multiple psychiatric symptoms such as depression, personality change, abulia, auditory and visual hallucinations, mania, panic attacks, or amnesia. A case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with depressive symptoms but showed minimal neurological signs and symptoms is discussed. Neuroimaging revealed a brain tumor in the left parietal lobe, and patient underwent neurosurgical treatment and subsequently received chemotherapy and radiation. Some patients with neurologically silent brain tumors may present with psychiatric symptoms only. Therefore, we emphasize the consideration of neuroimaging in patients with a change in mental status regardless of a lack of neurological symptoms.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

International multisite double-blind trial of the atypical antipsychotics risperidone and olanzapine in 175 elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared the effects of the two most commonly used atypical antipsychotics, risperidone and olanzapine, in elderly patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: In an 8-week, international, double-blind study, patients (outpatients, hospital inpatients, and residents of nursing or boarding homes) were randomly assigned to receive risperidone (1 mg to 3 mg/day) or olanzapine (5 mg to 20 mg/day). The main outcome measures were changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores and rates of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). RESULTS: Subjects were 175 patients age 60 years or over with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The mean duration of illness was 36.5 years. Median doses were 2 mg/day of risperidone and 10 mg/day of olanzapine. PANSS total scores and four of the five PANSS factor scores (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized thoughts, and anxiety/depression) improved significantly at all time-points and at endpoint in both groups; between-treatment differences were not significant. EPS-related adverse events were reported by 9.2% of patients in the risperidone group and 15.9% in the olanzapine group; the between-treatment difference was not significant. Total scores on the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale were reduced in both groups at endpoint; between-treatment differences were not significant. Clinically relevant weight gain was seen in both groups, but was significantly less frequent in risperidone patients than in olanzapine patients. CONCLUSIONS: Stable elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia receiving appropriate doses of risperidone or olanzapine over an 8-week period experienced significant reductions in the severity of psychotic and extrapyramidal symptoms, with a relatively low risk of side effects.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Switching elderly patients with dementia from risperidone to quetiapine: a retrospective study.

The objective of this study was to collect data on outcomes obtained when switching elderly nursing home residents with dementia from risperidone to quetiapine. Medical records were reviewed to identify dementia patients switched from risperidone to quetiapine. Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scores assigned retrospectively (at switch and weeks 4-6) assessed treatment. Data from 15 men and 52 women (mean age, 82.8 years) were evaluated. The mean daily dose of risperidone at switch was 1.42 mg. Switching was abrupt in all but 2 patients. The mean daily dose of quetiapine after the switch was 87.3 mg. After the switch, the CGI Severity of Illness score remained unchanged, but the CGI Global Improvement score was positive. Fourteen patients reported somnolence; 3 patients discontinued quetiapine. Most patients in this study were switched from risperidone to quetiapine with no worsening of clinical status.

Aged↗