Psychotropic drug

About: Psychotropic drug is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2309 publications have been published within this topic receiving 54070 citations.

Comparison of psychotropic drug intake in two populations in West Germany. Results from the Munich Blood Pressure Study 1980/81 and the Luebeck Blood Pressure Study 1984.

Abstract: Psychotropic drug intake was assessed in participants aged 30-69 years of two identically designed studies (cross-sectional studies based on random samples), the Munich Blood Pressure Study (MBS I 1980/81) and the Luebeck Blood Pressure Study (LBS 1984). A similar increase of drug intake with age and a preponderance of women among drug users were found in both study samples. On the basis of the total drug consumption, which was not substantially different in the two population samples, it is argued that the statistically significantly lower prevalence rate for benzodiazepine use found in the LBS, compared with the findings of the MBS I, suggests a real decline over time and cannot be merely explained by possible regional differences in prescription behavior. This finding is of importance within the context of the ongoing discussion on increasing dependence on benzodiazepine drugs.

Drug-induced Hyperthermic Syndromes in Psychiatry

Abstract: Hyperthermia, or extreme elevations in body temperature, can be life-threatening and may be caused by prescription drugs or illegal substances acting at a number of different levels of the neuraxis. Several psychotropic drug classes and combinations have been associated with a classic clinical syndrome of hyperthermia, skeletal muscle hyper-metabolism, rigidity or rhabdomyolysis, autonomic dysfunction and altered mental status ranging from catatonic stupor to coma. It is critical for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for these relatively uncommon drug-induced adverse effects and to become familiar with their management to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. Although these syndromes look alike, they are triggered by quite different mechanisms, and apart from the need to withdraw or restore potential triggering drugs and provide intensive medical care, specific treatments may vary. Clinical similarities have led to theoretical speculations about common mechanisms and shared genetic predispositions underlying these syndromes, suggesting that there may be a common "thermic stress syndrome" triggered in humans and animal models by a variety of pharmacological or environmental challenges.

Use of psychotropic drugs in 0 to 5 years old children in Aquitaine (France): prevalence and associated factors.

Abstract: Purpose To describe the use of psychotropic drugs in children aged 0–5 years, in the Aquitaine region of South-west France and identify associated socio-demographic, familial and medical factors. Methods Data used in this study come from the regional drug claims database of the National Health Insurance System of Aquitaine and from postal self-questionnaires sent to parents and prescribing physicians. Results In Aquitaine, psychotropic drugs were redeemed at least once in 2002 for 3.2% of young children. Hydroxyzine, niaprazide or diazepam were claimed at least once by 2.7% of children registered in the database. Prescribers were mostly general practitioners (76.7%) and pediatricians (20.1%). Psychotropic claims were more frequent in children having the highest number of medical consultations in 2002 (more than 7: odds ratio (OR) = 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–1.7]) or of drug deliveries (7–15 deliveries: OR = 1.8 [95%CI: 1.6–2.1]; more than 15 deliveries: OR = 3.2 [95%CI: 2.7–3.9]). Psychotropic claim frequency increased with age. No association of psychotropic use with parental psychotropic use, socio-professional category and familial situation was found. Conclusions Psychotropic delivery prevalence in Aquitaine in young children was below 5% in 2002. It notably concerned drugs of which the use is not devoid of toxicity because of anticholinergic properties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Amitriptyline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation: case report and review of psychotropic drug-associated mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation.

Abstract: Background: Several drugs can be associated with hyperpigmentation of mucosa or skin. They include antibiotic, antimalarial, antineoplastic, and psychotropic medications. Purpose: To describe a 42-year-old woman with amitriptyline-associated photo-distributed hyperpigmentation and to review psychotropic drug-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin. Materials and Methods: The features of a woman with amitriptyline-induced hyperpigmentation are presented. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations were assessed and discussed for context: amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, citalopram, desipramine, drug-associated, drug-induced, Fontana Masson, hyperpigmentation, imipramine, melanin, melanophages, mirtazapine, phenytoin, psychotropic, sertraline, thioridazine, tricyclic antidepressant. Results: Photo-distributed hyperpigmentation on the upper back of a woman developed six and a half years after initiation of amitriptyline therapy. Biopsy of the affected area showed pigment-laden melanophages and intradermal melanin deposition. Conclusions: Psychotropic drugs associated with cutaneous hyperpigmentation include amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, citalopram, desipramine, imipramine, mirtazapine, phenytoin, sertraline, and thioridazine. The hyperpigmentation may initially appear many years after starting the medication. Pathology typically shows melanophages and melanin in the dermis. Fontana Masson stain confirms the presence of melanin; Perl stain for hemosiderin or iron is negative. Discontinuation of the drug may result in spontaneous improvement. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of Q-switched laser in treating drug-induced hyperpigmentation.