Side effects of atypical antipsychotics: extrapyramidal symptoms and the metabolic syndrome

Rational Design of the First Dual Agonist at Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 and 5-HT2C Receptors Based on Binding Pocket Similarity for the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Psychosis

The clinical-stage agonists for trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) show insufficient clinical efficacy, requiring the design of new compounds beyond the TAAR1 receptor alone. Here, we provide evidence for the feasibility of designing TAAR1/5-HT2CR dual agonists based on structural basis of these two targets and similarities of their agonists. Three series of novel agonists were discovered, leading to a potent compound named 21b. 21b exhibits submicromolar potency on both TAAR1 and 5-HT2CR targets with high specificity confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Preclinical proof-of-concept studies showed that 21b was highly efficacious against the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in mice models. 21b also alleviated cognitive deficits and psychoactive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice. Four week repeated dosing of 21b is exceptionally well tolerated in rats and beagle dogs without hyperglycemia commonly seen with antipsychotics. Thus, the favorable druggability of compound 21b warrants further clinical development for the treatment of schizophrenia and AD-related psychosis.

Practices and attitudes of adult psychiatrists regarding methamphetamine-associated psychotic disorder: an internet based survey conducted in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Many variables may affect approaches of psychiatrists to methamphetamine-associated psychotic disorder (MAP) treatment. This study was aimed to reach adult psychiatrists actively practicing in Turkey through an internet-based survey and to determine their practices and attitudes to MAP treatment.

METHODS

In this internet-based study, participants were divided into three groups based on their answers: Those who do not follow-up any MAP patient were group 1 (n = 78), partially involved in the treatment process of at least one patient diagnosed with MAP were group 2 (n = 128), completely involved in the treatment process of at least one patient diagnosed with MAP were group 3 (n = 202).

RESULTS

Psychotropic preferences in insomnia (p < 0.001), typical oral antipsychotic choice (p < 0.001), preferred doses of olanzapine/risperidone/aripiprazole/amisulpride for maintenance treatment (p < 0.001), long-acting injectable antipsychotic use practices (p < 0.001), non-antipsychotic psychotropic use characteristics (p < 0.001), extrapyramidal system side effect experiences (p < 0.001), delirium and life-threatening situations encounter rates (p < 0.001) were significantly different between group 2 and group 3. While the duration of maintenance with antipsychotics in the first MAP episode was similar between group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.254), it was different in the second and subsequent MAP episodes (p < 0.05). A binary logistic regression model containing the experiences of long-acting injectable antipsychotic use, extrapyramidal system side effect, and delirium was created (overall p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.435; Hosmer and Lemeshow test p = 0.203).

CONCLUSIONS

This first study in the field, which examines the current issue in detail, reveals that there are many factors that seriously affect psychiatrists' approaches to MAP treatment in Turkey.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Fırat University (Date: 14/09/2023; Number: 2023/12-12).

The factors associated with clozapine polypharmacy for schizophrenia patients discharged from a large public psychiatric hospital in Taiwan, 2006-2021

Clozapine treatment continues to be recognized as the gold standard for managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Combining clozapine with other antipsychotics (i.e., clozapine polypharmacy) has emerged as an option for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with clozapine polypharmacy in schizophrenia patients discharged on clozapine from a public psychiatric hospital. The analysis included patients with schizophrenia who were discharged between 2006 and 2021 and prescribed clozapine upon discharge. All patients were divided into 2 groups: clozapine monotherapy and clozapine polypharmacy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with clozapine polypharmacy. A total of 1396 (42.7%) schizophrenia patients discharged on clozapine polypharmacy. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the clozapine polypharmacy was more likely to be male gender, to be younger, to be earlier age of onset, to have a greater number of previous hospitalizations, to have a shorter length of hospital stay, and to have a lower clozapine daily dose. The prevalence of clozapine significantly increased from 22.4% in 2006 to 50% in 2021. Compared with clozapine monotherapy, clozapine polypharmacy was associated with male gender, younger, earlier age of onset, a greater number of previous hospitalizations, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower clozapine daily dose. The utilization of clozapine polypharmacy has seen a significant increase over time. Further research is necessary to clarify its efficacy, safety, and overall risk/benefit ratio.

Haloperidol (oral) versus olanzapine (oral) for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is often a severe and disabling psychiatric disorder. Antipsychotics remain the mainstay of psychotropic treatment for people with psychosis. In limited resource and humanitarian contexts, it is key to have several options for beneficial, low-cost antipsychotics, which require minimal monitoring. We wanted to compare oral haloperidol, as one of the most available antipsychotics in these settings, with a second-generation antipsychotic, olanzapine.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical benefits and harms of haloperidol compared to olanzapine for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia study-based register of trials, which is based on monthly searches of CENTRAL, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, ISRCTN, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and WHO ICTRP. We screened the references of all included studies. We contacted relevant authors of trials for additional information where clarification was required or where data were incomplete. The register was last searched on 14 January 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing haloperidol with olanzapine for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Our main outcomes of interest were clinically important change in global state, relapse, clinically important change in mental state, extrapyramidal side effects, weight increase, clinically important change in quality of life and leaving the study early due to adverse effects.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We independently evaluated and extracted data. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial or harmful outcome (NNTB or NNTH) with 95% CI. For continuous data, we estimated mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. For all included studies, we assessed risk of bias (RoB 1) and we used the GRADE approach to create a summary of findings table.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 68 studies randomising 9132 participants. We are very uncertain whether there is a difference between haloperidol and olanzapine in clinically important change in global state (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.02; 6 studies, 3078 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain whether there is a difference between haloperidol and olanzapine in relapse (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.02; 7 studies, 1499 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Haloperidol may reduce the incidence of clinically important change in overall mental state compared to olanzapine (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.81; 13 studies, 1210 participants; low-certainty evidence). For every eight people treated with haloperidol instead of olanzapine, one fewer person would experience this improvement. The evidence suggests that haloperidol may result in a large increase in extrapyramidal side effects compared to olanzapine (RR 3.38, 95% CI 2.28 to 5.02; 14 studies, 3290 participants; low-certainty evidence). For every three people treated with haloperidol instead of olanzapine, one additional person would experience extrapyramidal side effects. For weight gain, the evidence suggests that there may be a large reduction in the risk with haloperidol compared to olanzapine (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61; 18 studies, 4302 participants; low-certainty evidence). For every 10 people treated with haloperidol instead of olanzapine, one fewer person would experience weight increase. A single study suggests that haloperidol may reduce the incidence of clinically important change in quality of life compared to olanzapine (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.91; 828 participants; low-certainty evidence). For every nine people treated with haloperidol instead of olanzapine, one fewer person would experience clinically important improvement in quality of life. Haloperidol may result in an increase in the incidence of leaving the study early due to adverse effects compared to olanzapine (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.47; 21 studies, 5047 participants; low-certainty evidence). For every 22 people treated with haloperidol instead of olanzapine, one fewer person would experience this outcome. Thirty otherwise relevant studies and several endpoints from 14 included studies could not be evaluated due to inconsistencies and poor transparency of several parameters. Furthermore, even within studies that were included, it was often not possible to use data for the same reasons. Risk of bias differed substantially for different outcomes and the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to low. The most common risks of bias leading to downgrading of the evidence were blinding (performance bias) and selective reporting (reporting bias).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the certainty of the evidence was low to very low for the main outcomes in this review, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. We are very uncertain whether there is a difference between haloperidol and olanzapine in terms of clinically important global state and relapse. Olanzapine may result in a slightly greater overall clinically important change in mental state and in a clinically important change in quality of life. Different side effect profiles were noted: haloperidol may result in a large increase in extrapyramidal side effects and olanzapine in a large increase in weight gain. The drug of choice needs to take into account side effect profiles and the preferences of the individual. These findings and the recent inclusion of olanzapine alongside haloperidol in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines should increase the likelihood of it becoming more easily available in low- and middle- income countries, thereby improving choice and providing a greater ability to respond to side effects for people with lived experience of schizophrenia. There is a need for additional research using appropriate and equivalent dosages of these drugs. Some of this research needs to be done in low- and middle-income settings and should actively seek to account for factors relevant to these. Research on antipsychotics needs to be person-centred and prioritise factors that are of interest to people with lived experience of schizophrenia.

The association between neuroendocrine/glucose metabolism and clinical outcomes and disease course in different clinical states of bipolar disorders

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) remains challenging. The study evaluated the impact of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis/hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and glucose metabolism on the clinical outcomes in patients with bipolar depression (BD-D) and manic bipolar (BD-M) disorders.

METHODS

The research design involved a longitudinal prospective study. A total of 500 BD patients aged between 18 and 65 years treated in 15 hospitals located in Western China were enrolled in the study. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were used to assess the BD symptoms. An effective treatment response was defined as a reduction in the symptom score of more than 25% after 12 weeks of treatment. The score of symptoms was correlated with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, the HPA axis hormone levels (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol), and the HPT axis hormone levels (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4)).

RESULTS

In the BD-M group, the YMRS was positively correlated with baseline T4 (r = 0.349, p = 0.010) and fT4 (r = 0.335, p = 0.013) and negatively correlated with fasting insulin (r = -0.289, p = 0.013). The pre-treatment HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with adverse course (p = 0.045, OR = 0.728). In the BD-D group, the baseline MADRS was significantly positively correlated with baseline fT3 (r = 0.223, p = 0.032) and fT4 (r = 0.315, p = 0.002), while baseline T3 (p = 0.032, OR = 5.071) was significantly positively related to treatment response.

CONCLUSION

The HPT axis and glucose metabolism were closely associated with clinical outcomes at 12 weeks in both BD-D and BD-M groups. If confirmed in further longitudinal studies, monitoring T3 in BD-D patients and HOMA-IR for BD-M could be used as potential treatment response biomarkers.

Extrapyramidal Side Effects with Chronic Atypical Antipsychotic Can Be Predicted by Labeling Pattern of FosB and phosphoThr34-DARPP-32 in Nucleus Accumbens

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) can be induced by neuroleptics that regulate the expression of transcription factor FosB and dopaminergic mediator DARPP-32 in the striatum. However, the long-term neurobiological changes in striatal projection neurons resulting from a cumulative dosage of typical and atypical antipsychotics are poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine the differential and long-lasting changes in FosB distribution and DARPP-32 phosphorylation in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc) associated with chronic antipsychotic-induced EPS. Male C57Bl/6J mice received daily injections of Olanzapine (Olz, 15 mg/kg), Clozapine (Clz, 20 mg/kg), or Haloperidol (Hal, 1 mg/kg), for a period of 11 weeks with a 4-day withdrawal period before the last dosage. Catalepsy for detection of EPS, along with open-field and rotarod tests, were assessed as behavioral correlates of motor responses. Additionally, FosB and phosphorylated-DARPP-32 immunohistochemistry were examined in striatal regions after treatment. All antipsychotics produced catalepsy and reduced open-field exploration, such as impaired rota-rod performance after Olz and Hal. The washout period was critical for Clz-induced side effects reduction. Both Olz and Clz increased FosB in NAc Shell-region, and phosphoThr34-DARPP-32 in NAc. Only Clz reduced phosphoThr75-DARPP-32 in the dorsal striatum and showed FosB/phosphoThr34-Darpp-32-ir in the NAc Core region. This study provides evidence that atypical antipsychotics such as Olz and Clz also give rise to EPS effects frequently associated with a cumulative dosage of typical neuroleptics such as Hal. Nevertheless, FosB/phosphoThr34-Darpp-32-ir in the NAc Core region is associated with hypokinetic movements inhibition.

Five-year trend of antipsychotic prescription practices in a district Hospital in Ghana: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Antipsychotics are the mainstay treatment for psychotic conditions. Their prescription, however, should come with some caution since the consequences of their side effects can be dire for the patient receiving the prescription. Because of inadequate experts in low-middle-income countries, non-experts are trained through the Mental Health Gap Action Program (MHGAP) to reduce the treatment gap. This retrospective study analyzed the trend of antipsychotic prescriptions in a district hospital where mental health services are delivered by non-experts.

METHODOLOGY

This was a retrospective descriptive study that gathered data between 2015 and 2019 from the electronic database of the hospital. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. We reported the descriptive statistics of our findings in the form of frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS

There was a year-on-year increase in antipsychotic prescriptions over the study period. Starting with 48.1% in 2015 to 56.4% in 2019. The main condition for which antipsychotics were prescribed was psychosis (58.6%), followed by substance use disorder (SUD) (26%). Patients with age ≥ 50 received the most prescription of antipsychotics. Starting from 2015, there was a high percentage of typical antipsychotic prescriptions (90.14%) with atypical antipsychotics being 9.86% and by 2019 atypical antipsychotic prescriptions had shot up to 74.8%. Polypharmacy prescription rate was 8.1% over the study period.

CONCLUSION

Antipsychotics are essential in the treatment of psychosis and other mental health conditions. Prescribers need to know more about these drugs to prescribe them appropriately and to minimize the likelihood of side effects among patients who use these drugs.

A comparison of dissolving microneedles and transdermal film with solid microneedles for iloperidone in vivo: a proof of concept

Iloperidone (ILO) is a poorly soluble and bioavailable WHO-approved schizophrenia drug. Microneedles are a revolutionary delivery technology that overcomes many of the issues associated with traditional drug administration. The current research aimed to compare the antipsychotic activity and pharmacokinetics of ILO-loaded dissolving microneedles (DMNs) and transdermal film with a solid microneedle (STF). The DMNs were fabricated using the micromolding process, while the transdermal film was created using the solvent casting approach. Furthermore, an in vivo pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and skin irritation study was performed on Wistar rats. Studies were compared with transdermal film (TF) on untreated skin as a passive control. STF and DMNs had considerably greater AUC and C_max (p ≤ 0.001) than transdermal film. In pharmacodynamic tests, STF and DMNs demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.001) forelimb retraction time (FRT) and hindlimb retraction time (HRT) delay responses as compared to control and TF. In the skin irritation test, no adverse effects such as erythema or edema were observed at the end of the 48 h. Thus, antipsychotic activity (paw test) and pharmacokinetics studies revealed sustained action of DMN and STF. This research revealed that improved efficacy of DMN and STF for antipsychotic drug delivery may be an alternative to the existing dosage form.

Hyperbaric oxygen exposure alleviate metabolic side-effects of olanzapine treatment and is associated with Langerhans islet proliferation in rats

Introduction: Olanzapine (OLZ) is one of the second-generation antipsychotics drugs (APDs) used to treat several psychiatric illnesses. Olanzapine treatment is often associated with many metabolic side effects in a dose dependent manner such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, induction of type II diabetes and acute pancreatitis in some patients. Methods: Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) was investigated as a tool to mitigate olanzapine metabolic side effects in rats. Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups; rats on olanzapine treatment either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOOLZ) or left without exposure (OLZ) then non-treated rats that either exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy or left without exposure (control). Rats received Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for 35 days at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 2.5 h daily followed by intraperitoneal injection of olanzapine at 10 mg/kg or placebo. Results: Rats on either hyperbaric oxygen therapy or olanzapine had a significant loss in body weight. Olanzapine treatment showed a decrease in serum insulin level, triglyceride, highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lipase level but an increase in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and amylase, while rats' exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy reversed these effects. The Pancreatic Langerhans islets were up-regulated in both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and olanzapine treatments but the combination (HBOOLZ) doubled these islets number. Discussion: This study advocated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an alternative approach to control or reverse many metabolic disorders (MDs) associatedwith olanzapine treatment. In addition, it seems that hyperbaric oxygen therapy positively affect the pancreatic Langerhans cells activity and architecture.

Aripiprazole Offsets Mutant ATXN3-Induced Motor Dysfunction by Targeting Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 1A and 2A Receptors in C. elegans

The atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of psychotic, mood, and other psychiatric disorders. Previous drug discovery efforts pinpointed aripiprazole as an effective suppressor of Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) pathogenesis, as its administration resulted in a reduced abundance and aggregation of mutant Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins. Dopamine partial agonism and functional selectivity have been proposed as the main pharmacological mechanism of action of aripiprazole in the treatment of psychosis; however, this mechanism remains to be determined in the context of MJD. Here, we focus on confirming the efficacy of aripiprazole to reduce motor dysfunction in vivo, using a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MJD, and on unveiling the drug targets required for its positive action against mutant ATXN3 pathogenesis. We employed pharmacogenetics and pharmacological approaches to identify which dopamine and serotonin receptors are critical for aripiprazole-mediated improvements in motor function. We demonstrated that dopamine D₂-like and serotonin 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptors play important roles in this process. Our findings strengthen the relevance of dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling modulation against mutant ATXN3-mediated pathogenesis. The identification of aripiprazole’s cellular targets, relevant for MJD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases, may pave the way for prospective drug discovery and development campaigns aiming to improve the features of this prototypical compound and reduce side effects not negligible in the case of aripiprazole.

The incidence and economic burden of extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with schizophrenia treated with second generation antipsychotics in a Medicaid population

BACKGROUND

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are common side-effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGA), that can negatively impact patient quality-of-life, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study examined the incidence and burden of EPS in patients with schizophrenia initiating SGAs.

METHODS

Patients with schizophrenia initiating SGAs were identified in the MarketScan Multi-state Medicaid database from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. Incidence of EPS (identified via ICD-9/ICD-10 diagnoses and medications) was assessed during the 12-months following SGA initiation. Cohorts with and without EPS were defined. Multivariate models were used to examine all-cause and schizophrenia-related hospitalizations and total costs in the 12 months following the first EPS claim (EPS) or randomly assigned index date (Non-EPS) while controlling for multiple baseline covariates. Logistic regression was used for hospitalization and two-part models were used for skewed cost data.

RESULTS

A total of 11,642 patients with schizophrenia filled a prescription for an SGA; of which, 2,468 (21.2%) experienced EPS in the first year. The age- and gender-matched EPS group and non-EPS group included 2,295 and 5,607 patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses confirmed that EPS patients had 25% higher odds of all-cause (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.11-1.40) and 75% increased odds of schizophrenia-related (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.53-2.00) inpatient admissions compared to non-EPS patients. Multivariate adjustment of post-period costs between groups also found significant differences in both all-cause (EPS: $27,408 vs. non-EPS: $22,489, p < 0.001) and schizophrenia-related (EPS:$12,833 vs. non-EPS:$8,077, p < 0.0001) costs between the EPS and non-EPS cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one-fifth of patients initiating treatment with atypical antipsychotics in this study developed EPS in the 12 months following SGA initiation. Extrapyramidal side-effects associated with atypical antipsychotics increase the risk of hospitalization and contribute to higher healthcare costs. For patients with schizophrenia, treatment options that minimize the risk of EPS may reduce the economic burden associated with the disease.

Oculogyric Crisis Due to Low-Dose Olanzapine: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES

Oculogyric crisis is a dystonic movement disorder characterized by continuous contraction of the ocular muscles and spasmodic movements of the pupils in a fixed position, usually upward.

METHODS

In this case report, an early-stage acute oculogyric crisis due to low-dose olanzapine in a 15-year-old adolescent boy is presented.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that acute oculogyric crisis can develop with low-dose olanzapine administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though second-generation antipsychotics are safer than conventional antipsychotics in terms of extrapyramidal adverse effects, this possibility should always be taken into consideration through this case report.

Antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side effects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

Antipsychotic agents are the basis for the pharmacological management of acute and chronic schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, mood disorders with psychotic feature, and other psychotic disorders. Antipsychotic medication use is frequently associated with unfavorable adverse effects such as extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs). Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine the magnitude of antipsychotic-induced EPSEs.

Method

A literature search was conducted using legitimate databases, indexing services, and directories including PubMed/MEDLINE (Ovid^®), EMBASE (Ovid^®), google scholar and WorldCat to retrieve studies. Following screening and eligibility, the relevant data were extracted from the included studies using an Excel sheet and exported to STATA 15.0 software for analyses. The Random effects pooling model was used to analyze outcome measures at a 95% confidence interval. Besides, publication bias analysis was conducted. The protocol has been registered on PROSPERO with ID: CRD42020175168.

Result

In total, 15 original articles were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of antipsychotic-induced EPSEs among patient taking antipsychotic medications was 37% (95% CI: 18–55%, before sensitivity) and 31% (95% CI: 19–44%, after sensitivity). The prevalence of antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia was 20% (95% CI: 11–28%), 11% (95% CI: 6–17%), and 7% (95% CI: 4–9%), respectively. To confirm a small-study effect, Egger’s regression test accompanied by funnel plot asymmetry demonstrated that there was a sort of publication bias in studies reporting akathisia and tardive dyskinesia.

Conclusion

The prevalence of antipsychotic-induced EPSEs was considerably high. One in five and more than one in ten patients experienced parkinsonism and akathisia, respectively. Appropriate prevention and early management of these effects can enhance the net benefits of antipsychotics.

Trends and Contributing Factors for Prescribing Antipsychotics in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

Psychosis is very common in later stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but its prevalence in newly diagnosed patients is not rare. The use of antipsychotics in PD patients is complex given their association with worsening Parkinsonian motor symptoms and increased mortality rate. This study aims to examine factors that affect the use of antipsychotics in newly diagnosed PD patients and to identify changes in prescribing over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Secure Anonymized Information Linkage (SAIL) databank was used to identify a cohort of newly diagnosed PD patients aged 40 years and older in Wales. The cohort was longitudinally examined over 17 years to determine the incidence of new antipsychotic use. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data and were adjusted for several potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

A total of 9142 PD patients were identified after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, of whom 58.6% were male. During the first year of PD diagnosis, 12% of the patients developed psychosis and were prescribed antipsychotics. Quetiapine was the most commonly prescribed (49%), followed by risperidone (10.7%). The use of antipsychotics in newly diagnosed PD patients was significantly lower in the years 2009-2016 compared to 2000-2008 (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.32-0.43). Other significant prescribing factors included patient's age and history of dementia.

CONCLUSION

A dramatic decline in antipsychotic use was identified across years, showing adherence to warnings against use of antipsychotics for PD patients. Given that psychosis is prevalent in PD patients, the continuous assessment of the safety risks of antipsychotics is a matter of priority.

Cariprazine in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Within and Beyond Clinical Trials

Bipolar disorder (BD) is chronic psychiatric disorder associated with significant impairment in psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Although current pharmacological treatments for BD have improved its clinical management, many patients do not achieve remission, particularly those suffering from bipolar depression. In addition, available treatments are associated with a myriad of potential adverse effects, which highlights the need for novel therapeutic agents that can be effective for both phases of the illness with a reduced side effect burden. Cariprazine is a novel antipsychotic that is a dopamine D2/D3 partial agonist with a preference for D3 receptors. In this review, we examine the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability profile of cariprazine in patients with BD, taking into account the latest clinical trials data. We also review post hoc analyses addressing clinically relevant subgroups and symptom domains in BD. Current evidence suggests efficacy for cariprazine 3-12 mg/day in the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes; for bipolar depression, the efficacy of cariprazine appears to be dose-related, with doses of 1.5-3 mg/day beneficial as monotherapy. Cariprazine is overall well-tolerated by patients in both manic and depressive episodes. Its most common side effects relative to placebo include akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms and nausea. There are no metabolic concerns reported with cariprazine use. In summary, the latest evidence suggests that cariprazine is an effective and safe treatment option for BD.

ASHP Therapeutic Position Statement on the Use of Antipsychotic Medications in the Treatment of Adults with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome in acute antipsychotic poisoning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mutual effect of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) accompanied with fibrinolysis, endotoxemia, and coagulation in severe cases of antipsychotic poisoning. A total of 199 patients were examined, of which 71 were men and 128 were women. The age of the patients was from 22 to 63 years, (45.3 ± 6.1 years on average). According to the results of the course of therapy, the patients were divided into two groups. In the blood plasma, the content of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and its proteolysis products (oligopeptides, D-dimers), interleukin-6 were determined. In the first 1 to 3 days, in group 1, the level of interleukin-6 decreased and approached the normal level (P ≤ .05). The opposite trend continued throughout the observation of patients from group 2-their levels of interleukin-6 increased day by day (P ≤ .05). The concentration of D-dimer already in 1 day after admission to intensive care in patients from group 2 exceeded the norm by 14 times (P ≤ .05). The level of D-dimer correlated with the level of oligopeptides in blood plasma upon admission, as well as for 3 and 5 days after admission to intensive care: 0.36, 0.76 at P ≤ .05, 0.94 at P ≤ .01, respectively. Similar correlations were obtained for the content of oligopeptides in urine and the level of D-dimer: 0.55, 0.85 at P ≤ .05, 0.93 at P ≤ .01. In this regard, the most pronounced correlation is that between the SIRS score, plasma D-dimer level, and the plasma level of the D-dimer derivatives, oligopeptides.

Dopamine-receptor blocking agent-associated akathisia: a summary of current understanding and proposal for a rational approach to treatment

Dopamine-receptor blocking agent-associated akathisia (DRBA-A) is an adverse effect that can significantly limit the use of these important medications for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric diseases, yet there is no unifying theory regarding its pathophysiology. This knowledge gap limits clinicians' ability to effectively manage DRBA-A and mitigate negative outcomes in an already vulnerable patient population. Based on a review of the current literature on the subject, it is hypothesized that dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling is perturbed in DRBA-A. Accordingly, it is proposed that the optimal agent to manage this extrapyramidal symptom should increase dopamine signaling in the affected areas of the brain and counteract compensatory noradrenergic signaling via antagonism of adrenergic or serotonergic receptors.

Detecting schizophrenia early: Prediagnosis healthcare utilization characteristics of patients with schizophrenia may aid early detection

INTRODUCTION

Many patients exhibit subsyndromal clinical findings of schizophrenia prior to diagnosis. Early treatment may mitigate schizophrenia development, yet little is known about comorbidities and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in these patients before diagnosis.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, conducted between January 1, 2007 and April 30, 2016, used claims data from the US HealthCore Integrated Research Database. Newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision: 295.x or ICD 10 F20.%) were identified and matched (1:4) with non-schizophrenia comparators. Patients were 15-54 years of age with either ≥1 inpatient/emergency room claim with a primary schizophrenia diagnosis, or ≥2 claims in any setting with any schizophrenia diagnosis. Demographics, comorbidities, physician specialties, medications, and related services, and other HCRU were compared between cohorts for up to 5 years before diagnosis.

RESULTS

The schizophrenia cohort included 6732 patients (57.4% male, mean age 30.3 years for males and 36.2 years for females). All outcomes were more prevalent in the schizophrenia cohort than the comparator cohort. Substantial comorbidity, medication use, and HCRU were observed in the schizophrenia cohort even 4-5 years before diagnosis with increasing findings approaching diagnosis. From 4-5 years to 0-12 months before diagnosis, resource use increased from 20.5% to 53.3% for atypical antipsychotics, 29.3% to 48.2% for antidepressants, and 15.1% to 35.5% for psychiatric diagnostic examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with schizophrenia extensively use healthcare resources up to 5 years before diagnosis. Our findings may help with developing predictive models to identify patients at high risk of schizophrenia.

Clozapine increased c-Fos protein expression in several brain subregions of socially isolated rats

Chronic social stress and/or pharmacological treatments differentially modulate the expression of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, in subregions of the rat brain. Here, we examined the effect of the atypical antipsychotic Clozapine (Clz) (20 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks) on the neuronal activation pattern of c-Fos protein expression in stress-relevant brain subregions of adult male Wistar rats exposed to chronic social isolation (CSIS: 3 weeks), an animal model of depression and schizophrenia, and controls. The protein expression of c-Fos was also used to map neuronal populations in brain subregions activated by CSIS alone. Subregions which showed significantly increased c-Fos protein expression following CSIS included the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), (subregions:RSC granular cortex, c region (RSGc) and dysgranular (RSD)), dentate gyrus, dorsal (DGd), paraventricular thalamic nucleus, posterior part (PVP), lateral (LA)/basolateral (BL) complex of amygdala, caudate putamen (CPu) and accumbens nucleus, shell (AcbSh). Increases in c-Fos protein expression in the RSGc, RSD, DGd, PVP, LA/BL complex of amygdala and striatum (CPu, Acb Core (AcbC) and AcbSh) following Clz treatment in controls were found. Clz applied simultaneously with CSIS modulated neuronal activity in CPu, AcbC and AcbSh subregions compared to CSIS alone, increasing c-Fos protein expression. Furthermore, Clz revealed synergistic effects with CSIS in the CA1d and PVP. These identified neural circuits reflect brain subregions activated following CSIS and/or Clz administration. These data further contribute to the understanding of the effectiveness of Clz in the modulation of brain subregion activation in response to CSIS.

Association Between Drug Exposure and Occurrence of Parkinsonism in Korea: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Background: Although drug-induced parkinsonism is reversible in most cases, some patients can suffer from persistent/recurrent symptoms. Therefore, prevention is the most efficient way to manage drug-induced parkinsonism. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring the relationship between parkinsonism and drug exposure. Objective: To examine the association between drug exposure and the risk of parkinsonism using Korean population-based data. Methods: We conducted a matched case-control study using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database. Cases and controls were defined as individuals with and without parkinsonism, respectively, between 2007 and 2013. Cases and controls were matched for sex, age group, income, type of insurance, and Charlson comorbidity index. Drug exposures, including propulsives, antipsychotics, and flunarizine, were identified at 1 year before the first date of parkinsonism and stratified by recency and cumulative dose. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results: We identified 5496 cases and 5496 controls. ORs for current use group of propulsives, antipsychotics, and flunarizine compared with those of the never use group were 2.812 (95% CI = 2.466-3.206), 3.009 (95% CI = 1.667-5.431), and 4.950 (95% CI = 2.711-9.037), respectively. ORs were greater in those more recently exposed and those exposed to higher cumulative doses. Conclusion and Relevance: At the population level, use of propulsives, antipsychotics, and flunarizine had a significant association with the increased risk of parkinsonism, depending on recency and cumulative dose. Drugs associated with parkinsonism should be used with careful monitoring to prevent drug-induced parkinsonism.

Characteristics of Patients Experiencing Extrapyramidal Symptoms or Other Movement Disorders Related to Dopamine Receptor Blocking Agent Therapy

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), also known as antipsychotics, are medications widely used to treat a growing number of mental health diagnoses. However, their utility is limited by the potential to cause serious adverse movement reactions. Akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia (collectively known as extrapyramidal symptoms or EPSs) are associated with reduced social and occupational functioning, negative patient attitudes toward treatment, and nonadherence to pharmacotherapy. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening reaction that can result from DRBA use and cause musculoskeletal dysfunction. The aim of this study is to profile patients who have developed DRBA-related movement adverse effects and identify risk factors significantly associated with each subtype of EPSs or other movement disorders (OMDs) such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

METHODS/PROCEDURES

A report of all potential DRBA-related EPSs or OMDs occurrences within a large community hospital network was generated using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and 10th Revision (ICD-10) billing codes. Each patient encounter was manually reviewed to confirm that a documented case of DRBA-related EPSs or OMDs had indeed occurred and subsequently determine the likely causative agent(s).

FINDINGS/RESULTS

The resultant cohort of 148 patients experiencing unique DRBA-related EPS or OMD events was analyzed. The average patient was female, middle-aged, and overweight. The most common DRBAs precipitating EPSs or OMDs were haloperidol and quetiapine. In the population studied, age was significantly associated with the subtype of EPSs experienced such that those patients with akathisia and dystonia tended to be younger, whereas those with tardive dyskinesia tended to be older. Body mass index (BMI) category was also negatively correlated with the incidence of dystonia. In addition, it was observed that exposure to specific DRBAs, classes, and routes of administration significantly affected the risk of developing different subtypes of EPSs or OMDs in the study population.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe an association between age and BMI with the risk of akathisia and dystonia, respectively, in patients taking DRBAs. Other trends observed with age and BMI in patients developing DRBA-related EPSs support previously reported findings. Expanding the knowledge base of individual characteristics associated with the risk of developing different subtypes of EPSs or OMDs can help providers and patients anticipate and attempt to mitigate these reactions, and may ultimately improve adherence to DRBA therapy.

Metabolic Syndrome among Schizophrenic Patients: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in the Middle Belt of Ghana

The study determined the prevalence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia at the Psychiatric Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 348 schizophrenic patients comprising 236 antipsychotic-treated and 112 newly diagnosed treatment-naïve patients. The MetS prevalence was assessed based on World Health Organization (WHO), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the National Cholesterol Education Programme, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. The overall prevalence of MetS was 14.1%, 20.4%, and 23.6% using NCEP ATP III, WHO, and IDF criteria, respectively, compared to 7.8%, 3.9%, and 2.2% reported in the general Ghanaian population. The prevalence was significantly higher among treated psychiatric patients compared to treatment-naïve group based on NCEP ATP III (17.8% versus 6.2%; p = 0.0001), WHO (26.2% versus 8.0%; p < 0.0001), and IDF (30.3% versus 10.0%; p < 0.0001). MetS was prevalent among patients on atypical antipsychotics compared to typical antipsychotics irrespective of the criteria used (i.e., 17.1% versus 11.1% for NCEP ATP III; 29.5% versus 25.9% for WHO; and 44.3% versus 18.5% for IDF). Using logistic regression model, obesity, raised fasting blood sugar, raised total cholesterol, and decreased high density lipoprotein were observed to be significant predictors of MetS (p<0.05).The study found high prevalence of MetS in Ghanaians with schizophrenia and higher prevalence rate of MetS associated with monotherapy. Regular monitoring of cardiometabolic parameters should be an important therapeutic objective in the management of these patients.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Other Augmentation Strategies for Therapy-Resistant Depression (TRD): Review of the Evidence and Clinical Advice for Use

In addition to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is one of the approved neurostimulation tools for treatment of major depression. VNS is particularly used in therapy-resistant depression (TRD) and exhibits antidepressive and augmentative effects. In long-term treatment, up to two-thirds of patients respond. This mini-review provides a comprehensive overview of augmentation pharmacotherapy and neurostimulation-based treatment strategies, with a special focus on VNS in TRD, and provides practical clinical advice for how to select TRD patients for add-on neurostimulation treatment strategies.

Molecular modeling studies of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives as novel h-DAAO inhibitors by 3D-QSAR, docking and dynamics simulations

Computational modeling methods were successfully applied to discover new 1,2,4-triazine compounds as potential h-DAAO inhibitors.

Oculogyric crisis with atypical antipsychotics: A case series

Oculogyric crisis (OGC) is an acute dystonic reaction, commonly seen with the administration of typical antipsychotics, and rarely reported with atypical antipsychotics. Here, we report five cases of oculogyric crisis, developed after administration of atypical antipsychotics. The first case developed OGC on quetiapine 800 mg/day and the second case on olanzapine 20 mg/day. Both the patients did not improve on adding anticholinergic agents and finally stabilized by switching to clozapine. The third case developed OGC on amisulpride 400 mg and lurasidone 40 mg/day and improved by reducing amisulpride dose to 200 mg and stopping lurasidone. The fourth case developed OGC on aripiprazole 30 mg/day and improved by dose reduction. The fifth case developed OGC on amisulpride 400 mg/day and improved by switching to risperidone and anticholinergic combination. Oculogyric crisis is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications (mostly with typical and rarely with atypical) and generally respond to oral anticholinergics, but in some cases, dose reduction or discontinuation of antipsychotic agent and switching to safer alternatives or clozapine is required.

An original pharmacoepidemiological-pharmacodynamic method: application to antipsychotic-induced movement disorders

AIMS

Pharmacovigilance databases are usually used to detect new potential signals that are relevant for drug safety. They are seldom used for explanatory purposes, e.g. to understand the mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the present study was to combine pharmacovigilance and pharmacodynamic data to investigate the association between dopamine D2, serotonin 5HT2A, and muscarinic M1 receptor occupancy and the risks of antipsychotic drug (AP)-induced movement disorders.

METHODS

First, we performed a case-noncase analysis using spontaneous reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR) database, VigiBase®. We thus measured the risk of reporting movement disorders compared with all other ADRs [expressed as a reporting odds ratio (ROR)] for APs. Second, we performed a linear regression analysis to explore the association between the estimated risk of reporting for individual drugs and their receptor occupancy properties, for D2, 5HT2A and M1 receptors.

RESULTS

Compared with second-generation APs, first-generation APs were found to be significantly more associated with the reporting of movement disorders in general but also with dystonia, Parkinsonism, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia, irrespective of gender. A significant inverse correlation was found between the ROR for movement disorders and the receptor occupancy of 5HT2A [P < 0.001; R²  = 0.51; slope = -0.014; 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.029, 0.001)], M1 (P < 0.001; R²  = 0.56; slope = -0.014; 95% CI (-0.028, 0.001) but not D2 dopamine (P = 0.54; R²  = 0.02; slope = -0.003; 95% CI (-0.007, 0.001) receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the example of AP-induced movement disorders, the present study underlines the value of the pharmacoepidemiological-pharmacodynamic method to explore ADR mechanisms in humans and real-life settings.

Medicinal-Induced Behavior Disorders

Commonly used medications can have neuropsychiatric and behavioral effects that may be idiosyncratic or metabolic in nature, or a function of interactions with other drugs, toxicity, or withdrawal. This article explores an approach to the patient with central nervous system toxicity, depending on presentation of sedation versus agitation and accompanying physical signs and symptoms. The effects of antihypertensives, opioids, antibiotics, antiepileptic agents, steroids, Parkinson's disease medications, antipsychotics, medications for human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer chemotherapeutics, and immunotherapies are discussed. A look at the prevalence of adverse reactions to medications and the errors underlying such occurrences is included.

Atypical antipsychotics and inverse agonism at 5-HT2 receptors

It is now well accepted that receptors can regulate cellular signaling pathways in the absence of a stimulating ligand, and inverse agonists can reduce this ligand-independent or "constitutive" receptor activity. Both the serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors have demonstrated constitutive receptor activity in vitro and in vivo. Each has been identified as a target for treatment of schizophrenia. Further, most, if not all, atypical antipsychotic drugs have inverse agonist properties at both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. This paper describes our current knowledge of inverse agonism of atypical antipsychotics at 5-HT2A/2C receptor subtypes in vitro and in vivo. Exploiting inverse agonist properties of APDs may provide new avenues for drug development.

A New Nomenclature for Psychotropic Drugs

INTRODUCTION

Current classifications of psychotropic drugs, developed in the 1960s, are based on beliefs about clinical effectiveness. This article evaluates the scientific validity of current drug terms and possible alternative classifications.

METHODS

A historical, conceptual, and empirical review of the psychopharmacology literature is provided. Consistency of classification is examined by 3 major categories: chemical structure, pharmacodynamic mechanism, and clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

Current drug terms based on clinical effectiveness are not valid scientifically, either claiming efficacy which is disproven or ignoring other areas of clinical efficacy. Hence, clinical efficacy is not a consistent and scientifically valid way of classifying psychotropic drugs. Chemical structures are also heterogeneous for drugs with similar clinical efficacy. The most consistent way to define drug classes is pharmacodynamic mechanism. Specific drug groups identified are: monoamine agonists ("antidepressants" and "stimulants"), dopamine blockers ("antipsychotics"), second messenger modifiers ("mood stabilizers), and gabaergic agonists ("anxiolytics" or "hypnotics").

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with a recent proposal of psychopharmacology organizations, this article proposes a new nomenclature based mainly on biological pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Specific terms that are scientifically valid and clinically practical are suggested. It is hoped that this new language would allow for more meaningful and accurate communication between clinicians and patients.

[Plasma levels of antipsychotics and the severity of side-effects in the treatment of schizophrenia exacerbation]

OBJECTIVE

To study a relationship between plasma levels of antipsychotics (AP) and severity of side-effects (SE) during the treatment of inpatients with exacerbation of schizophrenia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 39 patients treated with risperidone, haloperidol, zuclopenthixol, clozapine, aripiprazole or olanzapine as monotherapy or in combination of two AP. Blood sampling to measure the AP plasma level was performed twice (at 7-10 and 26-30 day from start of treatment), the levels of prolactin and glucose were determined once (at 26-30 day from start of treatment). Patients were assessed by psychometric scales PANSS and NSA and the side-effects scale UKU.

RESULTS

The increased concentration of AP was noted in 33% of the patients. The high concentration of AP was significantly associated with akathisia and hyperkinesia (by UKU scale), NSA retardation factor and hyperprolactinemia. Patients with severe hyperprolactinemia were twice as likely to have a clinically significant depression. Increased blood glucose levels were observed in 18% of the patients, there was no significant association with AP plasma levels. Mental SE were most prominent, with a drift towards the neurological SE in the group with higher AP plasma levels. Chlorpromazine equivalent didn't significantly differ in the groups with normal, high and low AP concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Elevated AP plasma levels, which were associated with some clinically significant SE and some negative symptoms, were found in most patients. In this regard, therapeutic drug monitoring is a promising method for the individualization of schizophrenia exacerbation treatment in routine clinical practice.

Examination of the role of dopamine D₂ and adrenergic α₂ receptors in resurgence of food seeking

Resurgence refers to the reappearance of an extinguished operant behavior when reinforcement for an alternative behavior is also subsequently discontinued. Resurgence has been noted as a source of relapse to problem behavior following interventions involving alternative reinforcement, and has also been recently used as an animal model of relapse to drug seeking induced by reinforcement loss. Existing information about the neuropharmacology of resurgence is scarce, but suggests overlap between relapse observed in the resurgence model and relapse observed in reinstatement and renewal models. In the present experiment rats earned food pellets for pressing a target lever in Phase I. In Phase II lever pressing no longer produced food, but food was delivered for an alterative nose poke response. Finally in Phase III, neither response produced food deliveries. Prior to these Phase III sessions, separate groups of rats were injected with 0, 50, or 100 μg/kg of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist raclopride or 0, 20, or 40 μg/kg of α 2 agonist clonidine. Both doses of raclopride were effective in blocking resurgence, but there was evidence that the higher dose did so via motor rather than motivational impairment. Only the higher dose of clonidine blocked resurgence, but did so with no evidence of motor impairment. Raclopride significantly impacted extinction of the alternative poke at both doses tested, whereas clonidine had no effect at either dose. The results of the present study provide additional information about the neuropharmacology of resurgence, as well as additional evidence of overlap between resurgence, reinstatement, and renewal.

Second-generation antipsychotics and extrapyramidal adverse effects

Antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal adverse effects are well recognized in the context of first-generation antipsychotic drugs. However, the introduction of second-generation antipsychotics, with atypical mechanism of action, especially lower dopamine receptors affinity, was met with great expectations among clinicians regarding their potentially lower propensity to cause extrapyramidal syndrome. This review gives a brief summary of the recent literature relevant to second-generation antipsychotics and extrapyramidal syndrome. Numerous studies have examined the incidence and severity of extrapyramidal syndrome with first- and second-generation antipsychotics. The majority of these studies clearly indicate that extrapyramidal syndrome does occur with second-generation agents, though in lower rates in comparison with first generation. Risk factors are the choice of a particular second-generation agent (with clozapine carrying the lowest risk and risperidone the highest), high doses, history of previous extrapyramidal symptoms, and comorbidity. Also, in comparative studies, the choice of a first-generation comparator significantly influences the results. Extrapyramidal syndrome remains clinically important even in the era of second-generation antipsychotics. The incidence and severity of extrapyramidal syndrome differ amongst these antipsychotics, but the fact is that these drugs have not lived up to the expectation regarding their tolerability.

Metformin and berberine prevent olanzapine-induced weight gain in rats

Olanzapine is a first line medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, but it is also one of the atypical antipsychotics carrying the highest risk of weight gain. Metformin was reported to produce significant attenuation of antipsychotic-induced weight gain in patients, while the study of preventing olanzapine-induced weight gain in an animal model is absent. Berberine, an herbal alkaloid, was shown in our previous studies to prevent fat accumulation in vitro and in vivo. Utilizing a well-replicated rat model of olanzapine-induced weight gain, here we demonstrated that two weeks of metformin or berberine treatment significantly prevented the olanzapine-induced weight gain and white fat accumulation. Neither metformin nor berberine treatment demonstrated a significant inhibition of olanzapine-increased food intake. But interestingly, a significant loss of brown adipose tissue caused by olanzapine treatment was prevented by the addition of metformin or berberine. Our gene expression analysis also demonstrated that the weight gain prevention efficacy of metformin or berberine treatment was associated with changes in the expression of multiple key genes controlling energy expenditure. This study not only demonstrates a significant preventive efficacy of metformin and berberine treatment on olanzapine-induced weight gain in rats, but also suggests a potential mechanism of action for preventing olanzapine-reduced energy expenditure.

Assessment of novel iloperidone- and idebenone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: brain targeting efficiency and neuroprotective potential

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the outcome of combining iloperidone with idebenone in the form of brain-targeted nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) on the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes present in the brain, and hence establish the neuroprotective activity.

RESULTS

The combination NLC demonstrated good targeting potential (>85%) as compared with pure iloperidone (22.21%). The levels of various endogenous antioxidant enzymes present in the brain were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) in case of 28 days repeated administration of pure iloperidone, while administration of the combination NLC helped to restore the levels of these enzymes.

CONCLUSION

Combining iloperidone with idebenone and converting into NLC has contributed in effectively reducing oxidative stress in the brain and helped in reversing the catalepsy induced by repeated iloperidone administration.

A population-based study of antipsychotic prescription trends in children and adolescents in British Columbia, from 1996 to 2011

OBJECTIVES

To establish prevalence rates of antipsychotic (AP) prescriptions for children 18 years of age or younger in British Columbia (BC) from 1996 to 2011 by age, sex, AP type, and primary diagnosis; and to identify the predominant AP prescribers for children by specialty training.

METHODS

BC Ministry of Health administrative data were used to describe AP prescriptions for youth aged 18 years or younger. Comparisons were made using population prevalence based on sex; age group; AP; International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis; and prescriber specialty.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2011, overall AP (both first and second generation) prescription prevalence rate increased 3.8-fold (1.66 to 6.37 per 1000 population); second-generation AP (SGA) prescriptions increased 18.1-fold (0.33 to 5.98 per 1000 population). The highest increase in all AP prescriptions occurred in males aged 13 to 18 years (3.3 to 14.4 per 1000 population; 4.4-fold), followed by similar increases in males aged 6 to 12 years (2.3 to 8.6 per 1000 population; 3.7-fold) and in females aged 13 to 18 years (2.8 to 10.7 per 1000 population; 3.8-fold). Overall, the 3 most common diagnoses associated with all AP prescriptions were depressive disorders (12.8%), hyperkinetic syndrome of childhood (11.7%), and neurotic disorders (11.1%); however, variation was observed by prescriber specialty training. Among all new AP prescriptions in 2010/11, 38.6%, 34.3%, and 15.6% were provided by psychiatrists, family physicians, and pediatricians, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been an exponential rise in SGA prescriptions in BC secondary to extensive off-label use, not only by psychiatrists but also by family physicians and pediatricians. Knowledge translation initiatives promoting evidence-based prescribing and monitoring practices related to SGA treatment need to target all 3 prescriber groups and be tailored for age subgroups.

Glossopharyngeal Dystonia Secondary to a Lurasidone-Fluoxetine CYP-3A4 Interaction

Acute dystonic reactions are becoming much less prevalent in clinical practice due to the use of newer antipsychotics. Drug-drug interactions, patient characteristics, and environmental and genetic factors all contribute to the rate of occurrence of acute dystonia with second generation agents. In this case, we report a glossopharyngeal dystonia secondary to a lurasidone-fluoxetine CYP-3A4 interaction to highlight the importance of maintaining an index of suspicion for laryngeal dystonia, a potentially fatal dystonia.

The relationship between bipolar disorder and type 2 diabetes: more than just co-morbid disorders

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rates are three times higher in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), compared to the general population. This is a major contributing factor to the elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality, the leading cause of death in bipolar patients. There may be shared pathophysiology linking the two disorders, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and mitochondrial dysfunction, common genetic links, and epigenetic interactions. Life-style, phenomenology of bipolar symptoms, and adverse effects of pharmacotherapy may be contributing factors. Patients with BD and T2DM have a more severe course of illness and are more refractory to treatment. Control of their diabetes is poorer when compared to diabetics without BD, and an existing disparity in medical care may be partly responsible. Glucose abnormalities in bipolar patients need to be screened for and treated. Metformin appears to have the best benefit/risk ratio, and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and analogues also appear promising, although these agents have not been specifically studied in populations with mood disorders. Physicians need to be aware of the increased risk for T2DM and cardiovascular disease in bipolar patients, and appropriate prevention, screening, case finding, and treatment is recommended.

Reduced serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in patients with schizophrenia treated with olanzapine but not quetiapine

BACKGROUND

Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are currently the most prescribed drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia. Despite their advantages, which include greater improvement in negative symptoms, cognitive function, prevention of deterioration, quality of life, and fewer extrapyramidal symptoms, the concern regarding metabolic abnormalities which might cause cardiovascular diseases during treatment with SGAs have been rising. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme mostly located on high-density lipoprotein particles, and has been shown to protect or inhibit lipoprotein oxidation. Growing evidence suggests that PON1 plays a key role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

In the present study, we measured serum PON1 activity and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with schizophrenia, who had been treated with either olanzapine or quetiapine, and in healthy controls. Thirty five patients who had been treated with olanzapine, 29 patients who had been treated with quetiapine, and 32 age, sex, and smoking status-matched healthy control (HC) participants were enrolled. Serum PON1 activity and serum levels of TC, triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C were measured.

RESULTS

Serum PON1 activity in the olanzapine group was significantly lower than that of HC and quetiapine groups. Furthermore, serum levels of TC and LDL-C in the olanzapine group were significantly higher than those of quetiapine and HC groups. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between PON1 activity and HDL-C levels in the olanzapine group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that serum PON1 activity in patients treated with olanzapine was lower than that of HC and quetiapine groups, and that PON1 may play a role in the metabolic side effects associated with olanzapine treatment. A further study to examine the relationship between serum PON1 activity and cardiovascular and metabolic side effects during treatment with SGAs will be of great interest.

Incidence and time course of extrapyramidal symptoms with oral and long-acting injectable paliperidone: a posthoc pooled analysis of seven randomized controlled studies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare incidence rates and time course of extrapyramidal symptom (EPS)-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between oral and long-acting injectable (LAI) paliperidone.

METHODS

The analysis included pooled data (safety analysis set, 2,256 antipsychotic-treated and 865 placebo-treated patients with schizophrenia) from seven randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled paliperidone studies (three oral [6 weeks each] and four LAI [9-13 weeks]) and assessed comparable doses (oral, 3-15 mg; LAI, 25-150 mg eq. [US doses 39-234 mg]). We summarized incidence rates and time of onset for EPS-related TEAE, categorized by EPS group terms, ie, tremor, dystonia, hyperkinesia, parkinsonism, and dyskinesia, and use of anti-EPS medication. Mean scores over time for the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS, for dyskinesia), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS, for akathisia), and Simpson Angus Rating Scale (SAS, for parkinsonism) were graphed.

RESULTS

Incidence rates for all categories of spontaneously reported EPS-related TEAEs except for hyperkinesia, were numerically lower in pooled LAI studies than in pooled oral studies. Highest rates were observed in the first week of paliperidone-LAI (for all EPS symptoms except dyskinesia) and oral paliperidone treatment (except parkinsonism and tremor). Anti-EPS medication use was significantly lower in LAI (12%) versus oral studies (17%, P = 0.0035). Mean values for EPS scale scores were similar between LAI and oral treatment at endpoint, and no dose response was evident. Mean reductions (standard deviation) from baseline to endpoint in EPS scale scores were larger for LAI (AIMS, -0.10 [1.27]; BARS, -0.09 [1.06]; SAS, -0.04 [0.20]) versus oral studies (AIMS, -0.08 [1.32]; BARS, -0.03 [1.24]; SAS, 0.0 [0.23]). These changes favored LAI for BARS (P = 0.023) and SAS (P < 0.0001), but not for AIMS (P = 0.49), at endpoint for the studies.

CONCLUSION

In this posthoc descriptive analysis, incidence rates of spontaneously reported EPS-related TEAEs were numerically lower following approximately 90 days of exposure with LAI and approximately 40 days with oral paliperidone at comparable doses.

Efficacy and metabolic influence of paliperidone ER, aripiprazole and ziprasidone to patients with first-episode schizophrenia through 52 weeks follow-up in China

BACKGROUND

There are no direct comparisons of paliperidone extended-release (ER), aripiprazole and ziprasidone in efficacy and metabolic influence in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examined the efficacy and metabolic influence of paliperidone ER, aripiprazole and ziprasidone in patients with first-episode schizophrenia in China.

METHODS

Subjects were recruited from outpatient and 254 patients entered the trial. These patients received treatment randomly with paliperidone ER, aripiprazole and ziprasidone and were assessed at baseline, 13, 26 and 52 weeks, respectively with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), 7-item Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S), anthropometric (weight, body mass index and waist circumference) and metabolic (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins and triglycerides) measures.

RESULTS

A total of 203 patients completed the trial. Paliperidone group had significant greater reduction in PANSS than aripiprazole group and ziprasidone group from 13 weeks, although the a reduction in PANSS of each group was more than 20%. There was no difference in CGI-S among the three groups, and all three groups had a significant reduction from baseline in CGI-S. Aripiprazole group increased in weight and body mass index despite no statistical change in waist circumference. Other two groups showed no changes in anthropometric measure. At the end of the study, two glucose metabolic indices (fasting blood glucose and HbA1c) of aripiprazole group were significantly higher than that of baseline. In lipid metabolism, aripiprazole group reduced triglycerides significantly and had no changes in other indices. Paliperidone group reduced HDL and increased triglycerides despite no changes in glucose metabolism. Ziprasidone group also had no significant changes in glucose metabolism, but reduced cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and increased HDL. Furthermore, 22 subjects in three groups reached the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Paliperidone ER, aripiprazole and ziprasidone are effective in treating first-episode schizophrenia, and the ranking of efficacy from high to low is paliperidone ER > aripiprazole > ziprasidone. Paliperidone ER can impair lipid metabolism potentially but had no influence on glucose metabolism. Aripiprazole can damage glucose metabolism and has little influence on lipid metabolism. Ziprasidone is considered an atypical antipsychotic with no evidence of harm to glucose and lipid metabolism.

The incidence and relative risk of stroke in patients with schizophrenia: a five-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the incidence and relative risk of stroke and post-stroke all-cause mortality in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

This study identified a study population from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between 1999 and 2003 that included 80,569 patients with schizophrenia and 241,707 age- and sex-matched control participants without schizophrenia. The participants were randomly selected from the 23,981,020-participant NHIRD, which consists of 96% Taiwanese participants. Participants who had experienced a stroke between 1999 and 2003 were excluded. Using data from the NHIRD between 2004 and 2008, the incidence of stroke (ICD-9-CM code 430-438) and patient survival after stroke were calculated for both groups. After adjusting for confounding risk factors, a Cox proportional-hazards model was used to compare the five-year stroke-free survival rate to the all-cause mortality rate across the two cohorts.

RESULTS

Over five years, 1380 (1.71%) patients with schizophrenia and 2954 (1.22%) controls suffered from strokes. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and comorbid medical conditions, patients with schizophrenia were 1.13 times more likely to have a stroke (95% CI=1.05-1.22; P=0.0006). In addition, 1039 (24%) patients who had a stroke died during the follow-up period. After adjusting for patient, physician and hospital variables, the all-cause mortality hazard ratio for patients with schizophrenia was 1.23 (95% CI=1.06-1.41; P=0.0052).

CONCLUSIONS

During a five-year follow-up, the likelihood of developing a stroke and the all-cause mortality rate were greater among patients with schizophrenia as compared with the control group.