Substance use disorders among older adults: A review of randomized controlled pharmacotherapy trials

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a growing problem among older adults. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are United States Food and Drug Administration (referred to as FDA) approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, and buprenorphine is approved for the treatment of opiate use disorder among adults. However, the data on the use of these medications for the treatment of SUDs among older adults are unclear from randomized controlled trials (referred to as RCTs). A review of the literature indicates that there are only two RCTs that evaluated the use of pharmacologic agents for SUDs among older adults (≥ 50 years). One trial evaluated the use of naltrexone when compared to placebo for the treatment of alcohol use disorder among individuals, 50-70 years in age. The other trial evaluated the use of naltrexone or placebo as adjuncts with sertraline in the treatment of alcohol use disorder among individuals older than 55 years in age. Both trials indicated that the use of naltrexone reduced the rates of relapse among older adults with alcohol use disorder. However, we did not identify any RCTs that studied the use of buprenorphine, acamprosate, or disulfiram for SUDs among older adults. Based on available evidence, it would be safe to conclude that limited data indicate some efficacy for naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol use disorder among older adults. However, data from controlled trials on the use of other medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of SUDs among younger adults are nonexistent among older adults with SUDs.

Is ondansetron beneficial for psychosis associated with dementia?

BACKGROUND

This systematic review identified published studies that evaluated the use of ondansetron in individuals with psychosis associated with dementia.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Collaboration databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case reports that evaluated the use of ondansetron for individuals with psychosis associated with dementia. Bibliographic databases of published articles were also searched for additional studies.

RESULTS

A total of 4 studies were identified, all of which were open-label trials of ondansetron for psychosis associated with Parkinson's disease. All trials showed improvements in visual hallucinations and paranoid ideations in most patients, as well as a modest improvement in functioning, but no evidence of cognitive improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron appears to have benefit in improving positive symptoms of psychosis in individuals with Parkinson's disease, but RCTs are needed before routine use is recommended. There is a paucity of evidence for the use of ondansetron for psychosis associated with other forms of dementia.