This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Madhusoodanan, S. Articles by Alcantra, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Madhusoodanan, S. Articles by Alcantra, A. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Clinical Experience with Quetiapine in Elderly Patients with Psychotic Disorders

Ronald Brenner, MD

Angel Alcantra, MD

Quetiapine fumarate is a recently marketed atypical antipsychotic medication proved to be effective in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in the younger population. There is a paucity of studies of this drug in the elderly and more data are needed on the effects of quetiapine in this population, especially those with comorbid medical illnesses. Quetiapine was used to treat seven elderly hospitalized patients between 61 and 72 years of age who manifested signs of psychosis related to schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. All patients had been treated previously with conventional antipsychotics or other atypical antipsychotics. Response was assessed by observation of patient's behavior. Four patients responded to treatment; three did not respond. Positive symptoms decreased markedly in all four responders. Negative symptoms showed marked decrease in two patients and moderate decrease in one patient. Preexisting extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) diminished in three patients. Transient hypotension, dizziness, and somnolence occurred in two patients. No other side effects were noted. No adverse consequences occurred when lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid, or venlafaxine was given concurrently. The reduction of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and lack of significant EPS and minimal sedative, hypotensive, and anticholinergic side effects indicate that quetiapine may be a safe and effective medication for the elderly. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2000; 13:28-32).

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Vol. 13, No. 1, 28-32 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/089198870001300104


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Madhusoodanan and O. Bogunovic Switching Elderly Patients With Dementia From Risperidone to Quetiapine: A Retrospective Study American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, May 1, 2006; 21(3): 169 - 174. [Abstract] [PDF]

				N. Hoeh, L. Gyulai, D. Weintraub, and J. Streim Pharmacologic Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: A Critical Review J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, December 1, 2003; 16(4): 213 - 218. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. Y. Kim, G. M. Bader, V. Kotlyar, and D. Gropper Treatment of Delirium in Older Adults with Quetiapine J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, March 1, 2003; 16(1): 29 - 31. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. H. Friedman and H. H. Fernandez Atypical Antipsychotics in Parkinson-Sensitive Populations J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, January 1, 2002; 15(3): 156 - 170. [Abstract] [PDF]