Supra-therapeutic plasma concentrations of haloperidol induce moderate inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-8 release in human monocytes.

Background: The clinical use of antipsychotics and mood-stabilizing drugs with proven efficacy is largely determined by the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events and routine clinical chemistry and haematology data, which together define the safety and tolerability profile of these psychopharmaceuticals. Whereas the effects of mood-stabilizing drugs on functional properties of blood cells have been poorly investigated, the effects of antipsychotics have received more attention. Such studies have yielded conflicting results.

Withdrawal-induced delirium associated with a benzodiazepine switch: a case report.

Introduction: Introduced in the early 1960s, diazepam remains among the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine-type sedatives and hypnotics. Patients with chronic use of short-acting benzodiazepines are frequently switched to diazepam because the accumulating, long-acting metabolite, N-desmethyl-diazepam, prevents benzodiazepine-associated withdrawal symptoms, which can occur during trough plasma levels of short-acting benzodiazepines. Although mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms are frequently observed during benzodiazepine switching to diazepam, severe medical complications associated with this treatment approach have thus far not been reported.

Morphine and cancer progression: hydrogen peroxide points to need for more research.

Background: Morphine is widely used in the management of intractable cancer pain. However, conflicting views exist on two suspected nonanalgesic properties of morphine: suppression of immune function and inhibition of cancer progression.

Methods: In vitro measurement of the tumor growth-inhibiting signaling molecule, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), released from the cultured acute monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1, in the presence or absence of morphine.

An unusual case of random fire-setting behavior associated with lacunar stroke.

A case of a 47-year-old man with a sudden onset of a bizarre and random fire-setting behavior is reported. The man, who had been arrested on felony arson charges, complained of difficulties concentrating and of recent memory impairment. Axial T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed a low intensity lacunar lesion in the genu and anterior limb of the left internal capsule.