Effect of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of pasireotide in healthy volunteers.

We evaluated the drug-drug interaction between pasireotide SC and verapamil, a known P-glycoprotein inhibitor. Subjects received pasireotide SC (single dose, 600 μg) on day 1, and samples for pharmacokinetics evaluation were collected from days 1 to 8. Subjects received an oral dose of verapamil 240 mg/d for 10 days (days 15-24).

An examination of 26,168 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores administered via interactive voice response across 17 randomized clinical trials.

This article presents descriptive and psychometric data from 26,168 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores administered via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) in 17 randomized clinical trials sponsored by 6 pharmaceutical companies. To provide evidence for construct validity, the IVR HAM-D scores before and after randomization are compared, and the change in the IVR HAM-D scores over time after randomization are examined. In addition, the evidence for the reliability of the IVR-administered HAM-D is presented.

Effects of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism on mirtazapine and paroxetine efficacy and adverse events in geriatric major depression.

Background: The "long/short"polymorphism (5HTTLPR) in the promoter of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has been proposed as a pharmacogenetic marker for antidepressant efficacy. Some but not all studies have found that the short form of 5HTTLPR (S allele) results in decreased efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Objective: To determine if the 5HTTLPR polymorphism influences the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine and paroxetine hydrochloride, 2 frequently prescribed antidepressants with differing pharmacologic profiles, in geriatric depression.

Open-label study of mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets in depressed patients in the nursing home.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets in depressed, elderly nursing home residents, under naturalistic study conditions.

Methods: In this open-label 12-week study, mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets (15-45 mg/day) were administered to patients > or =70 years old with physician-diagnosed depression and a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score > or =10. Patients with medical comorbidities, cognitive impairment and/or concomitant medications were enrolled if they met study inclusion criteria and had illnesses and/or medication dosages that were considered stable.

Pharmacogenetics of antidepressant medication intolerance.

Objective: The authors sought to identify genetic markers for antidepressant medication intolerance. Genetic variation in drug metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) has been postulated to underlie antidepressant intolerance (pharmacokinetic effect). However, variation in genes encoding serotonin receptors could also explain antidepressant side effects (pharmacodynamic effect).

The apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele and antidepressant efficacy in cognitively intact elderly depressed patients.

Background: Patients vary in response to antidepressant medications. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype affects vulnerability to stress and risk for cognitive impairment. We sought to determine if the APOE epsilon4 allele influences response in geriatric depression to mirtazapine and paroxetine, two frequently prescribed antidepressants.

Double-blind, randomized comparison of mirtazapine and paroxetine in elderly depressed patients.

Objective: Authors studied the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine and paroxetine in elderly patients with major depression during an acute phase (8 weeks) and an extension phase (16 weeks).

Methods: Patients with major depression and without dementia, at least 65 years old, were eligible; they were randomized to mirtazapine or paroxetine once daily, with doses increasing over 42 days. Efficacy was assessed with the Ham-D and Clinical Global Impressions Scale, and tolerability was assessed from adverse events.