Chronic leukocytosis associated with clozapine treatment.

Clozapine is an important second-generation antipsychotic that is reserved for patients with refractory schizophrenia. Unfortunately, clozapine is also associated with a number of adverse effects, with agranulocytosis being one of the chief concerns. Interestingly, patients who receive clozapine treatment may occasionally experience elevations in their total white blood cell count (WBC).

The safety and efficacy of methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective: To review the literature on the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate, OROS-methylphenidate, methylphenidate ER, and dexmethylphenidate in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To analyze the effects of different doses of methylphenidate, it's various formulations, and methylphenidate on efficacy and safety in this population.

Data Sources: Literature retrieval was performed through Pubmed/MEDLINE (Up to May 2010) using the terms methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

An update on central nervous system stimulant formulations in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective: To review recent literature on the different stimulant preparations regarding efficacy and safety in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and describe advantages and disadvantages of the many available dosage formulations.

Data Sources: Literature retrieval was performed through PubMed/MEDLINE (2005-December 2008) using the terms methylphenidate, amphetamines, central nervous system stimulants, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed and drug manufacturers were contacted for any possible additional references.

Desvenlafaxine: another "me too" drug?

Objective: To compare desvenlafaxine with its parent drug, venlafaxine, to determine the usefulness of this new medication.

Data Sources: Information was obtained through a MEDLINE search (1966-June 2008) and from published abstracts. Search terms included desvenlafaxine, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, Pristiq, major depressive disorder, and venlafaxine.

Atypical antipsychotics in children with pervasive developmental disorders.

The treatment of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) is a challenging task, which should include behavioral therapy modifications as well as pharmacologic therapy. There has been a lack of data on using medications in children with PDDs until recent years. Within the last 10 years, an increase in clinical research has attempted to provide efficacy and safety data to support the use of medications in children with PDDs.