Quetiapine and norquetiapine serum concentrations and clinical effects in depressed patients under augmentation therapy with quetiapine.

Background: Quetiapine has been recently approved as an add-on therapy in the treatment of major depressive disorders in the case of inadequate response to antidepressant monotherapy. Thereby the antidepressant potential is attributed to the N-demethylated metabolite norquetiapine (NQ). The aim of this cross-sectional analysis was to relate quetiapine (Q) doses to serum concentrations of Q and its active metabolite and clinical effects.

The impact of reboxetine and mirtazapine on driving simulator performance and psychomotor function in depressed patients.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of reboxetine and mirtazapine on psychomotor functions related to driving skills and on driving simulator performance in depressed inpatients.

Method: Forty depressed inpatients diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria were randomly assigned to treatment with either reboxetine (N = 20) or mirtazapine (N = 20). To control for retest effects in psychomotor measures, a group of 10 healthy controls was examined on the same time schedule.

[QTc-interval prolongation in therapy with atypical antipsychotics--results of an open, non-randomized survey].

The introduction of Ziprasidone stimulated discussion about frequency and importance of QTc-interval prolongations with antipsychotic therapy. In an open non-randomized study we collected data about QTc-interval, electrolytes, vital parameters and associated clinical symptoms in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. 33 patients were scanned and some moderate QTc-interval prolongations but no clinical events were seen.

[Erythema multiforme caused by carbamazepine].

The antiepileptic carbamazepine can reduce aggressive behaviour and can be used as a mood stabilizer. We present a case report of a patient suffering from borderline personality disorder who was treated with carbamazepine and developed erythema multiforme.

[Plasma prolactin level and incidence of adverse endocrinologic effects during therapy with atypical neuroleptics].

Elevations in prolactin plasma concentration occur with antipsychotics due to their dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Hyperprolactinemia may be associated with both acute (galactorrhea, amenorrhea, decreased libido etc.) and chronic (predisposition to osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease) treatment emergent effects in both men and women associated with apparently impaired compliance.

[Prolactin Levels and Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia in Patients Treated with Amisulpride, Risperidone, Olanzapine and Quetiapine].

Elevations in prolactin plasma concentration occur with antipsychotics due to their dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Hyperprolactinemia may be associated with both acute (galactorrhea, amenorrhea, decreased libido etc.) and chronic (predisposition to osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease) treatment emergent effects in both men and women associated with apparently impaired compliance.