Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology

Quetiapine fumarate, a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, exists in two formulations: extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR). This naturalistic, noninterventional study evaluated use of quetiapine XR/IR among in-patients with schizophrenia [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01214135]. Data were collected from medical records. Categorical and numerical outcomes were compared using χ² and t tests. Of 178 enrolled patients, 66% and 34% used quetiapine XR and IR respectively. Based on mean daily dose, XR was used as antipsychotic medication in 64% of patients compared with 40% of patients on IR (dose ≥ 400 mg/day; p = 0.002) and in higher doses than IR (494 versus 345 mg/day; p = 0.001; calculated averages). Schizophrenia was more commonly reported as reason for use of XR than IR (20% versus 0%; p = 0.0003). Patients with comorbid substance abuse or somatic disease were more likely to receive XR (p = 0.003; p = 0.03). Treatment cessation due to nonadherence was less common in patients on XR (3.4% versus 12%; p = 0.03). Polypharmacy was seen in 98% of patients. Quetiapine XR/IR usage varies in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. XR is more often used in antipsychotic dosage; IR is more commonly used at lower doses as add-on therapy. Both quetiapine XR and IR have their place in clinical practice and provide treatment choice in schizophrenia.

Parotid gland swelling is a less frequently reported side effect of clozapine and has no licensed treatment. A 58-year-old man treated with clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia developed bilateral painful parotid swellings and hypersalivation. Initial trials of dose alteration and antihypersalivatory medication had limited success. A combination of benzatropine and terazosin was successful in treating the parotid hyperplasia. Clozapine was the probable cause of parotid swelling in our case, as established using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale and World Health Organization causality categories. Literature for treatments of clozapine-induced parotid gland swellings was reviewed. None of the published articles suggested a treatment regimen for clozapine-induced parotid hyperplasia. Most reports only highlighted the occurrence of salivary gland swelling with clozapine. Others mentioned management strategies, which included spontaneous resolution, or resolution on discontinuing clozapine. One report, a trial with benzatropine and ipratropium, had variable success. In this case the re-emergence of parotid swelling when terazosin and benzatropine doses were missed followed by a quick resolution upon recompliance, goes some way in proving that this combination is indeed effective. The combination of terazosin and benzatropine appears to have a role in treating parotid gland swellings induced by clozapine.

Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects. The discovery of its compounds has led to the further discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and in the body, and is considered to be responsible for numerous significant functions. There has been a recent and consistent worldwide increase in cannabis potency, with increasing associated health concerns. A number of epidemiological research projects have shown links between dose-related cannabis use and an increased risk of development of an enduring psychotic illness. However, it is also known that not everyone who uses cannabis is affected adversely in the same way. What makes someone more susceptible to its negative effects is not yet known, however there are some emerging vulnerability factors, ranging from certain genes to personality characteristics. In this article we first provide an overview of the biochemical basis of cannabis research by examining the different effects of the two main compounds of the plant and the endocannabinoid system, and then go on to review available information on the possible factors explaining variation of its effects upon different individuals.

Adherence to prescribed psychiatric and nonpsychiatric medication is a serious issue in people with mental illness that can contribute to poor health outcomes. Some of the factors influencing adherence include side effects of medication and the ease of use. With mental healthcare provision increasingly focusing on a community model of health delivery, there seems to be a renewed interest in addressing complex dilemmas of safety and adherence to treatment. The use of alternative methods of safely delivering medication in innovative ways may resolve some of these difficulties. There has been little discussion about the wider use of transdermal patches in the field of psychiatry in published literature. This article describes the findings from the literature on key principles underlying transdermal delivery strategies, the scope of clinical use in psychiatric illness and explores its challenges and advantages.