Post-COVID Trajectory of Pentraxin 3 Plasma Levels Over 6 Months and Their Association with the Risk of Developing Post-Acute Depression and Anxiety
ConclusionsA lower reduction of plasma PTX3 after acute COVID-19 associates with the presence of depression and anxiety, suggesting an involvement of inflammation in post-COVID-19 psychopathology and a potential role of PTX3 as a biomarker. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 24, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Rapid Metabolism Underlying Subtherapeutic Serum Levels of Atypical Antipsychotics Preceding Clozapine Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data
ConclusionLCD and associated rapid metabolism of non-clozapine antipsychotics is frequent before starting clozapine treatment. For olanzapine and quetiapine, this is associated with significantly increased risk of having subtherapeutic concentrations. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 18, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Acute Large-Vessel Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Trial
ConclusionPatients with acute large-vessel ischemic stroke who received ticagrelor within the first 24 hours after ischemic stroke had better clinical outcomes based on recurrent stroke rates, NIHSS reduction, and favorable mRS rates compared with those who received clopidogrel. There were no differences between ticagrelor and clopidogrel regarding hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic complications.Trial RegistrationClinical trials.gov (NCT06120725). (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 15, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson ’s Disease: An Overview of Risk Factors, Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Management
AbstractImpulse control disorders in Parkinson ’s disease are relatively common drug-induced addictive behaviours that are usually triggered by the dopamine agonists pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s dise ase. We summarised the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and potential underlying mechanisms of impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, recent advances in behavioural and imaging characteristics and management strategies are discussed. Early detectio...
Source: CNS Drugs - April 13, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Oral Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Increases Parasympathetic Activity and Supraspinal Conditioned Pain Modulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain Male Patients: A Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
ConclusionsTHC shifts the autonomic balance towards increased parasympathetic tone and improves inhibitory pain mechanisms in chronic pain. The increase in vagal tone correlates  with connectivity changes in higher-order regulatory brain regions, suggesting THC exerts top-down effects. These changes may reflect a normalizing effect of THC on multiple domains of supraspinal pain dysregulation.Clinical Trial Registry NumberNCT02560545. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 10, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

On the Optimal Diagnosis and the Evolving Role of Pimavanserin in Parkinson ’s Disease Psychosis
AbstractParkinson ’s disease (PD) is associated with the development of psychosis (PDP), including hallucinations and delusions, in more than half of the patient population. Optimal PD management must therefore involve considerations about both motor and non-motor symptoms. Often, clinicians fail to diagnosis psych osis in patients with PD and, when it is recognized, treat it suboptimally, despite the availability of multiple interventions. In this paper, we provide a summary of the current guidelines and clinical evidence for treating PDP with antipsychotics. We also provide recommendations for diagnosis and follow-up. ...
Source: CNS Drugs - April 8, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Synergism of Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies and OnabotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Chronic Migraine: A Real-World Retrospective Chart Review
ConclusionDual therapy of anti-CGRP mAbs and onabot may be more efficacious than monotherapy, possibly due to their synergistic mechanisms of action. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 7, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

CNS Viral Infections —What to Consider for Improving Drug Treatment: A Plea for Using Mathematical Modeling Approaches
AbstractNeurotropic viruses may cause meningitis, myelitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis. These inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS) may have serious and devastating consequences if not treated adequately. In this review, we first summarize how neurotropic viruses can enter the CNS by (1) crossing the blood-brain barrier or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier; (2) invading the nose via the olfactory route; or (3) invading the peripheral nervous system. Neurotropic viruses may then enter the intracellular space of brain cells via endocytosis and/or membrane fusion. Antiviral drugs are currently ...
Source: CNS Drugs - April 5, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Observation on the Analgesic Effect of Different Doses of a Combination of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine Administered for Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial
ConclusionThe combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine can reduce VAS scores during certain stages of this type of surgery; it has minimal impact on respiration and circulation. However, this approach is associated with increased incidences of postoperative dizziness and psychiatric side effects, which may also affect patients ’ compliance with surgical instructions from medical staff. Patient satisfaction was not greater with dexmedetomidine combined with esketamine than with dexmedetomidine alone.Trial Registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn. Identifier: ChiCTR2300068206. Date of registration: 10 February 2023. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 4, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

The Gut Microbiota in Parkinson Disease: Interactions with Drugs and Potential for Therapeutic Applications
This article summarises the most up-to-date knowledge in pharmacomicrobiomics in PD, and discusses how the manipulation of gut microbiota represents a potential new therapeutic avenue for PD. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - April 3, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

The Effect of Levetiracetam Compared with Enzyme-Inducing Antiseizure Medications on Apixaban and Rivaroxaban Peak Plasma Concentrations
ConclusionsIn this study, we show that unlike EI-ASMs, LEV clinical use was not significantly associated with lower apixabanCmax and was similar to that in patients not treated with any ASM. Our findings suggest that the combination of LEV with apixaban and rivaroxaban may not be associated with decreased apixaban and rivaroxabanCmax. Therefore, prospective controlled studies are required to examine the possible non-pharmacokinetic mechanism of the effect of the LEV-apixaban or LEV-rivaroxaban combination on patients ’ outcomes. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - March 23, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

An Evidence-Based Update on Anticholinergic Use for Drug-Induced Movement Disorders
AbstractDrug-induced movement disorders (DIMDs) are associated with use of dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including antipsychotics. The most common forms are drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP), dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia (TD). Although rare, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening consequence of DRBA exposure. Recommendations for anticholinergic use in patients with DIMDs were developed on the basis of a  roundtable discussion with healthcare professionals with extensive expertise in DIMD management, along with a comprehensive literature review. The roundtable agre...
Source: CNS Drugs - March 19, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets in the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
AbstractNumerous therapies are currently available to modify the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in assessing treatment response by providing insights into disease activity and clinical progression. Integrating MRI findings with clinical and laboratory data enables a comprehensive assessment of the disease course. Among available MS treatments, cladribine is emerging as a promising option due to its role as a selective immune reconstitution therapy, with a notable impact on B cells and a lesser effect on T cells. This work emphasizes the assessment of MRI's c...
Source: CNS Drugs - March 15, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication Use Trajectories Among Women in the Perinatal Period
ConclusionWe found that approximately 60% of women discontinued or interrupted their ADHD medication around pregnancy, and those who continued differed in sociodemographic and clinical factors that may reflect more severe ADHD. (Source: CNS Drugs)
Source: CNS Drugs - March 15, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Current Understanding of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Co-occurring Conditions: What Clinicians Should Know about Pharmacological Options
AbstractCompulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) has recently been recognized as a psychiatric disorder. Pharmacological treatments for CSBD have received little study and thus have limited empirical support. The main objective of the present work is to review existing literature on the efficacy of different drugs on the symptomatology of CSBD, including the subtype of problematic pornography use (PPU). The main pharmacological approaches to treating CSBD have included opioid antagonists (naltrexone and nalmefene), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (paroxetine, citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline), mood stabiliz...
Source: CNS Drugs - March 14, 2024 Category: Neurology Source Type: research