Does Pregabalin Have Neuropsychotropic Effects?: A Short Perspective

David M. Marks,Ashwin A. Patkar,Prakash S. Masand,배치운 대한신경정신의학회 2009 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.6 No.2

Pregabalin is a newly developed synthetic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia and several neuropathy. It has been proven to show analgesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sleep enhancement effects, which could be applicable in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders. There have been consistent reports that unexplained somatic symptoms (i.e., pain) may be a part of psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. Previous researches have also suggested the possible therapeutic potential of anticonvulsants as augmentation therapy or monotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Hence this short perspective tries to prompt and facilitate a shifting of researchers’ attention to potential neuropsychotropic drug role of pregabalin to treat a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Addressing the side effects of contemporary antidepressant drugs: a comprehensive review

왕승민,한창수,박원명,이수정,Ashwin A. Patkar,Prakash S. Masand,배치운 전남대학교 의과학연구소 2018 전남의대학술지 Vol.54 No.2

Randomized trials have shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have better safety profiles than classical tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). However, an increasing number of studies, including meta-analyses, naturalistic studies, and longer-term studies suggested that SSRIs and SNRIs are no less safe than TCAs. We focused on comparing the common side effects of TCAs with those of newer generation antidepressants including SSRIs, SNRIs, mirtazapine, and bupropion. The main purpose was to investigate safety profile differences among drug classes rather than the individual antidepressants, so studies containing comparison data on drug groups were prioritized. In terms of safety after overdose, the common belief on newer generation antidepressants having fewer side effects than TCAs appears to be true. TCAs were also associated with higher drop-out rates, lower tolerability, and higher cardiac side-effects. However, evidence regarding side effects including dry mouth, gastrointestinal side effects, hepatotoxicity, seizure, and weight has been inconsistent, some studies demonstrated the superiority of SSRIs and SNRIs over TCAs, while others found the opposite. Some other side effects such as sexual dysfunction, bleeding, and hyponatremia were more prominent with either SSRIs or SNRIs.

Erratum: Correction of Acknowledgements Second Generation Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An Update

왕승민,한창수,이수정,전태연,Ashwin A. Patkar,Prakash S. Masand,배치운 전남대학교 의과학연구소 2019 전남의대학술지 Vol.55 No.1

A review of current evidence for vilazodone in major depressive disorder

Wang, Sheng-Min,Han, Changsu,Lee, Soo-Jung,Patkar, Ashwin A.,Masand, Prakash S.,Pae, Chi-Un Informa Healthcare 2013 International journal of psychiatry in clinical pr Vol.17 No.3

<P><I>Objectives.</I> This review is to inform clinicians of currently available data on vilazodone for treating patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), focusing on its differential action mechanism and extended clinical utility. <I>Methods.</I> A data search was conducted in June 2012 using the PubMed/ MEDLINE/relevant clinical trial databases with the key terms “vilazodone” or “Viibryd.” <I>Results.</I> The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vilazodone have been demonstrated in two pivotal 8-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies. Certain pharmacological characteristics of vilazodone were observed, including early onset of action, fewer sexual side effects, the absence of known cardiac toxicity, and minimal effect on weight gain, that may provide potential clinical advantages compared with currently available antidepressants. However, such possibilities should be replicated and confirmed in more well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials. Vilazodone requires dose titration up to 2 weeks to reach a target dose of 40 mg/d due to high rate of gastrointestinal side effects. No direct comparative studies with other antidepressants are currently available to confirm the aforementioned potential clinical utility. <I>Conclusion.</I> Vilazodone is a newer antidepressant possessing different action mechanisms compared to currently available antidepressants but whether it has superiority to other class of antidepressants in terms of efficacy and safety should still warrant further evaluation through more well-controlled and direct comparison clinical trials.</P>

Vilazodone for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Focusing on Its Clinical Studies and Mechanism of Action

ShengMin Wang,Changsu Han,SooJung Lee,Ashwin A Patkar,Prakash S Masand,Chi-Un Pae 대한신경정신의학회 2015 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.12 No.2

We tried to review and update clinical and preclinical studies evaluating vilazodone’s role as an antidepressant for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In terms of its mechanism of actions, we sought to elaborate them mainly through preclinical animal studies. A data search was conducted in November 1, 2013, using the key terms “vilazodone” or “Viibryd,” in PubMed and Medline databases. All published and unpublished studies are included and citations from publications were also reviewed for additional references. Five unpublished, phase-II and two pivotal published phase-III clinical trials with nearly identical design (8-week, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled) investigated efficacy of vilazodone, were found for the treatment of patients with MDD. Two post-hoc studies and one long-term open study were also included. Data were thoroughly reviewed to incorporate the pharmacology, action mechanism, efficacy and safety for the vilazodone in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Vilazodone is an antidepressant with novel mechanism of action because its chemical structure is unrelated to conventional antidepressant, and it has a selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist profile. Vilazodone is an effective and safe treatment option with its novel action mechanisms for patients with depression. Its putative benefits compared with other antidepressants must be thoroughly studied in adequately-powered and well-designed future clinical trials.

Desvenlafaxine succinate: a newer antidepressant for the treatment of depression and somatic symptoms.

Seo, Ho-Jun,Sohi, Manmohandeep Singh,Patkar, Ashwin A,Masand, Prakash S,Pae, Chi-Un McGraw-Hill] 2010 Postgraduate medicine Vol.122 No.1

<P>Desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) is one of several serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Others are venlafaxine hydrochloride, milnacipran, and duloxetine. Desvenlafaxine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) based on a number of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of DVS in doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg/day for the treatment of MDD in adult outpatients. The effects of DVS 50 mg/day have been clearly distinguished from placebo in the reduction of MDD symptoms in such clinical trials. No additional therapeutic benefits were found at doses > 50 mg/day. The recommended dose of DVS ranges from 50 to 100 mg. Desvenlafaxine is currently the third SNRI approved by the FDA for this indication. Preliminary evidence also suggests the clinical usefulness of DVS in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause, anxiety symptoms, and painful physical symptoms. The modified pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of DVS differentiate this drug from the original product, venlafaxine. Significant points of difference, compared with venlafaxine, are once-daily dosing and the achievement of steady-state plasma concentrations within 4 to 5 days. To summarize, current evidence indicates that DVS has proven efficacy, acceptable safety and tolerability profiles, convenient dosing, and minimal impact on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. A reduced risk for pharmacokinetic drug interactions is a potential advantage over other selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. Desvenlafaxine succinate has demonstrated its efficacy for treating MDD but its variable efficacy, as shown in individual studies, limited long-term data, and its different risk-to-benefit ratio compared with earlier antidepressants, means that further investigation of this drug is necessary.</P>

Aripiprazole augmentation for treatment of patients with inadequate antidepressants response

Pae, Chi-Un,Patkar, Ashwin A.,Jun, Tae-Youn,Lee, Chul,Masand, Prakash S.,Paik, In-Ho Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 2007 Depression and Anxiety Vol.24 No.7

<P>This study evaluated whether or not augmentation with aripiprzazole is beneficial and tolerable to patients with an inadequate response to antidepressants (ADs). Thirteen patients with nonpsychotic major depression, who had failed to respond to an adequate trial of at least one AD, were prescribed aripiprazole (dose, 5–30 mg) for 8 weeks. The dose of their preexisting ADs was not changed. The treatment response was defined as the mean changes in the scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) from the baseline to the end of treatment. Eleven (84.6%) patients returned for at least one follow-up visit, and 7 (53.8%) patients completed the study. The HAM-D and Clinical Global Impression—Severity (CGI-S) scores decreased significantly from the baseline to the end of treatment by 53.8% and 56.0%, respectively (Z = −2.937, P =.003; Z = −2.961, P =.003). Seven (63.6%) patients showed a ≥ 50% reduction in the HAM-D score at the end of treatment. Three (27.3%) patients met the remission criteria at the end of treatment. There were no serious side effects. Despite the high dropout rate in this open study, aripiprazole appears to be reasonably effective and tolerated as an augmentation strategy in conjunction with conventional ADs treatment in patients with an inadequate AD response. These results highlight the potential benefits of aripiprazole for these patients. However, adequately powered, randomized, controlled trials are needed to confirm these results. Depression and Anxiety 24:522–526, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Second Generation Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An Update

Sheng Min Wang,한창수,이수정,전태연,Ashwin A. Patkar,Prakash S Masand,배치운 전남대학교 의과학연구소 2016 전남의대학술지 Vol.52 No.3

Less than one third of patients who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) report remission following antidepressant treatments requiring more diverse treatment approaches. Augmentation of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) has been increasingly recognized as an important treatment option. The authors have previously provided a comprehensive review of SGAs for the treatment of MDD in 2013. Since then, numerous additional clinical trials have been conducted to investigate diverse issues regarding the utility of SGAs in MDD. Moreover, a new SGA, brexpiprazole, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2015 for the treatment of MDD as an augmentation agent to antidepressants. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide a concise update of all the available SGAs for the treatment of MDD, in particular on the additional clinical trials which have been published since 2013.

Adjunctive Brexpiprazole as a Novel Effective Strategy for Treating Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yoon, Seoyoung,Jeon, Sang Won,Ko, Young-Hoon,Patkar, Ashwin A.,Masand, Prakash S.,Pae, Chi-Un,Han, Changsu Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. 2017 JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Vol.37 No.1

<P>Implications/Conclusions: Although our results suggest that brexpiprazole could be an effective adjunctive agent for MDD, they should be cautiously translated into clinical practice because the meta-analysis was based on only a handful of randomized controlled trials.</P>

Atypical depression: a comprehensive review.

Pae, Chi-Un,Tharwani, Haresh,Marks, David M,Masand, Prakash S,Patkar, Ashwin A Adis International 2009 CNS drugs Vol.23 No.12

<P>Despite several decades of research, the characteristics distinguishing atypical depression from other depressive subtypes remain ambiguous. Multiple lines of evidence support the designation of atypical depression as a scientifically and clinically relevant subtype, including differences in hormonal responses, brain laterality, psychological profile and psychiatric co-morbidity and differential treatment response. The evolution of the diagnostic criteria for atypical depression has led to the designation of mood reactivity as the cardinal feature, and the research supporting this conclusion is reviewed. This paper also reviews the evidence for the drug treatment of atypical depression, with a particular focus on research related to the superior efficacy of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) compared with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Data relevant to the efficacy of newer antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors, transdermal selegiline and other new agents for atypical depression, are discussed. In summary, the diagnostic reliability and validity of atypical depression still remain elusive and open to further evolution. Currently available findings suggest that atypical depression has preferential response to MAOIs over TCAs. More data are required to determine the efficacy of newer agents relative to MAOIs and TCAs, although limited studies have shown a non-inferior efficacy and better tolerability of newer agents such as SSRIs compared with those of MAOIs and TCAs. Finally, future directions for research include further refinement of the diagnostic criteria for atypical depression, and clarification of the role of newer antidepressants in the treatment of this subtype with evidence from randomized, controlled trials.</P>