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Safety and tolerability of mood-stabilising anticonvulsants in the elderly EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY Fenn, H. H., Sommer, B. R., Ketter, T. A., Alldredge, B. 2006; 5 (3): 401-416

Abstract

The authors review current research on the safety and tolerability of anticonvulsant medications used for individuals over the age of 60 years with affective disorders, agitation and other psychiatric disorders. Three anticonvulsants currently approved in the US for treatment of bipolar affective disorder are reviewed: valproate, lamotrigine and extended-release carbamazepine. The authors discuss the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug-drug interactions and the impact of ageing for each drug. There are few studies of anticonvulsant medications in elderly patients with bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions. Therefore, the authors summarise adverse events of greatest prevalence and/or greatest severity based on data derived predominately from studies of geriatric patients with epilepsy and/or other non-psychiatric indications. Guidelines are offered for the safe use of these medications in the elderly, based on research literature.

View details for DOI 10.1517/14740338.5.3.401

View details for Web of Science ID 000239097500006

View details for PubMedID 16610969