Related Experiment Videos
Trazodone for agitation in dementia
G Martinon-Torres1, M Fioravanti, Evans J Grimley
1Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo, Hospital Virgen del Valle, Cobisa Road, Toledo, 45005, Spain. georginamt@vodafone.es
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2004
Summary
This review found insufficient evidence to recommend trazodone for behavioral disturbances in dementia. Further research is needed to assess its effectiveness and safety in larger, longer trials.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Behavioral and psychiatric disturbances are common in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, affecting over 50% of individuals.
- Neuroleptic drugs are frequently prescribed for these symptoms but have limited efficacy and significant adverse effects.
- Trazodone, a psychoactive compound with antidepressant and sedative properties, presents a potential alternative due to its serotonin modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of trazodone for behavioral and psychological symptoms in people with dementia, excluding those with a concurrent diagnosis of depression.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register identified relevant trials.
- Included were unconfounded, double-blind, randomized controlled trials comparing trazodone with placebo for managing behavioral and psychiatric symptoms (excluding depression) in any dementia type.
- Data from two studies (104 participants) were analyzed, calculating odds ratios and average differences with 95% confidence intervals; intention-to-treat analysis was used where possible.
Main Results:
- Two distinct trials, one parallel-group (Alzheimer's disease) and one cross-over (frontotemporal dementia), were included.
- Trazodone treatment (50-300mg daily) did not demonstrate statistically significant benefits over placebo for behavioral manifestations, global clinical state, or cognitive function.
- Adverse effects were recorded in both groups, with no significant differences observed between trazodone and placebo.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of trazodone for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.
- Larger, longer-term clinical trials are necessary to adequately assess the effectiveness and safety of trazodone in diverse dementia populations.