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Use and tolerability of newer antipsychotics and antidepressants: a chart review in a paediatric setting

Marianna Alacqua1, Gianluca Trifirò, Vincenzo Arcoraci

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Pharmacology Unit, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria-Gazzi, 98125 Messina, Italy. alacqua@unime.it

Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|June 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were common in children and adolescents treated with atypical antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of psychotropic medications in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Child and adolescent psychiatry
  • Clinical pharmacy

Background:

  • Psychotropic medications, including atypical antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are increasingly prescribed for pediatric patients.
  • Understanding the prescribing patterns and safety profiles of these medications in children and adolescents is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prescribing patterns of atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs in a pediatric setting.
  • To evaluate the safety profile and identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these medications within the first three months of therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review was conducted on 97 pediatric patients initiating treatment with atypical antipsychotics or SSRIs.
  • Data on drug prescriptions, dosages, and reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) within the initial three months of therapy were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Atypical antipsychotics were prescribed to 73% of patients, with risperidone being the most common. 68% of these patients experienced ADRs, leading to discontinuation in 31%.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were prescribed to 25% of patients, with paroxetine being most frequent. Only 21% of paroxetine users reported ADRs, and no SSRI treatment was discontinued due to ADRs within the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are frequent in children and adolescents treated with atypical antipsychotics and, to a lesser extent, SSRIs.
  • Further research is essential to establish a clear benefit/risk ratio for psychotropic medication use in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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