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Pimavanserin tartrate: a 5-HT2A inverse agonist with potential for treating various neuropsychiatric disorders
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Biochemistry, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. aia4@case.edu
Background:
Pimavanserin tartrate is the first 5-HT(2A) inverse agonist to enter clinical trials as a treatment for L-dopa-induced psychosis in Parkinson's disease and for augmentation of low-dose risperidone treatment in schizophrenia. Pimavanserin is also being evaluated as a possible anti-insomnia drug.
Objective:
To discuss the potential of pimavanserin to fill multiple therapeutic needs.
Methods:
The problems with currently approved antipsychotics and sleep agents are explored to highlight how pimavanserin might address some longstanding issues in the treatment of psychosis and insomnia.
Results/Conclusions:
In Phase II clinical trials, pimavanserin seemed to be safe, well-tolerated and efficacious in treating L-dopa-induced psychosis without worsening motor symptoms. Pimavanserin also potentiated the therapeutic effects of low-dose risperidone, reduced haloperidol-induced akathisia, and increased slow-wave sleep in older individuals.
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