‘Medications’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 9

A routine FDA review uncovered unexpected reports of psychiatric side effects resulting from the use of methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin), including several that have not been explicitly labeled, such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and violent behavior. The US agency says it intends to strengthen the labeled warnings for all methylphenidate products and is investigating whether similar behaviors are seen with other ADHD treatments, such as Adderall and Strattera.

Governor Jeb Bush is aggressively defending a new law which will force Medicaid patients to try mental health drugs from an approved list of medications for which the State of Florida has secured special pricing, even if those patients are already stable on more expensive drugs.

New studies explore the connection between sleep and depression and suggest that treating insomnia may increase both the likelihood and the rate of recovery for individuals receiving treatment for major depression. Additional research examines the first melatoninergic antidepressant, agomelatine (Valdoxan), and its use as an adjunctive therapy for bipolar disorder.

New estimates suggest that bipolar disorder is over 4 times more common than previously believed, and that its cost in terms of lost productivity and higher suicide risk has been significantly underestimated, compared to the more familiar major depressive disorder. New research on lithium shows it is the single most effective psychopharmacological agent for reducing rates of suicide for those affected by bipolar disorder.

According to Chinese and European experts at a conference in China, a drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia prevents and treats SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the deadly flu-like disease caused by the coronavirus which killed hundreds and sickened thousands in 2003.