E N D
1. 1-800-RETREAT
www.brattlebororetreat.org
Paul Boutin, MD
April 29, 2009 Introduction toChild and AdolescentPsychopharmacology
2. 2 Did you know? Most uses of psychoactive drugs in children and adolescents are off label
Little research is available, with the possible exception of stimulant use for ADHD
Little research into child psych pathology and diagnosis further add to the questions and controversies
The overwhelming majority of prescriptions are written by primary care providers
3. 3 Classes of Drugs
Anti-depressants
Anxiolytics
Antipsychotics
Mood Stabilizers
Stimulants
4. 4 SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
First line treatment for depression and anxiety
Blockage of serotonin results in enhanced serononinogeric neurotransmission in the CNS
Multiple, mild, side effects possible: GI (nausea, vomiting), CNS (headache, insomnia), sexual, (decreased libido), General (weight loss, increased sweating, rash)
Higher doses needed for anxiety
Full therapeutic effects delayed 2 to 12 weeks
Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Fluvox
SNRI (selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors)
Less commonly used in children
Effexor, Cymbalta
Atypical
Wellbutrin, Remeron, Trazadone
Tricyclics (TCAs)
amitryptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, doxepin
MAOIs
Phenelzine, tranylcypromine
Anti-depressants Fuaif [pf qefjwpeow\
Efepw ewkweFuaif [pf qefjwpeow\
Efepw ewkwe
5. 5 Prozac (fluoxetine) First, and still among the most common, SSRIs
FDA indications: depression, OCD (both for ages 7 and up)
Possible indications: use in younger children, panic, generalized anxiety, bulimia
Very long half life; weekly formulation available
Usual Dosing: 20-40mg daily
Dosing range: 10-80mg daily (higher doses for anxiety)
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: MAOI use, thioridazine use
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, hepatic disease, seizure disorder
6. 6 Celexa (citalopram) Well tolerated, few drug-drug interactions
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders
Taper on discontinuation
Usual Dosing: 20-40mg daily
Dosing range: 10-60mg daily
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: sensitivity to Celexa; MAOI use
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, renal insufficiency, seizure disorder
7. 7 Lexapro (escitalopram) The effective enantiomer of citalopram; highly effective in recent metaanalysis of all antidepressants
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders
Taper on discontinuation
Usual Dosing: 10-20mg daily
Dosing range: 5-20mg daily
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: sensitivity to Celexa/Lexapro; MAOI
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, liver insufficiency, seizure disorder
8. 8 Zoloft (sertraline) Higher degree of potency/specificity for serotonin receptors
Performed well in the metaanalysis of antidepressants
FDA indications: OCD ages 6 and up
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders
Taper on discontinuation
Dosing range: 25-250mg daily (higher doses for anxiety)
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: sensitivity to Zoloft; MAOI, Pimozide
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, seizure disorder
9. 9 Paxil (paroxetine)
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders
Taper on discontinuation; very short half life means this is of greater concern than other SSRIs
Usual Dosing: 20-40mg daily
Dosing range: 10-60mg daily
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: sensitivity to Paxil; MAOI, Thioridazine
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, NSAID use (affects platelet aggregation), seizure disorder
More highly implicated in studies of increased suicidality
10. 10 Luvox (fluvoxamine)
FDA indications: OCD in children 8 and up
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders
Now rarely used; did not do well in metaanalysis
Taper on discontinuation
Usual Dosing: 50-300mg (upper 200mg children) daily
Dosing over 50mg should be in divided doses
More common side effects: agitation, anxiety
Less common side effects: increased suicidality, mania
Absolute Contraindications: sensitivity to Luvox; MAOI, Thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, cisapride use
Relative Contraindications: Bipolar disorder, liver disease, seizure disorder
11. 11 SNRIs Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Combination of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
FDA Indications: none in children/adolescents
Possible Indications: depression, anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain
Dosing not well known for children.
Effexor 75-225mg daily, divided dosing; extended release version available
Cymbalta 20-60mg daily
Taper Effexor slowly on discontinuation
Absolute Contraindication: hypersensitivity, MAOI
Relative Contraindication: bipolar, seizure disorder, HTN (Effexor)
Side Effects: sexual, GI, agitation, sweating
12. 12 Atypical Antidepressants Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Decreases seizure threshold. Do not use for bulemic patients. Discontinue with taper.
No FDA indication in children. Possibly effective in treating ADHD, depression.
Dosing 75-225mg children, 150-400mg teens, divided dosing. Exists in extended-release formulation. Higher doses for ADHD treatment (to 450mg daily)
Also used to augment SSRI treatment, or in patients with manic tendencies
Remeron (mirtazapine)
No FDA indication in children. Possibly effective in treating epression, anxiety disorders
Dosing 15-45mg at bedtime
Highly sedating, associated with weight gain
Desyrl (trazadone)
Anti-depressant generally used as a sleep aid, sometimes for migraine treatment
No FDA indications in children
Side effect of priapism
Dosing 50-400mg daily
13. 13 Tricyclic Antidepressants Block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
Clinical Concern over toxicity, especially cardiac.
There have been reports of sudden death
Especially concerning in overdose
Greatly decreased use since the advent of the SSRIs
Only FDA indications are for OCD for Anafranil (clomipramine) and enuresis for Trofranil (imipramine)
Possible indications: depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, migraine, neuropathic pain
Other TCAs include:
Elavil (amitryptyline),
Norpramine (desipramine),
Pamelor (nortriptyline),
Sinequan (doxepin)
Generally dosed in the 50-200mg daily range
14. 14 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Block the deactivation of monoamines (including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine)
Almost no use in children given potential toxicity and strict diet guidelines
Must follow a tyramine-free diet, or face life threatening hypertension
Greatly decreased use since the advent of the SSRIs
No FDA indications in children/adolescents
Include:
Nardil (phenelzine),
Parnate (tranylcypromine),
selegiline
15. 15 Anxiolytics/Sedatives Benzodiazepines
Long-term use not recommended in children/adolescents
High incidence of idiosyncratic, activating disinhibition
High abuse and addiction potential; increases as more short-acting
May inadvertently teach increased helplessness, the feeling that anxiety will only pass with a pill, if used on an as needed basis
Long-acting: Klonopin (clonazepam) [0.5-4mg daily, divided], Valium (diazepam) [2-10mg daily, divided], Librium (chlodiazepoxide)
Intermediate-acting: Xanax (alproazolam) [0.5-2mg daily, divided]
Short-acting: Ativan (alprazolam) [0.5-8mg daily, divided], Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Serax (oxazepam), Versed (midazolam)
FDA indications in children: seizures, sleep terrors, sleepwalking, procedural sedation, insomnia (<2 weeks only)
Possible indications: Anxiety disorders, Bipolar disorder, aggression, tics
Side Effects: sedation, disinhibition, addiction, withdrawal seizures, hallucinations
16. 16 Anxiolytics/Sedatives Buspar (buspirone)
Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, studied almost exclusively in adults
Not sedating, no abuse potential
Multiple CNS targets
No FDA indications for those under 18. Possible indication for anxiety disorders.
Dosing 20-40mg daily in divided doses.
Contraindications, side effects, similar to SSRIs (except no known increase in suicidality
Novel benzodiazepine receptor agonists
Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon) [5-10mg daily, at bedtime]
Lunesta (eszopiclone) [2mg daily, at bedtime]
Highly sedating, used only for insomnia. Do not have the muscle/coordination effects of benzodiazepines, no effect on seizures.
No FDA indication for children/adolescents. Very little pediatric data, and not endorsed for use in children
17. 17 Anxiolytics/Sedatives
Beta blockers
Propranolol, atenolol, etc
No FDA indication in child psychiatry
used for anxiety, especially performance related anxiety
Also used to control rage episodes
Chloral Hydrate
FDA indication for pre-op sedation those <18. Potential toxicity and withdrawal syndrome if used long term
Still used for sleep on an outpatient basis in extreme cases
Melatonin
Endogenous hormone, used to reset sleep pattern when given before bedtime
Little oversight of production, thus quality concerns. Dosing varies: 1-10mg
Some concern for interaction in various hormonal axes
Rozerem (remelteon) is a synthetic, melatonin receptor agonist
18. 18 Antihistamines First generation antihistamines cause sedation and impart an anxiolytic effect, by antagonizing acetylcholine and histamine receptors
Relatively side effect free, aside from sedation, anticholinergic effects
Benedryl (diphenhydramine)
Used as a sedative agent and to treat the dystonic side effects of antipsychotic medication
Dosing from 25-300mg daily, in divided doses
Vistaril (hydroxazine)
Used as an short-term anxiolytic the only FDA indication for antihistamine use for a primary psychiatric disorder
Dosing from 10-100mg daily in divided doses
Periactin (cyproheptadine)
Some evidence that Periactin helps with nightmares and disturbed sleep seen in PTSD
Also some feel Periactin increases appetite and it has been used in treating anorexia nervosa
19. 19 Antipsychotics Divided into two groups, typical (first generation) and atypical (second generation) antipsychotics, they were originally designed to treat thought disorders
Typical antipsychotics are older medications, that frequently had the side effect of dystonia. They also did not treat negative symptoms (such as apathy) very well
Atypical antipsychotics are newer, less likely to cause dystonia, and are felt to treat negative symptoms better
All act on dopamine receptors, atypicals also at serotonin receptors
As atypicals were seen to be safer drugs, their uses began to extend beyond treatment of thought disorders to encompass treatment of tic disorders, mood stabilization and aggression
Typical antipsychotics are still used, sometimes when a patient fails atypical treatment, but also as serious side effects (largely metabolic) have been seen with the atypicals
The prototypical first generation drugs are Haldol (haloperidol) and Thorazine (chlorpromazine), but include Moban (molindone), perphenazine and fluphenazine.
The second generation drugs are Zyprexa (olanzapine), Risperdaal (risperidone), Geodon (ziprazidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole) and Clozaril (clozapine)
20. 20 Typical Antipsychotics Haldol (haloperidol)
Most commonly used of the typical antipsychotics
FDA indication for psychosis and Tourettes for 3 years up, as well as explosive aggression if psychosocial intervention and other meds have failed
High rates of akasthesia, dystonia, EPS (Parkinsonism) and long-term risk of tardive dyskinesia (possibly permanent involuntary movements)
Dosing: 1 to 20mg daily, higher doses divided
Moban (molindone)
Recently found to be as effective, in treating early onset psychosis, as a selection of atypicals, when tolerance was taken into account
Weight neutral, no QTc effect
FDA indication for psychosis for 6 years and older
Dosing 50-225mg daily
Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
FDA indications for severe behavioral issues or psychosis 6 months & older
Lowers seizure threshold
Dosing range 50-600mg daily, depending on level of psychosis/aggression
21. 21 Zyprexa (olanzapine)
Medium potency
Excels in treating psychosis, at the price of extreme metabolic side effects (weight gain, elevated glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides)
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: psychosis, mood stabilization, augmentation of antidepressants, tics, agitation/aggressive behaviors
Dosing range: 2.5-20mg daily
Some work being done on treating the metabolic effects with Metformin
22. 22 Risperdal (risperidone)
High potency
Also excels as an antipsychotic, but at the expense of higher rates of dystonia, some metabolic effects, and prolactinemia
FDA indications: Agitation in autism
Possible indications: psychosis, mood stabilization, tics, agitation/aggression
Dosing range: 0.25-6mg daily, in divided doses
Monitor prolactin levels, and metabolic markers
May require anticholinergic treatment (Benedryl, Cogentin) for dystonic reaction
23. 23 Seroquel (quetiapine) Low potency
Less effective in treating psychosis, but frequently used for its sedating effects
Notable metabolic effects
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: agitation, mood stabilization, tics, psychosis
Dosing range: 25-800mg daily, in divided doses
Short half-life, may need many doses in a day
Extended release formulation available
Used for insomnia, and as needed anxiolytic
24. 24 Geodon (ziprazidone) Medium potency
Most notable for need to monitor EKGs, due to possible lengthening of the QTc interval
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: psychosis, tics, mood stabilization, agitation/aggression
Dosing range: 20-160mg daily, divided doses
Has the potential for metabolic effects, as well
25. 25 Abilify (aripiprazole)
Medium potency
Initially marketed as having low likelihood of metabolic effects this may or may not be true in all cases
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: psychosis, mood stabilization, tics, agitation/aggression
Dosing range: 10-30mg daily
26. 26 Clozaril (clozapine)
Medium potency
Highly effective as an antipsychotic, working when many other medications have failed
Used as a last resort due to slow titration and monitoring schedules, secondary to the serious side effect of neuropenia
Also has seizures as possible side effect
Low rates of dystonia, but high rates of metabolic effects
FDA indications: none for children
Possible indications: psychosis, mood stabilization, tics, agitation/aggression
Dosing range: 25-900mg daily
Requires scheduled (and reportable, to a registry) WBC/ANC
27. Mood Stabilizers This is not a uniform group of medications, but are varied medications used to modulate manic and depressed mood states
Can refer to the antipsychotics, anticonvulsants or lithium
Among the anticonvulsants Depakote (valproic acid), Tegretol (carbamazepine), Trileptal (oxcarbazeine), Lamictal (lamotrigine) are frequently used
Neurontin (gabapentin) and Topomax (topiramate), although used, have not been shown to work well as mood stabilizers. 27
28. 28 Eskalith, Lithobid (lithium)
Naturally occurring salt, in the same chemical family as sodium, likely changing the flow of sodium in neurons
The only mood stabilizer to show decreased risk of suicide (in adults)
FDA indications: manic episodes, ages 12 and up
Possible indications: mania in younger children, aggression
Dosing range: determined by blood levels, narrow range between therapeutic and toxic levels
Typical doses would be 1200-1800mg daily in divided doses. Extended release formulation still requires dosing twice daily
Side effects are multiple: GI upset, thirst, tremor (all somewhat common); kidney, thyroid and cardiac effects
Requires labs for monitoring: therapeutic level, thyroid functioning, electrolyte levels, kidney function
High risk in overdoes, requires hemodialysis
29. 29 Depakote (valproic acid)
Anticonvulsant
First alternative to lithium studied (in adults); possibly functions by decreasing neuronal excitability
FDA indications: none for children, aside from seizure prophylaxis
Possible indications: mood stabilization, agitation/aggressive behaviors
Dosing range: weight based, and monitored by blood levels
Typical dose for an average teen around 1000mg per day, in divided doses
Side effects include liver toxicity, pancreatitis and thrombocytopenia. Should monitor with regular blood work
Cannot be used in pregnancy
30. 30 Tegretol (carbamazepine)
Anticonvulsant
Less common use due to side effect profile
FDA indications: none for children, aside from seizure control
Possible indications: mood stabilization, agitation/aggressive behaviors
Dosing range: 800-1200mg daily, in divided doses, titrated to therapeutic dose (induces its own metabolism)
Also requires blood monitoring, for therapeutic level; hematological, electrolytes, kidney and liver monitoring
Side effects include: blurred vision, clumsiness, nausea/vomiting
More serious side effects of liver and kidney failure, aplastic anemia, leukopenia
31. 31 Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Anticonvulsant
FDA indications: none for children, aside from seizure control
Possible indications: mood stabilization, agitation/aggressive behaviors
Dosing range: 900-1200mg daily, in divided doses, titrated to therapeutic dose
Side effects similar to Tegretol, but not as common/serious
32. 32 Lamictal (lamotrigine)
Anticonvulsant, not related to other anticonvulsant drugs
FDA indications: none for children, aside from seizure control
Possible indications: mood stabilization, especially in controlling depression; agitation/aggressive behaviors
Dosing iIs started at 12.5 or 25mg daily, and titrated slowly to avoid Stevens-Johnson syndrome (toxic epidermal necrosis)
Typical dose is 200mg daily
33. Stimulants Stimulant medications are well-studied and effective for ADHD management
Multiple formulations exist, that result in varied coverage over time
All have FDA indications for child/adolescent ADHD (and narcolepsy)
All the formulations have the same side effect profile: decreased appetite (with association of slowed growth), agitation, insomnia
Many of the formulations have notable abuse potential
All are schedule II drugs; written monthly refills 33
34. Stimulants Short-acting
4 to 6 hour coverage:
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts): 5-40mg daily, divided
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine): 5-60mg daily, divided doses
Focalin (dexmethylphenedate), 10-20 mg daily divided doses
Ritalin(methylphnedate): 10-60 mg daily, divided doses
Extended-release (~50% immediate and 50% extended release)
8 hour coverage:
Metadate CD (methylphenedate): 20-60mg daily
Ritalin LA (methylphenedate): 10-60mg daily
10-12 hour coverage:
Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts): 10-20mg daily
Concerta (methylphenedate): 18-72mg daily 34
35. Stimulants
Transdermal
Daytrana (methylphenedate): 10-30 mg daily
One patch daily, remove in evening
Some skin irritation
Placement issues (so child does not remove)
Prodrug
Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine): 20-70mg daily
Metabolically converted to dexamphetamine, lessened abuse potential 35
36. Non-Stimulants Strattera (atomoxetine)
SNRI. Same side effect profile as antidepressants
FDA indication for treatment of ADHD. No abuse potential
Dosing: 40-100mg daily, single dose or divided
Provigil (modafinil)
FDA indication for narcolepsy
Possible indication for ADHD
Dosing: 200mg daily in the morning
Alpha adrenergic agents
Originally antihypertensives, requires monitoring of blood pressure, must taper on discontinuation
No FDA indications, outside of HTN
Possible indications: ADHD, tics, aggression
Clonidine: 0.05- 0.3mg in divided doses
Reports of sudden cardiac death when used with stimulants
Guanfacine: 1-3mg in divided doses 36
37. References Pediatric Psychopharmacolgy: Fast Facts
Daniel F. Connor, MD, and Bruce M. Meltzer, MD
More medically focused
Helping Parents, Youth and Teachers Understand Mediations for Behavioralamd Emotional Problems
Mina K.Dulcan, MD
Oriented to the non-medical audience
37