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Annals of General Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case report

Sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine for delirium in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Authors: Tsutomu Furuse, Kenji Hashimoto

Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Background

Delirium in older adults is a common and serious acute neuropsychiatric syndrome, with core features of inattention and global cognitive impairment. Although antipsychotic drugs are the medications most frequently used to treat this syndrome, these drugs are associated with a variety of adverse events, including sedation, extrapyramidal side effects, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Methods

We report on two cases in which monotherapy of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine was effective in ameliorating the delirium of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Results

Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) scores in the two patients with Alzheimer's disease decreased after fluvoxamine monotherapy.

Conclusion

Doctors should consider that fluvoxamine could be an alternative approach in treating delirium in patients with Alzheimer's disease because of the risk of extrapyramidal side effects by antipsychotic drugs.

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Title: Sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine for delirium in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tsutomu Furuse
Kenji Hashimoto
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1744-859X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-9-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine for delirium in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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