Efficacy and Tolerability of Carbamazepine for Agitation and Aggression in Dementia

Abstract

This controlled study showed significant short-term efficacy of carbamazepine for agitation with generally good safety and tolerability.

Prescribing patterns for psychotic and behavioural symptoms in dementia: a national survey

“…They often do not present as discrete psychiatric diagnoses but rather as sub-syndromal clusters of symptoms that vary over time (Tariot, 1999).…”

“…Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and valproate have been used successfully in the management of agitation and aggression in dementia, being less neurotoxic than lithium (Tariot, 1999). A small placebocontrolled trial of carbamazepine in 51 patients with dementia showed significant improvement in agitation and aggression, the side-effects being common but mild (Tariot et al, 1998).…”

“…A small placebocontrolled trial of carbamazepine in 51 patients with dementia showed significant improvement in agitation and aggression, the side-effects being common but mild (Tariot et al, 1998). Valproate has also been shown in small open studies to be effective and well tolerated, but controlled studies are needed (Davis et al, 2000).…”

“…Controlled trials reveal trazodone and citalopram to be the most effective in reducing agitation and irritability in patients (Tariot, 1999;Herrmann, 2001).…”

“…These symptoms are often more troublesome than the effects of cognitive decline, may lead the patient into institutional care, and are difficult to manage (Tariot, 1999). There is a lack of evidence-based findings and the drugs traditionally used have side-effects that are particularly poorly tolerated in these patients.…”