Post Marketing Study of Escitalopram Versus Risperidone for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms Amongst Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are among the most distressing manifestations of dementia. Pharmacotherapy is frequently used and especially in institutional settings. Current guidelines recommend the use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding both their safety and effectiveness in patients with dementia. Inconclusive evidence support the use of other psychoactive agents such as SSRI antidepressants or cognitive enhancers.
In two published studies citalopram was as efficacious as, but better tolerated than perphenazine or risperidone in patients with BPSD.
Thus, with proven efficacy and a beneficial safety profile the evaluation of the use of escitalopram for BPSD is warranted.
Lundbeck A/S
Study of Escitalopram Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Depressive Syndrome in Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, and Mixed Vascular and Alzheimer's Dementia