Subject(s)
Alcoholism/blood , Folic Acid/blood , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/blood , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The frequency with which a psychotropic agent is used in combination with another drug preparation is emphasized. The authors present an update of the clinical and theoretical knowledge bearing on combination drug therapy in psychopharmacology. Drug combination interactions that enhance clinical efficacy and those that either diminish it or even endanger the patient are described. The authors hope to create an awareness on the part of physicians of the importance of being knowledgeable in the area of combination drug therapy. Any unexpected or unusual drug action should be examined for the possibility of a drug combination interaction.
Subject(s)
Psychotropic Drugs/therapeutic use , Anti-Anxiety Agents/therapeutic use , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Interactions , Drug Synergism , Drug Therapy, Combination/adverse effects , Humans , Hypnotics and Sedatives/therapeutic use , Lithium/therapeutic use , PhenothiazinesABSTRACT
Two cases of toxic reaction to lithium carbonate are reported. The first patient displayed symptoms resembling those of organic brain syndrome which was not associated with a high serum lithium level. The influence of diuretic therapy in combination with lithium is felt to enhance the risk of intoxication. The second case depicts acute CNS toxicity with known fatal potential. Conservative lithium administration is recommended for acute manic psychosis and reference is made to the beneficial effects of urea and aminophylline on renal lithium elimination in the active treatment of lithium poisoning.
Subject(s)
Lithium/poisoning , Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy , Central Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neurocognitive Disorders/chemically inducedABSTRACT
A portrait is presented of an impulsive, violent and paranoid young murderer. A review of the psychiatric literature for indicators which address themselves to predicting murderous behavior yields a broad spectrum of theories and observations. The portrait presented includes a composite of many of the indicators which the various authors have described. The patient presented is felt to represent a discernable stereotype, and the predisposing factors which are viewed as contributiing to his murderous behavior are offered and given priorities.
