Drug-Drug Interactions, Other Factors Can Affect Antipsychotic Treatment Regimens: Presented at ECNP

Inhibitors or inducers of the cytochrome (CY) P450 system may affect the metabolism and activity of antipsychotic drugs, according to a study presented September 13 at the 22nd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress.

Pierre Chue, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, and colleagues performed an evidence-based review of all relevant literature to identify and define possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and other factors that may influence patient response to drug treatment.

Comorbidities such as smoking, alcohol, other substance-abuse disorders, infections, and metabolic disorders complicate the pharmacological management of psychotic patients. Additional factors such as genetic polymorphisms and environmental interactions (eg, DDIs and drug-food interactions) also influence drug efficacy. The researchers noted that clinicians need to consider these factors and others, along with patients' unique characteristics, when determining treatment.

EWAD MORE @ DOCTOR'S GUUIDE