Use of cariprazine in psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cariprazine was approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and currently is being evaluated for treating depression in clinical trials in the United States. We systematically reviewed the literature on the efficacy and safety of cariprazine. METHODS: We performed a literature search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane collaboration databases through August 31, 2016. The search was not restricted by patient age. Articles published in English or official English translations were included. RESULTS: Eleven articles that evaluated the use of cariprazine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders were identified. Four trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of cariprazine in bipolar disorder. One trial investigated its use as an adjunct to antidepressants in major depressive disorder. Three trials evaluated its use in the treatment of acute exacerbations of schizophrenia. Two studies used risperidone or aripiprazole as comparators. Both low- and high-dose cariprazine were more effective than placebo in the treatment of acute mania, mixed episodes, and acute psychosis. Additionally, cariprazine showed efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our review indicates that cariprazine demonstrates superior efficacy and good tolerability, both at low and high doses, in the treatment of individuals with psychosis, mania, and depression.

Anticonvulsants as monotherapy or adjuncts to treat alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review evaluates current literature on anticonvulsants to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS). METHODS: We performed a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane collaboration databases through September 30, 2016. The search was not restricted by patients' age. Articles published in English or with official English translations were included. RESULTS: We found 16 double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of anticonvulsants as treatment of AWS. Available data indicates that anticonvulsants are as effective as sedatives/hypnotics in treating mild or moderate AWS. Two studies evaluated the use of anticonvulsants as adjuncts. Combining anticonvulsants with sedatives decreases the quantity of sedatives required and AWS may resolve quicker. There is some data that anticonvulsants can be used to treat AWS as monotherapy. Fourteen of these studies assessed adverse effects of these medications; 13 studies identified minor adverse effects and one found the adverse effects to be intolerable. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence indicates that anticonvulsants have good efficacy as monotherapy and as adjuncts with sedatives/hypnotics in treating mild to moderate AWS.