Abstract
Background: Pimavanserin tartrate is the first 5-HT2A inverse agonist to enter clinical trials as a treatment for L-dopa-induced psychosis in Parkinson's disease and for augmentation of low-dose risperidone treatment in schizophrenia. Pimavanserin is also being evaluated as a possible anti-insomnia drug. Objective: To discuss the potential of pimavanserin to fill multiple therapeutic needs. Methods: The problems with currently approved antipsychotics and sleep agents are explored to highlight how pimavanserin might address some longstanding issues in the treatment of psychosis and insomnia. Results/conclusions: In Phase II clinical trials, pimavanserin seemed to be safe, well-tolerated and efficacious in treating L-dopa-induced psychosis without worsening motor symptoms. Pimavanserin also potentiated the therapeutic effects of low-dose risperidone, reduced haloperidol-induced akathisia, and increased slow-wave sleep in older individuals.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3251-3259 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 18 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 5-HT
- Parkinson's Disease
- antipsychotic
- inverse agonist
- pimavanserin
- psychosis
- schizophrenia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)