Use of antipsychotic agents in Spain through 1985–2000

Abstract

Antipsychotic agent use in Spain has increased progressively since 1985, reducing the differences between Spain and other European countries (Nordic countries). Substantial differences in the pattern of drug use from 1985 to 2000 have been observed.

Antipsychotic use in the elderly: shifting trends and increasing costs

“…This study highlights the increasing prevalence of antipsychotics and dramatic increase in their cost over the last ten years in older adults. Younger populations have demonstrated similar trends towards increasing use of antipsychotics, and particularly atypical antipsychotics (Barbui et al, 2001;Martin et al, 2001a;Centorrino et al, 2002;Santamaria et al, 2002;Mond et al, 2003). Such patterns are concerning for policy-makers who must deal with limited budgets and justify their decisions on the basis of cost-effectiveness.…”

International variation in the usage of medicines: A review of the literature

“…However, the authors noted that the study was not designed to analyse variation in the use of atypical anti-psychotics, with several countries underrepresented in their study and therefore findings have to be interpreted with caution. Santamaria et al (2002) analysed trends in the use of anti-psychotics in Spain between 1985 and 2000 using sales data, and then compared these to published sales data in five Nordic countries (Table 1). 8 However, the comparison with the Nordic countries does not allow for conclusions about cross-national trends for consumption of AAPs specifically.…”

“…Santamaria et al (2002) analysed trends in the use of anti-psychotics in Spain between 1985 and 2000 using sales data, and then compared these to published sales data in five Nordic countries (Table 1). 8 However, the comparison with the Nordic countries does not allow for conclusions about cross-national trends for consumption of AAPs specifically. (Table 1).…”

Fluvoxamine dose-dependent interaction with haloperidol and the effects on negative symptoms in schizophrenia

“…In addition, Daniel and coworkers (1994) reported a pharmacokinetic interaction of relatively highdose fluvoxamine (100-300 mg/day) with haloperidol, which is still one of the most widely used antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders (Santamaria et al 2002), in a small-sized study with three schizophrenic patients. Based on these findings, it is presumed that plasma haloperidol concentrations would be elevated in proportion to the dose of coadministered fluvoxamine, although there has been no comprehensive information indicating the relationship between haloperidol concentration and dose or plasma concentration of fluvoxamine.…”