Induction of depression with oxotremorine in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract

Cholinergic neurotransmission has long been implicated in the development of depression. In this study seven patients with Alzheimer's disease were given oral oxotremorine, a long-acting cholinergic agonist, to assess the drug's effects on cognitive function. There were unexpected depressive reactions in five of the seven patients; three patients dropped out of the study because of the side effects. Cardiovascular effects of the drug were negligible, but its effect on memory and cognition remains unknown because of the small number of subjects who completed the study.

• Authors: K L Davis, E Hollander, M Davidson, B M Davis, R C Mohs, T B Horvath
• Journal: The American journal of psychiatry (Am J Psychiatry) Vol. 144 Issue 4 Pg. 468-71 (Apr 1987) ISSN: 0002-953X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3565616 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Oxotremorine

Topics

• Aged
• Alzheimer Disease (drug therapy, psychology)
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Cognition (drug effects)
• Depressive Disorder (chemically induced)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Memory (drug effects)
• Middle Aged
• Oxotremorine (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Psychological Tests
• Pulse (drug effects)