Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonists in the Treatment of Stuttering

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Re: a few questions and comments

From: Nathan Lavid, M.D.
Date: 12 Oct 2005
Time: 10:23:34 -0500
Remote Name: 71.107.205.117

Comments

Hello Lloyd, Thank you for the compliments. The Pagoclone study is interesting for a number of reasons. One, the scale is substantial. This study is the largest one attempted to study the effect of a medication in those who stutter. Two, the mechanism of action may be more than just alleviating anticipatory anxiety. The patent is available on the Internet http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6855721.html The case report cited in the patent reports alleviation of stuttering in a patient who had not responded to anti-anxiety medication in the past. While case studies are the not the standard in evaluating medications, the current investigators, as well as investors, have decided to pursue this observation with a significant study. As for olanzapine, I do not use the medication as much as I did in the past. I’ve found the side effect of weight gain to be a significant limiting factor in compliance, and I never prescribe olanzapine in those with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. The SDAs as a whole are not benign medications, and are not to be prescribed without carefully considering the risks versus the possible benefits. Though, I believe future generations of medications will be more tolerable.


Last changed: 10/24/05