Riluzole in Psychiatry: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Overview

Journal Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialties Endocrinology
Pharmacology
Toxicology

Date 2008 Aug 30

PMID 18721116

Citations 40

Authors

Carlos A Zarate

Husseini K Manji

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The glutamate system seems to be an important contributor to the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Thus, glutamatergic modulators are reasonable candidate drugs to test in patients with mood and anxiety disorders. Riluzole, a neuroprotective agent with anticonvulsant properties approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one such agent.

Objective: To assess the potential risks and benefits of riluzole treatment in psychiatric patients.

Methods: A PubMed search was performed using the keywords 'riluzole', 'inhibitor of glutamate release' and 'glutamatergic modulator' to identify all clinical studies and case reports involving riluzole in psychiatric patients.

Results/conclusion: Riluzole's side effect profile is favorable and preliminary results regarding riluzole for the treatment of severe mood, anxiety and impulsive disorders are encouraging.

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