Summary of Findings on Psychotropic Medications

The document summarized findings from several studies on psychotropic medications. The CUTLASS 1 study found no significant clinical advantage of second-generation antipsychotics over first-generation ones for schizophrenia. A Johns Hopkins study showed ramelteon had no abuse potential or adverse effects compared to triazolam. A case report linked neuroleptic malignant syndrome to aripiprazole and lithium in bipolar disorder. A trial with 227 patients found divalproex ER effective for acute mania in bipolar I disorder but with more adverse events. Another study indicated ramelteon as a safe alternative for insomnia, especially for those with substance abuse history. Modafinil increased motor activity in schizophrenia patients, and a case report linked lamotrigine to hair loss. The FDA updated overdose risk for venlafaxine and approved quetiapine for bipolar depression.