Evaluating drug effects on children's cognitive functioning.
In our studies of drug therapy in child psychiatry disorders, we have been using a battery of tests to monitor any effects of medication on the various components of cognitive processing. Our intention was to measure skills required by the children for successful classroom performance. We have used this test battery approach in open clinical trials of bupropion (Wellbutrin) and of alprazolam (Xanax) with child psychiatry patients. On no single test was the effect of bupropion vs placebo significant; however, there was no indication of any cognitive deterioration with bupropion. Group performance with alprazolam was more variable, and again no individual test showed significant changes with medication. These initial applications of the cognitive battery indicate that bupropion, a new antidepressant and alprazolam, an anxiolytic have no adverse effects on cognition at therapeutically effective doses.
D000525:Alprazolam; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016642:Bupropion; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011427:Propiophenones / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011427:Propiophenones; D016642:Bupropion; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000525:Alprazolam