Pilot trial of memantine in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.
This multiple case series was initially designed as a prospective, open-label, 12-week trial investigation evaluating memantine (Namenda) for the treatment of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms associated with PTSD. In a selected, small sample of individuals (n = 4) with combat PTSD, treatment with memantine produced consistent improvement on a delayed recall measure of memory, variable reduction of depressive symptoms, and variable reduction in hyperarousal symptoms. These data suggest potential positive treatment outcomes, both cognitively and psychiatrically, and provide rationale for future double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of memantine in PTSD.
Battista
Matthew A
MA
VA Central California Health Care System Fresno, Fresno, CA 93703, USA. matthew.battista@med.va.gov
Hierholzer
Robert
R
Khouzam
Hani Raoul
HR
Barlow
Alycia
A
O'Toole
Siobhan
S
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D008559:Memantine