Modafinil augmentation of mirtazapine in a failure-to-thrive geriatric inpatient

Int J Psychiatry Med. 2002;32(4):405-10. doi: 10.2190/J82T-B61G-7DHD-4PW5.

Abstract

The failure-to-thrive syndrome in geriatric patients is marked by social withdrawal, apathy, depression, anorexia, and cognitive impairment. For therapy to be effective, the treatment plan must target several of theseareas. This case report describes one such course of treatment for a patient with multiple myeloma with failure-to-thrive who was successfully treated with modafinil and mirtazapine. By using combination pharmacotherapy, we were able to achieve immediate results in a gravely ill patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Cachexia / etiology*
  • Cachexia / rehabilitation
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / rehabilitation
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Frail Elderly / psychology
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mianserin / analogs & derivatives
  • Mianserin / therapeutic use*
  • Mirtazapine
  • Modafinil

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Mianserin
  • Mirtazapine
  • Modafinil