Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. Neurochemistry, efficacy, and clinical guidelines for use in children

J H Newcorn; K Schulz; M Harrison; M D DeBellis; J K Udarbe; J M Halperin

doi:10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70064-x

Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. Neurochemistry, efficacy, and clinical guidelines for use in children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 1998 Oct;45(5):1099-22, viii. doi: 10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70064-x.

Authors

J H Newcorn¹, K Schulz, M Harrison, M D DeBellis, J K Udarbe, J M Halperin

Affiliation

¹ Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.

PMID: 9884677
DOI: 10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70064-x

Abstract

The alpha 2 adrenergic agonists are used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders and their usage has been increasing. This article presents the rationale and neurochemical basis for treatment of psychiatric disorders with alpha 2 agents, reviews studies examining clinical efficacy, and develops guidelines for usage. Case vignettes are presented to illustrate how the alpha 2 agents can successfully be used in practice.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists*
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use*
Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / drug therapy*
Child
Clinical Protocols
Clonidine / therapeutic use
Female
Guanfacine / therapeutic use
Humans
Locus Coeruleus / drug effects
Male
Tic Disorders / drug therapy*

Substances

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
Guanfacine
Clonidine