Int J Clin Pharm Th
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Jan 2007
Treatment of mental health problems in general practice: a survey of psychotropics prescribed and other treatments provided.
Real-life data on the treatment of patients with mental health problems are important as a reference to evaluate care and benchmarking. This study describes the treatment of mental health problems in general practice as diagnosed by general practitioners (GP). ⋯ The majority of mental health problems, when professionally treated, are treated in primary care. More than half the patients are treated with antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines. Most patients also receive supportive counseling or advice.
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyComparison of plasma and saliva concentrations of levetiracetam following administration orally as a tablet and as a solution in healthy adult volunteers.
Concentrations in saliva, as an alternative to concentrations in blood, can be advantageous for the monitoring of antiepileptic agents. This study assesses the relationship between saliva and plasma concentrations of levetiracetam after administration orally as a solution and as a tablet. The possibility that saliva concentrations of the drug are altered by contamination in the buccal cavity was also examined. ⋯ Using saliva to monitor therapeutic exposure to levetiracetam is feasible beginning 15 minutes after tablet intake but beginning 4 hours after intake of an oral solution.