It's a first-line option, according to a large single-center study.
Of the many neuropsychiatric sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI), irritability and aggression most interfere with relationships and recovery. Yet, few double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy studies of pharmacological interventions have been conducted (with most published studies focusing on beta blockers). Small studies have shown amantadine, a dopaminergic agent and N-methyl-D-aspartate channel antagonist, to decrease irritability and aggression. This single-center study — the second largest outpatient study (including multicenter studies) ever published on any TBI treatment — examines the efficacy of amantadine.
The 76 individuals, who had experienced TBI more than 6 months previously (mean, 5 years previously; moderate severity of…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)