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An Ergot Alkaloid Preparation (Hydergine) versus Papaverine in Treating Common Complaints of the Aged: Double‐Blind Study
Author(s) -
BAZO ALBERT J.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1973.tb01220.x
Subject(s) - medicine , papaverine , irritability , alertness , anesthesia , mood , psychiatry , cognition
Sixty‐six geriatric patients with various “complaints of the aged” attributable to cerebral arteriosclerosis with cerebrovascular insufficiency received standard dosages of Hydergine (an ergot alkaloid preparation) or papaverine for twelve weeks in a double‐blind study. No adverse reactions occurred in patients taking either drug. Ratings of symptom severity, overall clinical condition, global therapeutic change, and mental status evaluations showed that the Hydergine group consistently improved more than the papaverine group. Hydergine was significantly superior to papaverine in relieving impaired mental alertness, confusion, irritability, hostility, emotional lability, depressive mood, and lack of motivation. Time‐response analyses indicated that the therapeutic effects of Hydergine were steadily progressive during the trial, whereas the effects of papaverine tended to become manifest only late in the 12‐week trial, if at all. The greatest benefits of Hydergine therapy seemed to be in the areas of intellectual function or cognition.