Psychopharmacology in transplantation medicine

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2019 Jan 10:88:74-85. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.005. Epub 2018 Jul 6.

Abstract

Organ transplantation has become a well-established treatment option in patients with end-stage organ diseases. Although quality of life has markedly improved, psychiatric disorders before and after transplantation are more frequent compared to the general population. Psychopharmacological treatment is recommended for almost all mental disorders according to current guidelines, but may pose particular problems in organ transplant patients. Changes in the metabolism and elimination of drugs during organ insufficiency, drug interactions, and overlapping side effects between psychopharmacological and immunosuppressive drugs are challenging problems in clinical management. Furthermore, questions frequently arise concerning the use of psychopharmacological treatment options for sleeping and anxiety disorders. This article reviews psychopharmacology in organ transplant patients, with particular attention to frequent psychiatric disorders observed in the disease course of end-stage organ diseases.

Keywords: Antidepressant; Antipsychotic; Anxiolytics; Mood stabilizer; Organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / surgery*
  • Organ Transplantation / methods*
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs