Potential impact of amantadine on aggression in chronic traumatic brain injury

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J77067

Journal:

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2017 , 32, 5, 308-318

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed the effects of amantadine on anger and aggression among 118 individuals with a chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) enrolled in a parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to take amantadine (100 mg every morning and noon) or a placebo equivalent for treatment of irritability. Anger and aggression were measured at treatment days 0, 28, and 60 using observer-rated and participant-rated State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Agitation/Aggression domain (NPI-A) Most Problematic and Distress scores. Participant-rated day 60 NPI-A Most Problematic and NPI-A Distress were statistically significant between the 2 groups, but STAXI-2 differences were not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Substantial improvements were noted in both the amantadine and placebo groups (70 versus 56 percent, respectively, improving at least 3 points on day 60 Observer NPI-A). Findings suggest that 100 milligrams of amantadine twice daily in this population with chronic TBI appears to be beneficial in decreasing aggression from the perspective of the individual with TBI. No beneficial impact on anger was found.

Author(s):

Hammond, Flora M., Malec, James F., Zafonte, Ross D., Sherer, Mark, Bogner, Jennifer, Dikmen, Sureyya, Whitney, Marybeth P., Bell, Kathleen R., Perkins, Susan M., Moser, Elizabeth A.