Clomipramine in the treatment of compulsive behavior in frontotemporal dementia: a case series

Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2014 Jan-Mar;28(1):95-8. doi: 10.1097/WAD.0b013e318265c104.

Abstract

Compulsive behaviors in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) occur frequently and are challenging to manage. We report three cases of probable bvFTD associated with compulsive behaviors that responded well to treatment with clomipramine at daily dosages varying from 20 to 175 mg. The titration approach involved an initial 10-mg dose that was subsequently increased in 10 mg increments on a weekly basis until symptom relief without intolerable side effects. Our case series supports the consideration for a therapeutic trial with clomipramine in bvFTD when compulsive behavior occurs in these patients. It also highlights the need for further research on pharmacological treatments in bvFTD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clomipramine / therapeutic use*
  • Compulsive Behavior / drug therapy*
  • Compulsive Behavior / etiology
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / complications
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / drug therapy
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Clomipramine