The evaluation of Tandospirone, a new serotonergic anxiolytic drug, in treatment of various psychological symptoms of dialyzed patients

Not a few dialyzed patients complain about psychological symptoms or physical constrains as the result of restrictions on daily life. Not only guidance for their lives but also drug therapies play important roles for these patients. [Objective] Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tandospirone (TAN), a new serotonergic anxiolytic drug to treat psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression and other indefinite complaints in dialyzed patients. [Subjects and method] After STAI, one of the psychological tests, five of 29 ambulatory dialysis patients treated at our clinic were selected due to their elevated levels of neurosis and depression. These patients were given TAN 30mg/day. In the 4th week of medication, its efficacy was assessed by STAI. We studied how TAN accumulated and how the dialyzer eliminated it. We also checked the TAN serum levels at the blood inlet and outlet of the dialyzer when dialysis started and after it finished. [Results] (Efficacy) Three of five cases showed improved scores on STAI. (Safety) There were no adverse reactions in any case. Serum levels in the 4th week of medication were hardly changed from those of healthy volunteers, suggesting little accumulation of TAN. The elimination ratio of TAN by dialyzer accounted for 16.9% at the beginning of administration and 80.4% after four hours of dialysis. [Conclusion] TAN is effective for the patients who complain of anxiety.