Is ondansetron beneficial for psychosis associated with dementia?

BACKGROUND

This systematic review identified published studies that evaluated the use of ondansetron in individuals with psychosis associated with dementia.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Collaboration databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case reports that evaluated the use of ondansetron for individuals with psychosis associated with dementia. Bibliographic databases of published articles were also searched for additional studies.

RESULTS

A total of 4 studies were identified, all of which were open-label trials of ondansetron for psychosis associated with Parkinson's disease. All trials showed improvements in visual hallucinations and paranoid ideations in most patients, as well as a modest improvement in functioning, but no evidence of cognitive improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron appears to have benefit in improving positive symptoms of psychosis in individuals with Parkinson's disease, but RCTs are needed before routine use is recommended. There is a paucity of evidence for the use of ondansetron for psychosis associated with other forms of dementia.