The present invention concerns compositions, methods and/or apparatus of
central administration of various CNS-active agents. In particular
embodiments, intrathecal administration is advantageous for decreasing
the systemic concentrations of CNS agent, thereby decreasing side effect
toxicity, while allowing more effective delivery of the agent to the site
of action, simultaneously decreasing the dosage delivered to the subject.
In particular embodiments, ICV delivery may be of use for patients who
have previously proven to be refractory to systemic administration of CNS
agents, in some cases due to systemic side effects, or for those patients
whose symptoms are of sufficient severity to warrant more aggressive
therapeutic intervention. ICV administration allows not only lower
systemic concentration but also higher therapeutically effective
concentration within the CNS.