

Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
Psychopharmacology Institute
Practical psychopharmacology updates for mental health clinicians. Useful for psychiatry / mental health professionals. Expert interviews and soundbites from CME presentations. Practical and free of commercial bias. Not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2025 • 16min
The Science Behind Psychedelic Therapy
In this episode, we explore the fascinating mechanisms behind psychedelic drugs in psychiatry, examining how substances like psilocybin and LSD work through 5-HT2A receptors to promote neuroplasticity. What if these compounds are hijacking an ancient stress response system designed to help us rapidly adapt to survive? Faculty: Franklin King, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Use of Psychedelic Drugs in Psychiatry The Mechanisms and Effects of Psychedelics

Sep 8, 2025 • 12min
Which Antidepressant Causes the Most Weight Gain?
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research comparing weight gain across eight common antidepressants. Using data from 183,000 patients, this study finally provides concrete numbers to answer the question patients ask most: How much weight will I gain on this medication? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 72 Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Weight Gain?

Sep 3, 2025 • 12min
Lisdexamfetamine for Binge Eating Disorder
In this episode, we explore lisdexamfetamine as the first FDA-approved medication for binge eating disorder. Can one medication effectively treat both ADHD and binge eating simultaneously? We examine the evidence, duration of treatment, and strategies for addressing patient ambivalence in eating disorder pharmacotherapy. Faculty: Scott Crow, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Pharmacotherapy of Eating Disorders: An Update Binge Eating Disorder Pharmacotherapy: Lisdexamfetamine

Aug 29, 2025 • 11min
Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 Agonists and Alcohol Use Disorder
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking Swedish research on GLP-1 receptor agonists as a potential new treatment for alcohol use disorder. Could diabetes medications like semaglutide revolutionize addiction treatment where traditional therapies have fallen short? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 72 Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Weight Gain?

Aug 24, 2025 • 11min
Antidepressants vs. Anticonvulsants for Binge Eating
In this episode, we explore pharmacotherapy for binge eating disorder, examining how antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and emerging treatments target different patient goals. Should your treatment focus on stopping binge episodes or achieving weight loss? We discuss evidence-based approaches to align medication choices with patient priorities for optimal outcomes. Faculty: Scott Crow, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Pharmacotherapy of Eating Disorders: An Update Binge Eating Disorder Pharmacotherapy: Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants

Aug 19, 2025 • 11min
Lithium Levels: Finding the Right Therapeutic Target
In this episode, we explore the confusing world of lithium therapeutic levels with Dr. Paul Zarkowski. Why do different labs recommend different ranges for the same medication? We examine expert consensus on optimal dosing strategies for both acute treatment and maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 71 What is the Optimal Therapeutic Range for Lithium in Bipolar Disorder?

Aug 14, 2025 • 9min
Antidepressants Beyond Depression: Applications in Bulimia Nervosa
In this episode, we explore evidence-based pharmacotherapy for bulimia nervosa, including why higher doses of SSRIs work better than standard dosing, which medications to avoid completely, and how antidepressants can be effective even without depression being present. Why does fluoxetine require 60 mg daily for optimal results? Faculty: Scott Crow M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Pharmacotherapy of Eating Disorders: An Update Bulimia Nervosa: Medications That Work

4 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 12min
Metformin and Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: An Evidence-Based Solution
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain through a comprehensive network meta-analysis. Could the combination of low-dose metformin and lifestyle modifications be the game-changer that helps patients maintain both mental stability and physical health? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 71 Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: Best Management Strategies

Aug 4, 2025 • 8min
Monthly Injections, Long-Term Recovery: Naltrexone for OUD
In this episode, we explore extended-release naltrexone for opioid use disorder, examining its unique role as a pure antagonist in patients who require safety-sensitive careers. How do we successfully navigate the challenging initiation period when patients must be opioid-free for a week? Faculty: Smita Das, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Pharmacologic Management of Opioid Use Disorder Examining the Efficacy of Extended-Release Naltrexone OUD

8 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 12min
Antipsychotics and Aspiration Risk
In this discussion, Scott Beach, an expert on antipsychotic medications and their risks, highlights the unexpected link between antipsychotics and increased pneumonia risk in schizophrenia patients. He breaks down the significant role of anticholinergic burden and how certain medications, especially at high doses, can exacerbate this risk. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and tailored treatment strategies to protect vulnerable patients, particularly the elderly, in managing their mental health.