Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 74 Melatonin, Trazodone, or Doxepin for Sleep Disorders

Dr. David Osser, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, shares his expertise on managing mixed manic episodes. He discusses the critical timing for adding lithium or valproate to antipsychotics, emphasizing patience and evidence-based strategies. Osser cautions against rushing into combination therapies due to managed care pressures and advocates for temporary use of benzodiazepines to stabilize patients. He weighs the pros and cons of lithium versus valproate and considers carbamazepine as a viable third-line option.

In this episode, we explore a provocative argument for reconsidering disulfiram as a first-line treatment for alcohol use disorder. Could this decades-old medication, often dismissed as outdated and dangerous, actually be more effective than newer alternatives when used in appropriately selected patients? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 74 Alcohol Use Disorder: Should Disulfiram Be First-Line?

In this episode, we explore the complex pharmacological management of mixed mania, a challenging bipolar presentation affecting up to 40% of manic episodes. Why do traditional mood stabilizers like lithium fall short, and which second-generation antipsychotics emerge as first-line treatments for this dual-symptom condition? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: Lithium: How to Manage Dosage and Side Effects Managing Renal Side Effects of Lithium Therapy

In this episode, we explore psychedelic-assisted therapy in clinical practice, examining how these treatments differ fundamentally from traditional pharmacotherapy. Can psychiatrists reconcile mystical experiences with evidence-based medicine while navigating the complex therapeutic paradigm of preparation, 8-hour sessions, and integration work? Faculty: Franklin King, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Use of Psychedelic Drugs in Psychiatry Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Clinical Practice

Join Kristin Raj, a psychiatrist and faculty contributor to the Psychopharmacology Institute, as she delves into the intriguing findings of a recent meta-analysis on lurasidone for bipolar depression. Discover why lower doses (40-60mg) may actually be more effective and safer than higher doses, potentially changing prescribing practices. Kristin discusses the risks associated with over-medication and highlights the importance of individualizing treatment. Plus, hear tips on adherence and monitoring for optimal outcomes!

In this episode, we explore a compelling comparison between olanzapine and risperidone for managing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients. Are the delusions we see in Alzheimer's disease actually true delusions, or something entirely different that requires a new treatment approach? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 73 Alzheimer's Disease: Olanzapine vs. Risperidone for BPSD

In this episode, we explore the complex drug-drug interactions between psychedelics and psychiatric medications. Do SSRIs really blunt psychedelic effects, or is this just clinical folklore? We'll examine surprising new research and discuss potentially dangerous combinations every psychiatrist should know. 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 Examining the Combined Use of Psychedelics and Psychiatric Drugs

In this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom of "what gets them well keeps them well" by exploring groundbreaking Finnish research on bipolar disorder medication dosing. Does maintaining patients on high doses actually improve long-term outcomes, or could standard doses be the optimal strategy for relapse prevention? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 73 Bipolar Disorder Maintenance: What's the Optimal Dose Range?

Franklin King, a director at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics and a Harvard Medical School faculty member, dives deep into the impact of psychedelics on the brain. He discusses how substances like psilocybin disrupt the default mode network, fostering neuroplasticity and leading to therapeutic breakthroughs. The conversation also touches on the correlation between mystical experiences and treatment outcomes, as well as the significance of the claustrum and 5-HT2A receptors in these processes.