Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

Psychopharmacology Institute
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Mar 17, 2025 • 8min

Navigating TMS Side Effects: A Practical Guide

This discussion delves into the side effects and safety profile of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. Surprisingly, fewer than 2% of patients stop treatment due to discomfort! The conversation covers common side effects, including headaches and muscle twitching, and factors that influence patient tolerance. Ongoing research into TMS's cognitive benefits is highlighted, along with comparisons to traditional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Insightful management strategies for side effects are also shared, addressing patient concerns effectively.
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Mar 12, 2025 • 11min

SSRIs and Anticoagulants: Navigating Bleeding Risk

Scott Beach, M.D., a leading expert in pharmacology, dives into a significant 23-year study examining the interplay between SSRIs and oral anticoagulants. He discusses the startling 33% increased risk of major bleeding events observed in patients with atrial fibrillation using both treatments. The conversation also highlights critical strategies for safe prescribing and monitoring, particularly during the initial treatment phase. Beach emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to mitigate risks, including potential medication adjustments and diligent oversight.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 8min

Lamotrigine and the Heart: What You Need to Know

Dive into the cardiac risks associated with lamotrigine usage and the importance of EKG monitoring. Learn why reducing the drug dose might not lower those risks and could lead to psychiatric issues instead. Explore safe prescribing practices, especially for patients with heart conditions, and hear about alternative strategies for managing these complexities. This insightful conversation emphasizes balancing the benefits of medication with potential cardiac effects, ensuring patient safety every step of the way.
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10 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 11min

After the Last Dose: Understanding Antipsychotic Discontinuation

Join psychiatrist Oliver Freudenreich, an expert in psychopharmacology from Massachusetts General Hospital, as he sheds light on the complexities of antipsychotic withdrawal. He discusses how psychotic relapse may sometimes be mistaken for withdrawal symptoms. The conversation reveals the common effects of discontinuation, such as insomnia and anxiety, along with risk factors and essential strategies for safe tapering. This insightful dialogue emphasizes the need for careful management and patient communication during this critical transition.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 8min

Understanding Lamotrigine's Cardiac Effects

Dive into the cardiac effects of lamotrigine, particularly QTc prolongation and QRS widening. Experts discuss the FDA's concerns and the actual evidence behind them. Learn how lamotrigine's cardiac safety profile holds up under scrutiny and what it means for clinical practice. Discover insights on monitoring high-risk patients and the comparative risks with tricyclic antidepressants. This enlightening discussion equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge to counsel patients effectively.
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Feb 20, 2025 • 12min

Rethinking Falls: Are Sleep Medications Really to Blame?

In this episode, we examine a groundbreaking Danish study that challenges the conventional belief that sedative medications increase fall risk in older adults. Could untreated insomnia, rather than the medications used to treat it, be the real culprit behind falls in elderly patients? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 64 Insomnia in the Elderly: Do Sedatives Increase or Decrease Fall Risk?
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7 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 11min

Navigating Lamotrigine's Side Effects

In this episode, we explore lamotrigine's side effects and special considerations, particularly focusing on identifying dangerous skin reactions, pregnancy considerations, and overdose risks. Did you know that Asian populations may require special genetic screening before starting lamotrigine due to increased skin reaction risks? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.5 CME: Lamotrigine: From Current Indications to Cardiac Side Effects Lamotrigine: Side Effects and Special Considerations
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Feb 10, 2025 • 9min

Iloperidone in Bipolar Disorder: A New Treatment Option?

In this episode, we explore the efficacy and safety of iloperidone in treating bipolar disorder, examining new phase 3 trial data that reveals both promising results for mania symptoms and important considerations about side effects. Can this antipsychotic's favorable EPS profile outweigh its metabolic risks? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 63 Iloperidone: A Potential Treatment Option for Bipolar Mania
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5 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 9min

Lamotrigine: Pearls for Prescribing

Discover the ins and outs of prescribing lamotrigine, especially its surprising interaction with birth control pills that can halve its effectiveness in just a week. Learn about its mechanisms, including sodium channel blockade, and the importance of a careful titration schedule. The conversation also dives into how estrogen affects lamotrigine levels and necessary dosage adjustments during pregnancy. Equip yourself with essential knowledge for safe prescribing practices while managing bipolar disorder!
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Jan 31, 2025 • 10min

Beyond Benzos: New Frontiers in Agitation Management

In this episode, we explore the pharmacological management of agitation in emergency settings, focusing on benzodiazepines and the novel medication dexmedetomidine. Did you know there's now a sublingual option that works through an entirely different mechanism than traditional anti-agitation medications? Faculty: Scott Zeller, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: The Psychopharmacology of Agitation: Managing Behavioral Emergencies The Role of Benzodiazepines and Dexmedetomidine in Managing Agitation

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