Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
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
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on valproate's dose-dependent weight gain effects. Could prescribing lower doses be the key to maintaining therapeutic benefits while minimizing one of psychiatry's most challenging side effects? Dr. Paul Zarkowski reveals surprising findings that could transform your valproate prescribing approach.
Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore methadone maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder, covering dosing strategies, recent regulatory changes, and safety considerations. Why do so many patients fail on methadone despite its proven effectiveness, and how can proper dosing make the difference between recovery and relapse?
Faculty: Smita Das, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the puzzling connection between clozapine and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Does this wonder drug actually cause OCD, or are we missing a deeper story about how protective behaviors transform into compulsive habits?
Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking head-to-head research comparing topiramate and naltrexone for alcohol use disorder, revealing surprising equivalence in effectiveness. Could the off-label option actually be as good as our FDA-approved standard for treating problematic drinking?
Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we discuss the critical challenges of benzodiazepine discontinuation, exploring Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) and effective support strategies for patients experiencing protracted withdrawal. What can clinicians do when over 50% of patients report finding more help from online forums than from medical professionals?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the potentially fatal side effects of clozapine that often receive less attention than agranulocytosis: bowel obstruction and pneumonia. Could your vigilant monitoring of blood counts be overshadowing equally dangerous risks?
Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we discuss evidence-based strategies for safely tapering patients off benzodiazepines, including cut-and-hold and microtapering techniques. What's the best approach when commercial dosage forms limit gradual reductions?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore lithium's surprising positive effect on bone mineral density in patients with bipolar disorder. Could the medication many psychiatrists use as a mood stabilizer also be protecting patients from osteoporosis?
Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for successful benzodiazepine tapering with addiction psychiatrist Dr. Alexis Ritvo. How can clinicians minimize withdrawal effects while supporting patients through this challenging process?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore compelling evidence from the UK Biobank showing how vitamin D deficiency may increase dementia risk by up to 25%. Could this affordable supplement be an essential piece of your brain health strategy?
Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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In this episode, we explore the complex process of benzodiazepine deprescribing, examining when and how to help patients reduce or discontinue these medications. How can clinicians balance the benefits of deprescription against the challenges of withdrawal?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the unique considerations for using long-acting injectable antipsychotics in women with schizophrenia. How might hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life impact treatment decisions for schizophrenia?
Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the challenges and current guidelines for benzodiazepine use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and adolescence. When is it appropriate to continue benzodiazepines during pregnancy, and what alternatives should clinicians consider?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore benzodiazepine use disorder, distinguishing between physical dependence and addiction while examining practical strategies for safe prescribing. Did you know only 1.5% of benzodiazepine users actually develop a use disorder?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the potential role of the probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila in managing olanzapine-induced weight gain. Could this tiny gut bacterium be the key to maintaining metabolic health while on antipsychotics?
Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the dangerous risks of benzodiazepine use, focusing on the potentially lethal combination with opioids, cognitive impairment, increased accident risk, and fall hazards. Did you know that benzodiazepines combined with opioids increase overdose risk fivefold in the first 90 days?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the latest research on antidepressant discontinuation symptoms, revealing that about 14% of patients experience these effects when stopping medication. Which antidepressants are most likely to cause these "brain zaps" and other withdrawal symptoms?
Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we discuss the appropriate use of benzodiazepines, focusing on evidence-based indications and optimal medication selection. Did you know that alprazolam has unique properties that make it more addictive than other benzodiazepines?
Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the evidence behind Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, from early clinical trials to real-world effectiveness. What makes some patients respond better to TMS than others? We discuss response rates, treatment protocols, and the exciting development of faster treatment options.
Faculty: Simon Kung, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
In this episode, we explore the crucial aspects of patient selection for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in treating depression. We discuss insurance criteria, contraindications, and practical considerations. Did you know that while TMS was FDA-approved in 2008, it wasn't widely accessible until Medicare began covering it in 2014?
Faculty: Simon Kung, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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