Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

In this episode, we explore the growing threat of xylazine — a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit drug supplies — and what clinicians need to know when naloxone simply isn't enough. Dr. David Gorelick breaks down the current evidence on diagnosis, treatment, and the critical gaps that remain. Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph. D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M....

In this episode, we explore how to select the right initial treatment for depression using the updated CANMAT guidelines. How do severity, patient preference, and treatment availability shape your first clinical move? Dr. Sagar Parikh breaks down the evidence on psychotherapy, antidepressants, and when to combine both. Faculty: Sagar V. Parikh, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our...

In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers of leaving antipsychotics running long after a hospital delirium episode has resolved. Could a medication prescribed to keep your patient safe in the short term actually be harming them months later — and what does the latest evidence say about stopping it? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn...

In this episode, we explore the practical dosing, initiation, and conversion strategies for paliperidone palmitate and risperidone long-acting injectables in schizophrenia. How do you manage a missed six-month injection — reload or continue? Dr. Brian Miller breaks down everything you need to know to prescribe these formulations with confidence. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D., Ph. D., M.P.H. Host: Ri...

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly thin evidence base behind antipsychotic switching — one of psychiatry's most common clinical maneuvers. Dr. Oliver Freudenreich breaks down a landmark systematic review and shares six practical tips to help clinicians switch antipsychotics safely and confidently. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membersh...

In this episode, we explore the practical use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia — specifically aripiprazole and olanzapine formulations. What's the right dose when a patient misses an injection? Dr. Brian Miller breaks down dosing, oral supplementation windows, and dose equivalence for Abilify Maintena, Aristada, and Zyprexa Relprevv. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D., Ph. D., M....

In this episode, we explore when and why long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) should be considered for patients with schizophrenia, covering approved indications, ideal candidate profiles, and the critical role of shared decision-making in treatment planning. Faculty: Brian Miller, M.D., Ph. D., M.P.H. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.75 CME: Use of L...

In this episode, we explore a striking new Nature study suggesting that lithium deficiency may play a central role in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Could a simple, overlooked supplement be the key to prevention? Dr. Scott Beach unpacks the science, the promise, and the important caveats. Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Qu...

In this episode, we explore the nuanced challenge of managing ADHD with stimulant medications during pregnancy. Is stopping the medication always the safer choice — or does untreated ADHD carry risks of its own? Dr. Amanda Koire breaks down the latest evidence to help clinicians make truly informed decisions. Faculty: Amanda Koire, M.D., Ph. D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membe...

In this episode, we examine a surprising repurposing of ondansetron — a common antiemetic — as a potential adjunctive treatment for the notoriously hard-to-treat negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Could a nausea medication help restore motivation and emotional engagement in your patients with residual symptoms despite stable antipsychotic therapy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard...

In this episode, we explore how to manage SSRI treatment in pregnant patients — addressing common fears around fetal malformations, medication switching, and neonatal withdrawal. Can stopping an antidepressant actually do more harm than continuing it? Faculty: Amanda Koire, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.5 CME: Prescribing in Pregnancy: What Every Clin...

In this episode, we explore a landmark meta-analysis that challenges decades of fear surrounding IV haloperidol and cardiac risk. Could one of medicine's most persistent myths be costing patients their best treatment option for delirium? Dr. Scott Beach breaks down the evidence. Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vo...

In this episode, we explore the complex risk-versus-risk decision of using lithium during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How do you weigh the near-certainty of mood relapse against fetal cardiac risks? Dr. Amanda Koire provides a practical framework every clinician needs when managing bipolar disorder in reproductive-age women. Faculty: Amanda Koire, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about...

In this episode, we explore new international guidelines for clozapine monitoring following the FDA's REMS rescission. Should patients on stable clozapine continue lifelong monthly blood draws, or can we safely reduce monitoring after two years? Dr. Seeber discusses how these evidence-based recommendations balance patient burden with safety. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber,...

In this episode, we explore how pregnancy reshapes the pharmacokinetics of psychiatric medications — and what that means for your patients. Can stopping a mood stabilizer actually put a pregnancy at greater risk than continuing it? Dr. Amanda Koire breaks down the evidence. Faculty: Amanda Koire, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.5 CME: Prescribing in Pre...

In this episode, we explore bright light therapy (BLT) as a powerful adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression — examining the neuroscience behind it, how to implement it clinically, and why it may work faster than medication alone. Could something as simple as light reshape how we treat mood disorders? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Ea...

In this episode, we explore three often-overlooked side effects of lithium — sexual dysfunction, hair loss, and skin changes like acne and psoriasis — and discuss practical, evidence-based strategies for managing each one without abandoning a medication that works. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: Lithium: How to Manage Dosag...

In this episode, we explore KarXT, a newly FDA-approved antipsychotic with a groundbreaking cholinergic mechanism, through the lens of a single powerful metric: the Number Needed to Treat. Could an NNT of 5 change how you approach treatment-resistant schizophrenia? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 80...

In this episode, we explore how to keep your patients on lithium by getting ahead of two of its most common challenges — weight gain and gastrointestinal side effects. Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School shares practical, proactive strategies to anticipate, prevent, and manage these issues before they drive your patients away from a medication that could truly change their lives. Faculty:...

In this episode, we explore a surprising new contender in the fight against alcohol use disorder — semaglutide. Could the blockbuster weight-loss drug also curb heavy drinking? We examine the first randomized controlled trial testing this GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically for AUD. Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph. D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our m...

In this episode, we explore lithium's renal side effects with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. How can we keep patients safe while using this highly effective medication? Discover the real risk numbers, prevention strategies, and evidence-based monitoring approaches that protect kidney function long-term. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our member...

In this episode, we explore cariprazine's efficacy and safety in older adults with bipolar I disorder. Does age change how we should dose this medication? Discover evidence-based insights on treating both depression and mania in elderly patients, plus critical pearls on monitoring for akathisia. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CM...

In this episode, we explore essential baseline testing, monitoring protocols, and optimal dosing strategies for lithium with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. Why does giving lithium once daily at night actually protect the kidneys better than divided doses? Discover evidence-based approaches that could transform your lithium prescribing practice. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richar...

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of prescribing stimulants for adult ADHD when abuse potential is a concern. How do you distinguish between performance-driven misuse and recreational abuse? Dr. Bukstein shares essential red flags, safety precautions, and strategies to protect both patients and prescribers. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn mo...

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on treating cannabis-induced psychosis with antipsychotic medications. Which formulations cut hospitalization rates by 75%? And why do some commonly prescribed antipsychotics show no effectiveness at all in preventing future psychotic episodes? Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph. D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn mor...