Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

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 Could this decades-old medication, often dismissed as outdated and dangerous, actually be more effective than newer alternatives when used in appropriately selected patients?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...

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...

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...

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research revealing that lower doses of lurasidone (40-60mg) may be more effective for bipolar depression than higher doses. Could we be over-medicating our patients when the sweet spot for both efficacy and tolerability lies in this unexpected lower range? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75...

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 T...

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 her...

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 o...

In this episode, we explore how psychedelics like psilocybin disrupt the brain's default mode network, creating windows of neuroplasticity that correlate with mystical experiences and therapeutic breakthroughs in treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and addiction. Faculty: Franklin King, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Use of Psychedelic Dru...

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research showing how long-acting injectable antipsychotics can literally save lives in schizophrenia treatment. Could choosing the right medication delivery method be the difference between a patient thriving or facing premature death by 15-20 years? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0...

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 mem...

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 V...

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 mem...

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...

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: R...

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 Ea...

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 o...

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...

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: Pharmaco...

In this episode, we explore the surprising link between antipsychotic medications and pneumonia risk. Did you know that pneumonia is the fourth leading cause of death in schizophrenia patients, and certain medications increase this risk in unexpected ways? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 71 Pneumonia in Schiz...

In this episode, we explore how to choose between methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder treatment. With over 100,000 overdose deaths annually, how do we match the right medication to save each patient's life? 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 Tailored Patie...

In this episode, we explore buprenorphine management for opioid use disorder, covering induction protocols, dosing strategies, and long-term maintenance. Why do patients need to be in withdrawal before starting this life-saving medication, and how can we make this challenging process more manageable? Faculty: Smita Das, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 C...

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 See...

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. Learn more about our membership...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol....

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Qui...