Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

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: Richar...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 69 Clozapine: The...

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. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Techni...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 68 Can Lithium Protect Against Osteoporo...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Depre...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 68 Can Vitamin D Deficiency Increase the Risk of Al...

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. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Strategies for Successful Benzodi...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 68 Long-Acting Antipsychotics: An Op...

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. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing:...

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. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing:...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 67 Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain: Can Ak...

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. Learn more about our memberships here...

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. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 67...

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. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Cli...

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. Learn more about our...

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. Learn...

In this episode, we explore a landmark Finnish study examining the long-term risk of agranulocytosis in patients taking clozapine. The research followed 62,000 patients over 22 years, providing crucial data about this rare but serious side effect. Could these findings change how we approach clozapine prescribing and monitoring requirements? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber,...

In this episode, we explore Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a treatment option for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We discuss the FDA-approved devices, unique protocols, and why patients need their anxiety triggered before each session. Did you know TMS for OCD targets a completely different brain region than TMS for depression? Faculty: Simon Kung, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D....

In this episode, we explore donanemab, a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody treatment for Alzheimer's disease. We discuss its efficacy in reducing beta-amyloid plaques, unique treatment duration protocol, and safety considerations. Could this time-limited treatment approach revolutionize how we manage Alzheimer's progression? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about o...

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Danish registry study that challenges common beliefs about long-term benzodiazepine use and dose escalation patterns. Are our concerns about inevitable tolerance and dependence justified? The study's findings might surprise you and reshape prescribing practices. Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here E...

In this episode, we explore the side effects and safety considerations of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy in psychiatry. Did you know that despite common concerns, fewer than 2% of patients discontinue TMS due to discomfort? We'll discuss everything from common side effects to practical management strategies. Faculty: Simon Kung, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our...

In this episode, we explore the crucial interaction between SSRIs and oral anticoagulants, examining a groundbreaking 23-year study of over 330,000 patients. Does combining these medications significantly increase bleeding risk, and if so, how can we safely manage patients who need both treatments? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75...

In this episode, we explore the safe use and monitoring of lamotrigine, focusing on cardiac risks and when EKG monitoring is necessary. Did you know that reducing lamotrigine dose doesn't actually mitigate cardiac risks but could increase the risk of psychiatric destabilization? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 0.5 CME: Lamotrigine: F...

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked phenomenon of antipsychotic withdrawal, examining new findings from the world's largest drug safety database. Could some cases of apparent psychotic relapse actually be withdrawal symptoms in disguise? We discuss common withdrawal effects, risk factors, and evidence-based strategies for safe medication discontinuation. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich,...

In this episode, we explore lamotrigine's cardiac side effects, focusing on QTc prolongation and QRS widening. How concerned should psychiatrists be about the FDA warning regarding lamotrigine's cardiac effects? We examine the evidence behind these concerns and discuss practical implications for clinical practice. Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membershi...