Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates

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

In this episode, we explore the vital aspects of prescribing lamotrigine, from its mechanisms to titration schedules. Did you know that birth control pills can cut lamotrigine levels in half within just one week? Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe and effective treatment. 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 Understanding Lamotrigine Mechanisms and Titration Schedule

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

In this episode, we explore KarXT, a groundbreaking experimental antipsychotic that works through the cholinergic system rather than dopamine pathways. Could this novel approach revolutionize schizophrenia treatment by offering similar efficacy to current antipsychotics but without the motor side effects? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 63 Xanomeline-Trospium (KarXT) Shows Efficacy in Phase 3 Trial for Schizophrenia

In this episode, we explore evidence-based pharmacologic strategies for managing acute agitation in emergency settings, challenging the stigmatizing concept of "chemical restraints" and providing practical approaches to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Did you know that many agitated patients can actively participate in medication decisions, even during a crisis? 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 Pharmacologic Strategies for Managing Agitation: General Recommendations and Treatments Goals

In this episode, we explore how famotidine, a common heartburn medication, might help treat post-COVID brain fog. New research suggests this H2 blocker could improve cognitive function in recovering patients. But how does a stomach acid reducer potentially clear mental haziness? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 62 Famotidine for COVID-19 Brain Fog: A Promising Treatment Option

In this episode, we explore nonpharmacologic strategies for managing agitated patients, focusing on verbal de-escalation techniques. Did you know that using physical restraints adds an average of four hours to an emergency department stay? Dr. Scott Zeller shares evidence-based approaches to transform crisis intervention in emergency settings. 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 Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Managing Agitation: Verbal De-Escalation

In this episode, we explore the RADAR trial's findings on antipsychotic dose reduction in schizophrenia. Can patients with chronic schizophrenia safely reduce or discontinue their antipsychotic medications without increasing relapse risk? The trial's results challenge common assumptions about medication reduction and provide crucial guidance for clinical practice. Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CME: Quick Take Vol. 62 Antipsychotic Dose Reduction in Schizophrenia: Insights From the RADAR Trial

In this episode, we explore the challenges of diagnosing and managing agitation in emergency settings, focusing on mood disorders and substance use. Dr. Scott Zeller shares insights on differentiating acute mania from substance-induced psychosis. How can clinicians navigate the complex interplay between psychiatric symptoms and substance effects in emergencies? 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 Other Psychiatric Diagnoses in Agitated Patients: Mood and Substance Use Disorders

In this episode, we explore the use of high-dose olanzapine as a potential alternative to clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. We discuss a systematic review that examines the efficacy and safety of olanzapine doses above the FDA-approved maximum. Could high-dose olanzapine be a viable option when patients refuse clozapine? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 61 Is High-Dose Olanzapine an Option for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia?

In this episode, we explore how integrating psychodynamic principles into pharmacotherapy can enhance treatment outcomes. We discuss seven key features of psychodynamic psychotherapy and their application in routine psychiatric practice. How might understanding a patient's fantasies about their illness impact their response to medication? Faculty: David Mintz, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: Alliance, Communication, and Psychotherapy Skills Psychotherapy Skills in Everyday Practice: Ordinary Medical Psychotherapy

In this episode, we explore strategies for discontinuing benzodiazepines in hospitalized elderly patients. We discuss a recent Israeli study that tested two interventions during inpatient stays. Can a simple hospital-based intervention lead to successful long-term medication changes? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 61 Stopping Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

In this episode, we explore the critical role of therapeutic alliance in psychopharmacology. We discuss how factors like empathy, communication, and shared decision-making can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Did you know that a doctor's warm voice can increase appointment adherence by 162%? Faculty: David Mintz, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: Alliance, Communication, and Psychotherapy Skills Pharmacotherapy Alliance, Treatment Preferences, and Communication

In this episode, we explore the cardiac and metabolic safety profile of antipsychotics in youth, based on a World Health Organization Safety Database analysis. We discuss age-dependent risks, specific medication concerns, and the importance of monitoring. How can clinicians balance the benefits of antipsychotics with potential cardiometabolic risks in young patients? Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.5 CMEs: CAP Smart Takes Vol. 20 Cardiac and Metabolic Safety Profile of Antipsychotics in Youth