Unbiased and Practical Psychopharmacology Updates For Prescribers

GAD Pharmacotherapy: Augmenting vs Switching in Partial Responders

This presentation discusses how to address partial response to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of GAD. When to switch and when to augment. Dr. Osser gives three options for augmentation.

When to Discontinue Antipsychotics? Reviewing the Evidence

When is the right time to discontinue an antipsychotic in the treatment of schizophrenia? We reviewed the evidence as well as consulting Dr. Ira Glick to help us answer this question.

GAD Pharmacotherapy: Addressing Comorbidities and Special Populations

This presentation discusses the pharmacotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). More specifically, it summarizes how to treat comorbid conditions (bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use, insomnia) and considerations in special populations (elderly and women of childbearing potential).

The Use of Psychotropics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Bariatric Surgery

What is the role of antidepressants in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome? How is drug absorption affected after gastric bypass surgery? This presentation gives practical answers to these questions.

Are Drug Interaction Warnings Influenced by Drug Company Promotion? An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Mattes

Dr. Jeffrey Mattes, psychiatrist in Princeton, New Jersey speaks about drug interaction warnings that appear during electronic prescribing and how these warnings may be influenced by drug company promotion.
This interview is part of a series covering the 2018 ASCP Annual Meeting.

SSRIs and Bleeding Risk: What Does the Evidence Say?

Do SSRIs increase bleeding risk? This presentation reviews what the current literature says on the risk of GI, perioperative, postpartum and cerebral bleeding with SSRI use.

Do Depression Efficacy Trials Apply to Your Clinical Practice? An Interview with Dr. Mark Zimmerman

Dr. Mark Zimmerman, professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University, speaks about depression efficacy trials and their clinical implications.
This interview is part of a series covering the 2018 ASCP Annual Meeting.

Managing Clozapine-Induced Constipation: Practical Advice

Routine management of constipation is a critical part of clozapine treatment. There are case reports of fatal ileus related to clozapine therapy.

-The first step is to minimize the use of systemic anticholinergics.
-Docusate should be used routinely. Bulk agents can make constipation worse and should be avoided.
-After docusate, the next agent to add is PEG 3350.
-Lubiprostone, a more expensive agent, can also be tried. It can be used if the combination of docusate + PEG-3350 + a stimulant is not effective.

Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Interview with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris

Dr. Robin Carthart-Harris, Head of the Psychedelic Research Group at Imperial College London, speaks about the use of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. This interview is part of a series covering the 2018 ASCP Annual Meeting.

Clozapine Augmentation for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: What Does the Evidence Say?

Up to 30% of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia treated with clozapine have residual positive symptoms. Clozapine augmentation is a common approach, but the evidence supporting this practice is limited.
According to the latest evidence, risperidone, lamotrigine, topiramate, or ECT are potential augmenting options.