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Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.

Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Biography

Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. She is Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program director and assistant professor at the University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. She serves as Medical Director of a national non-profit organization, the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. She is co-founder and co-chair of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group within the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse.

Born and raised in Denver, she graduated cum laude in social anthropology from Harvard University in 2005. She earned her medical degree and a Master of Public Health in health policy from Emory University in 2012. In 2016 she completed her general psychiatry residency at CU, where she was chief resident of the outpatient clinic. The following year she completed her addiction psychiatry fellowship at CU, followed by the Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training Program with the Denver Psychoanalytic Society in 2018. She has a passion for psychotherapy, medical education, and improving health systems and policies.

Publications of Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.

Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician’s Guide – Interview

0.75 CMEs
A discussion on approaches to safely prescribing and deprescribing benzodiazepines, emphasizing careful risk-benefit analysis, individualized tapering strategies, and monitoring for withdrawal symptoms. Key points include using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, educating patients about dependence risks, and proceeding cautiously with special populations like elderly patients.
Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Colorado School of Medicine
41.33 minutes of audio interview

Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing

1.25 CMEs
In this insightful video lecture, Dr. Alexis Ritvo explores effective strategies for benzodiazepine deprescribing, incorporating motivational interviewing and support strategies for discontinuation. She thoroughly examines the indications, benefits, and risks of deprescription while also delving into the principles of tapering. Dr. Ritvo adeptly navigates the challenges of managing withdrawal symptoms and understanding benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction. Furthermore, she investigates the life effects postdiscontinuation and illustrates key points through a compelling clinical case, enhancing the audience's clinical understanding.
Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Colorado School of Medicine
80.05 minutes in 9 sections

Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician’s Guide

1.00 CMEs
In this video lecture, Dr. Ritvo addresses the key aspects of benzodiazepine prescribing. She begins by tracing the history of benzodiazepines, delving into their neuropharmacologic properties and the mechanisms behind tolerance development. The lecture progresses to discuss the appropriate use of benzodiazepines, their potential risks, and specific contraindications, underscoring the significant dangers linked to misuse and addiction. Dr. Ritvo also focuses on benzodiazepine use disorder and examines the drug's effects in high-risk groups, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and adolescence. The presentation culminates with a case vignette demonstrating practical strategies for safer benzodiazepine prescribing.
Alexis Ritvo, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Colorado School of Medicine
59.01 minutes in 11 sections

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