Prescribing and Managing Antipsychotics

Topics: Antipsychotics | Pharmacology Tips | Practice Tools and Tips | Registered Articles

TCPR: Dr. Schwartz, there are so many antipsychotics available. How do you choose in your own practice? Dr. Schwartz: Any drugs that have an FDA indication for a particular diagnosis are likely to be effective. I especially like to use those that have less risk of metabolic complications, such as ziprasidone, lurasidone, etc. If we are discussing eff

Detox: An Overview

Topics: Addiction | Pharmacology Tips | Psychotherapy | Substance Abuse

Detox (also known as “medically supervised withdrawal”) refers to treatment to help patients withdraw from substances that cause physical dependence, such as alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids. But detox is far more than a several-day process of ridding the body of an addictive substance. It should be considered an important component in the o

Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment

Topics: Addiction | Pharmacology Tips | Psychotherapy | Substance Abuse

CATR: So, what do you feel is the big-picture challenge of treating heavy cannabis users? Dr. Hill: A big challenge is helping heavy users understand that cannabis use disorder is a real thing. It is hard for people to appreciate the risks that are associated with heavy use when they hear about the medical benefits and the recreational aspects of can

How Effective Is Tramadol for Opioid Withdrawal?

Topics: Addiction | Pharmacology Tips | Research Update | Substance Abuse

Review of: Dunn K et al, JAMA Psychiatry 2017. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.1838. [Epub ahead of print] Opioid withdrawal protocols often rely on a buprenorphine taper, but other medications are regularly used either in addition to or in the place of buprenorphine. In particular, tramadol ER, a mild opiate, may be effective and was recently studie

Take The CME Post-Test for Detox, CATR, September/October 2017

Topics: Addiction | Pharmacology Tips | Psychotherapy | Research Update | Substance Abuse

The post-test for this issue is available for one year after the publication date to subscribers only (December 31, 2017). By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 2 CME credits. Click here to take your CME test. Note: All of the CME tests are available in the “My Account” section of the site when you are logg