Benzodiazepines - Articles - Page 2

Expert Q&A

Deprescribing Benzos: A How-To Guide

October 31, 2023

Audrey Abelleira, PharmD, BCPP. Clinical pharmacist practitioner, VA Connecticut Healthcare System; clinical instructor, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Dr. Abelleira has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed but carry significant risks. The best course of action for many patients is to have their benzodiazepine prescription discontinued, but physiologic dependence can make stopping benzodiazepines a big challenge. Dr. Abeillera teaches us how to identify those who might benefit from a taper and covers all the details on how to do it as safely and effectively as possible.

Clinical Update

Benzodiazepines: The Basics and Beyond

October 31, 2023

Audrey Abelleira, PharmD, BCPP

Audrey Abelleira, PharmD, BCPP. Clinical pharmacist practitioner, VA Connecticut Healthcare System; clinical instructor, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Dr. Abelleira has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Benzodiazepines vary widely in their pharmacologic properties such as half-life, lipophilicity, and medication interactions. Here, we review the essential pharmacology of the prominent benzodiazepine agents and draw clinical correlates to how these properties translate to patient care.

Clinical Update

Controlled Substances: Handling Red Flags

October 3, 2023

Jesse Koskey, MD.

Jesse Koskey, MD. Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health.Dr. Koskey has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

It’s a dilemma that will challenge the most seasoned psychopharmacologist: “My Adderall spilled down the sink.” We clarify how to respond in the post-lockdown landscape.

Research Update

Which SSRI Is Best for Panic Disorder?

August 7, 2023

Rushaniya Khairova, MD, PhD.

Rushaniya Khairova, MD, PhD. Dr. Khairova has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Two SSRIs emerge as top choices for panic disorder in this network meta-analysis.

Psychopharm Commandment #9: Meds to Avoid in Pregnancy

May 22, 2023

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

Why valproate is the #1 contraindicated med in pregnancy, and what are the other close contenders.

Expert Q&A

Managing Substance Use in Older Adults

May 9, 2023

Louis Trevisan, MD.

Louis Trevisan, MD.

Clinical professor of psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE; associate professor of psychiatry, adjunct, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Dr. Trevisan has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

How do we best approach screening for substance use disorders in older adults? Dr. Trevisan walks us through his approach to choosing the right screening tools and speaking with patients.

Psychopharm Commandments 8B: Unwise Combinations

May 8, 2023

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

These are the medications you don’t want to combine.

Psychopharm Commandments 8A: Polypharmacy Makeover

May 1, 2023

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

How to reduce unnecessary polypharmacy, and when it makes sense to keep it going.

Psychopharm Commandment 7A: Red Flags & Controlled Meds

April 3, 2023

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

The DEA has warned pharmacists to watch for Red Flags in controlled prescriptions, and we’ll show you what they are and how to use them therapeutically in practice.

Expert Q&A

Interpreting Urine Drug Tests

April 1, 2023

Karen Moeller, PharmD

Karen Moeller, PharmD. Clinical professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Lawrence, KS. Board-certified psychiatric pharmacist, inpatient psychiatry unit, University of Kansas Health Systems. Kansas City, KS.

Dr. Moeller has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Drug screen accuracy depends on several factors, including the type of lab test, the number of hours since the patient’s use of the drug, and more.. Dr. Moeller reviews key points.