opioids | CARLAT PUBLISHING

Elvis, Adderall, and a Broken Heart - Part 1

January 29, 2023

Kellie Newsome, PMHNP and Chris Aiken, MD

A new medical investigation changes our understanding of Elvis Presley’s untimely death and offer some pearls for modern psychiatric practice.

Throwback Thursday: Lithium’s Medical Benefits

November 10, 2022

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

Lithium has hidden health benefits against stroke, cancer, dementia, and even the coronavirus.

Psychopharm Commandment 5: Benzos Opioids

November 7, 2022

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

Benzos are never safe with opioids, but we clarify when the risk is lower and when the combo is best avoided.

10 Psychopharm Commandments: Med Withdrawal

September 26, 2022

Chris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP

When to stop meds quickly, and when to do it slowly, in #2 of our 10 Commandment series.

A Single Prescriber Reduces Risk of Overdose in Patients on Opioid and Benzodiazepine

September 25, 2022

Kamron Fariba, MD

Kamron Fariba, MD. Dr. Fariba, author of this educational activity, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

This large study suggests a practical solution to reduce mortality in patients who are taking both benzodiazepines and opioids.

Drug Overdoses in the US: Trends and Prevention Strategies

November 5, 2021

Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Joshua Sharfstein, MD

Professor of the Practice of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Sharfstein has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Increases in drug overdose mortality continues unabated around the country driven by widespread availability of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamines. Dr. Sharfstein provides context to these concerning trends and discusses prevention and harm reduction strategies clinicians can implement for their patients.

An Unexpected Opioid: Loperamide Misuse

May 21, 2021

Mara Storto, MD. and Deepti Anbarasan, MD.

Mara Storto, MD. Psychiatric Resident, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY. Deepti Anbarasan, MD. Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY. Dr. Storto and Dr. Anbarasan have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

We normally think of loperamide as an over-the-counter drug with a good safety profile. And it is, but only when used as directed. Recreational misuse of loperamide is on the rise with some dangerous collateral effects.

The Other Pandemic

March 19, 2021

Predictions that overdose mortality would worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic have unfortunately proven accurate. Recent data outlined in an alert by the CDC show that rates of overdose deaths from opioids and stimulants have accelerated at an alarming rate.

CLINICAL UPDATE

Perioperative Pain Management in Opioid Use Disorder

March 19, 2021

Rehan Aziz, MD.

Rehan Aziz, MD. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Aziz has disclosed that he has no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Previously, clinicians commonly stopped opioid agonists (methadone and buprenorphine) to simplify pain control during and after surgery. New guidance from the American Society of Addiction Medicine now suggests otherwise.

Management of Opioid Withdrawal in the Emergency Setting

March 19, 2021

Rehan Aziz, MD.

Rehan Aziz, MD. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Aziz has disclosed that he has no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

An emergency department visit can be a “reachable moment” for people with unhealthy opioid use. Here, we review pharmacologic and harm-reduction strategies for use in those settings—and how to advocate for your patients when consulting with emergency clinicians.