Switching antipsychotics?

Sometimes, slower isn’t safer.

This is Part 3 in my A-to-Z series from the upcoming 8th edition of the Med Fact Book.

Today: Antipsychotics.

Meds that require special skill to start: Atomoxetine and prazosin, plus a new FDA warning on stimulants.

Meds that require special skill to start: Antipsychotics, Cobenfy, and a research update on antidepressant metabolism in Asians.

Before you cook, oil the pan; before you plant that spring lawn, aerate the soil. Before you start a psych med, these are six things you need to have in place.

When patients are acutely psychotic, manic, or suicidal, our impulse is to fine tune the meds. But a few years ago—while working primarily inpatient—I realized I was leaning too heavily on medication. My patients needed more. 

What does ADHD look like in young children? How do we differentiate it from just another active toddler? And if a young child really does have ADHD, how do we treat it? Our interview with Dr. Natalie Pon will help you identify and treat ADHD in young children. 

The transition to college can be challenging for any adolescent, but when an adolescent has psychological conditions, or they're dealing with other mental health concerns, it is especially difficult to navigate this transition.