Benzodiazepines (October/November/December)

Benzodiazepines: The Basics and Beyond

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.

Deprescribing Benzos: A How-To Guide

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.

When and How Should We Prescribe Benzos?

Despite their risks, benzodiazepines remain a widely prescribed class of medication. In the prescriber right hands, benzodiazepines can help many patients cope with a variety of psychiatric issues. Here, Dr. Park reviews how to evaluate patients prior to starting benzodiazepines and reviews strategies to ensure that prescriptions are done safely.

Xylazine: An Emerging Threat in the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Xylazine is the latest contaminant being found in the American illicit drug supply. A non-opioid itself, xylazine is usually combined with fentanyl, with which it has synergistic sedative effects. Patients using xylazine can have profound levels of sedation and develop severe peripheral wounds. In this article, we discuss xylazine essentials and cover harm reduction strategies to help keep your patients safe.

Can Psilocybin Treat Alcohol Use Disorder?

Recent preliminary research reveals that psilocybin helped participants with alcohol use disorder cut back on drinking. Dive in to discover how this psychedelic compound might offer hope for patients who have found other current treatments ineffective.

Perinatal MOUD Use and Infant Discharge to Biological Parents

Pregnant patients with OUD may be reluctant to reveal their substance use for fear of losing their baby if reported to Child Protective Services. But this recent study shows that pregnant patients receiving medication treatment for OUD were more likely to leave the hospital with their baby than patients not receiving treatment.

Medication Fact Book for Psychiatric Practice, Seventh Edition (2024)
The updated 2024 reference guide covering the most commonly prescribed medications in psychiatry.
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