Impact of Psychiatric Pharmacist-Led Psychopharmacology Didactics for Psychiatry Residents.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of board-certified psychiatric pharmacist (BCPP)-led psychopharmacology lectures to psychiatry residents and fellows.

Methods: Surveys were administered to psychiatry residents and geriatric psychiatry fellows at two teaching institutions between Fall 2021 and Spring 2023, including two distinct residency programs and one fellowship program. The survey consisted of three quantitative questions and one qualitative question soliciting open-ended constructive feedback.

Donepezil-induced QTc prolongation: A case report.

Background: Several psychoactive medications are known to cause QTc prolongation. Patient factors also increase the risk for QTc prolongation, including bradycardia, female sex, older age, metabolic abnormalities, and polypharmacy. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, prolongs the QTc interval through a multimodal mechanism.

Impact of Gabapentin Adjunct use with Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal in a Psychiatric Hospital.

Introduction: Benzodiazepines are currently the gold standard for treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Gabapentin has growing evidence to support its use in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, however there is limited evidence regarding its role in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. The purpose of this study was to determine if adjunctive gabapentin reduces the need for benzodiazepine (BZD) administration during alcohol withdrawal.

Development of oral candidiasis following initiation and rechallenge of extended-release bupropion in a geriatric patient.

Objective: To report a case of oral candidiasis that developed in a 70-year-old white female both upon initiation and rechallenge of extended-release bupropion therapy.

Case Summary: A 70-year-old female with a past medical history of osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and polycythemia vera developed oral candidiasis on 2 occasions following initiation of extended-release bupropion for the treatment of recurrent depression. During both instances, the reaction occurred with an increased dose of the medication, suggesting the adverse event may have been dose-related.

Phenytoin-induced chronic liver enzyme elevation and hepatic fibrosis: A case report.

Background: Liver fibrosis results from chronic damage to the liver. Advanced liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension and may even require liver transplantation. A liver biopsy is considered the "gold standard" method for the assessment of liver fibrosis; however, ultrasonography can also detect changes in the hepatic parenchyma due to fibrosis.

Survey highlights the need to expand offerings of introductory pharmacy practice experiences in psychiatry and neurology: Benefits and example experiences.

Introduction: Introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) are 1 requirement schools and colleges of pharmacy must fulfill to meet accreditation standards. The purpose of this manuscript is to report existing IPPEs in psychiatry and neurology across the United States.

Methods: Two separate electronic surveys were administered to individual College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists members with board certification in psychiatric pharmacy with an academic affiliation and academic institutions in the 2014-15 academic year to assess the neuropsychiatric curriculum in pharmacy programs.

Venous thromboembolism following initiation of atypical antipsychotics in two geriatric patients.

Background: Although not formally highlighted as a risk factor in current practice guidelines, several observational studies have reported a possible association between antipsychotic use and development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is unclear to what extent the risk is elevated.

Case Report: Described are 2 cases of VTE following recent initiation of second-generation antipsychotics in elderly patients.

Psychiatric Providers' Willingness to Participate in Shared Decision Making When Prescribing Psychotropics.

Patients with mental health disorders experience difficulty in selecting treatments. With a paternalistic approach, patients are not offered an opportunity to provide input. Shared decision making (SDM) occurs when providers and patients collaborate on informed treatment decisions.

Impact of the CATIE trial on antipsychotic prescribing patterns at a state psychiatric facility.

Introduction: Results from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) indicate that, with the exception of olanzapine, no substantial overall differences were identified between second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and the first generation antipsychotic (FGA) perphenazine.

Methods: This study evaluated the effect of CATIE on antipsychotic prescribing. A retrospective review of 1807 adults with schizophrenia was conducted and relative quarterly percentages of FGA versus SGA prescriptions were calculated.

Current treatment strategies for clozapine-induced sialorrhea.

Objective: To provide an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and current treatment options for clozapine-induced sialorrhea.

Data Sources: Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1977-February 2011) using the key search terms clozapine, sialorrhea, hypersalivation, drooling, and treatment. In addition, reference citations from identified publications were reviewed.