In this case scenario, I explore some of the possible reasons that you may see a patient on duplicate SSRIs. A 68 year old female has a history of depression, breast cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and mild osteoarthritis. Current medications include: Fluoxetine 20 mg...
As previously discussed, mirtazapine can be more sedating at lower doses. Mirtazapine has a high affinity for the H1 (histamine) receptor. This histamine blockade is thought to increase appetite and sedation. Weight gain with mirtazapine can be advantageous or a...
Mirtazapine is commonly used in elderly patients with depression who are also suffering from insomnia. Mirtazapine is often chosen because it is much safer than benzodiazepines, “z-drugs”, and antipsychotics. The mechanisms of mirtazapine (podcast episode on the...
Lithium is one of the most complex medications one of your patients can be on. Between drug interactions, monitoring parameters, and managing bipolar disorder, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the complexity. Here are a few lithium clinical pearls I always think about...
Comparison Table of Oral Benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are a class of psychoactive drugs that are used to treat insomnia and anxiety. While we want to discuss the differences amongst these agents, we must remember that when comparing oral benzodiazepines,...
Tapering benzodiazepines or any drug for that matter is a bit of an art. Sure we do have some evidence on these types of topics, but we can’t also schedule a taper schedule perfectly based upon a percentage of the dose. Dosage forms and the patients themselves...
