Category: Psychiatry

While most clinicians exercise caution when prescribing clozapine to patients with a history of seizures, **clozapine is not strictly contraindicated in epilepsy**, provided the condition is well-controlled. The risk of seizures associated with this atypical antipsychotic is dose-dependent and requires careful management.

While no antipsychotic can be guaranteed not to lower the seizure threshold, some medications carry a significantly lower risk than others, making them safer options for patients with epilepsy or other risk factors. Selecting the right antipsychotic is a critical medical decision that must balance psychiatric needs with seizure precautions.

Clozapine is a powerful antipsychotic, but due to its high-risk profile, it is typically reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The FDA has issued multiple boxed warnings concerning severe side effects, meaning healthcare providers must strictly assess **who cannot take clozapine** and who requires intense, ongoing monitoring.

According to the CDC, over 13% of adult Americans use antidepressant medications in a 30-day period. For those struggling with overwhelming feelings, a common question arises: are there any medications to control emotions? While no single pill can eliminate feelings, specific psychotropic drugs can effectively regulate the neurochemical imbalances underlying many mental health conditions that cause emotional dysregulation.

The first third-generation antipsychotic, aripiprazole, was approved in the early 2000s, pioneering a new class of medication. This marked a significant shift in psychiatric treatment, offering a novel mechanism to address conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with a different side effect profile. Understanding what are some third-generation antipsychotics is key for grasping modern psychopharmacology.

While most associated with childhood, pica can and does persist into adulthood, especially among those with intellectual disabilities, pregnant women, and people with certain nutritional deficiencies. This persistent and compulsive eating of non-food items requires a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to address its underlying causes.

Historically, hallucinogenic plants have been used in religious rituals to induce states of detachment and spiritual visions. Today, the motivations behind the use of hallucinogenics are more varied, as people seek everything from profound personal insights to therapeutic breakthroughs and recreational enjoyment.

According to reports, millions of prescriptions for Adderall are filled annually in the United States, yet many patients are unaware that combining this medication with other serotonergic drugs can trigger a rare but serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. A comprehensive understanding of this risk is crucial for patient safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 13% of American adults use antidepressants, with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) being the most commonly prescribed type. For many taking this medication, a notable side effect is the potential for pupil dilation, raising the question: Do SSRIs change your pupils?.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder, prescription rates for lithium have steadily declined over the past few decades. While its efficacy is not in question, the reasons *why don't doctors like lithium* enough to prescribe it more frequently are complex and multifaceted, involving logistical challenges, side effect concerns, and the rise of competing medications.