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Tag: Psychopharmacology

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Why was buspirone taken off the market? Unpacking the story behind the drug's availability

3 min read
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the brand-name medication BuSpar was not withdrawn from the market for reasons of safety or effectiveness. A common misconception, often phrased as 'why was buspirone taken off the market?', stems from the fact that the branded version was voluntarily discontinued after its patent expired, paving the way for widely available and affordable generic buspirone.

What Medications Increase Serotonin and Dopamine? A Guide to Psychopharmacology

4 min read
Over 40 million American adults suffer from a mood disorder, and many can benefit from medications that increase serotonin and dopamine. These medications target key neurotransmitters in the brain to help regulate mood, motivation, and reward, and are used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Understanding the different classes of these psychotropic drugs is crucial for effective treatment.

Is There a Miracle Pill for Depression? Understanding the Complexities

4 min read
Approximately 1 in 3 adults with major depressive disorder find that traditional oral antidepressants are not fully effective, leading many to search for a single, powerful solution. This search for a "miracle pill for depression" is a common and understandable desire, but it stems from a misconception about the nature of mental health treatment. In reality, the most effective approach to managing depression is highly personalized and often involves a combination of different therapies, rather than a single medication.

Can I Take Antihistamine with Risperidone? Your Guide to Safe Usage

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), combining a central nervous system depressant like risperidone with other sedating agents can lead to dangerously increased drowsiness and impaired coordination. Therefore, caution is essential when considering, "Can I take antihistamine with risperidone?" as many over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines contain potent sedating agents.

Can Antipsychotics Cause Itchy Skin? An In-Depth Look at Adverse Cutaneous Reactions

5 min read
Adverse cutaneous reactions, which can manifest as itchy skin (pruritus), occur in a notable percentage of individuals taking antipsychotic medications, though estimates vary. The question, "Can antipsychotics cause itchy skin?" has a clear answer: yes, they can, with reactions ranging from minor discomfort to serious, and potentially life-threatening, allergic responses.

Clozapine Safety: Which of the following is most important to monitor for your patient on clozapine?

4 min read
According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, patients on the antipsychotic medication clozapine must have their absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitored regularly due to the risk of severe neutropenia. Therefore, the most important thing to monitor for your patient on clozapine is their ANC to detect and prevent potentially fatal agranulocytosis.

What drugs trigger bipolar mania? Understanding medication-induced episodes

5 min read
According to some studies, antidepressants can trigger manic episodes in a significant percentage of people with bipolar disorder, underscoring the critical need to know **what drugs trigger bipolar mania**. This phenomenon, known as drug-induced mania, can complicate a person's treatment and destabilize their mood. Being aware of these pharmaceutical and supplemental risks is essential for patient safety and effective disease management.

Which Antipsychotic Does Not Lower Seizure Threshold? Understanding Relative Risk and Safer Alternatives

3 min read
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.

Understanding the Risk: Can Lamotrigine Trigger a Manic Episode?

4 min read
While lamotrigine is widely recognized for its efficacy in preventing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, clinical case reports indicate that it can, in rare instances, trigger a manic or hypomanic episode. This phenomenon is particularly important for healthcare providers and patients to understand, as it underscores the need for careful management and monitoring, especially during the initial phase of treatment.

Can Antidepressants Cause Disinhibition? An Overview in Pharmacology

4 min read
While antidepressants are widely used and effective for many, a small percentage of individuals experience a phenomenon known as antidepressant-induced activation, which can include behavioral disinhibition. Disinhibition involves a loss of emotional and behavioral restraint, manifesting as impulsive actions or socially inappropriate behavior. This side effect is a critical concern, particularly in susceptible populations, and requires careful monitoring.