Rethinking Clozapine Monitoring: 22 Years of Data
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
Release Date: 04/06/2025
Naltrexone vs. Topiramate: FDA-Approved vs. Off-Label Options for MAUD
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking head-to-head research comparing topiramate and naltrexone for alcohol use disorder, revealing surprising equivalence in effectiveness. Could the off-label option actually be as good as our FDA-approved standard for treating problematic drinking? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Tapering: Supporting Patients Through Benzodiazepine Discontinuation
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we discuss the critical challenges of benzodiazepine discontinuation, exploring Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) and effective support strategies for patients experiencing protracted withdrawal. What can clinicians do when over 50% of patients report finding more help from online forums than from medical professionals? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Blood Counts: Clozapine, Bowel Obstruction, and Pneumonia
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the potentially fatal side effects of clozapine that often receive less attention than agranulocytosis: bowel obstruction and pneumonia. Could your vigilant monitoring of blood counts be overshadowing equally dangerous risks? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Demystifying Benzodiazepine Deprescribing: Smart Approaches to Tapering
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we discuss evidence-based strategies for safely tapering patients off benzodiazepines, including cut-and-hold and microtapering techniques. What's the best approach when commercial dosage forms limit gradual reductions? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Lithium: Implications for Bone Health
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore lithium's surprising positive effect on bone mineral density in patients with bipolar disorder. Could the medication many psychiatrists use as a mood stabilizer also be protecting patients from osteoporosis? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Tapering with Care: Benzodiazepine Discontinuation
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for successful benzodiazepine tapering with addiction psychiatrist Dr. Alexis Ritvo. How can clinicians minimize withdrawal effects while supporting patients through this challenging process? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Dementia Risk and Vitamin D
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore compelling evidence from the UK Biobank showing how vitamin D deficiency may increase dementia risk by up to 25%. Could this affordable supplement be an essential piece of your brain health strategy? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Benzos: Strategies for Successful Deprescribing
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the complex process of benzodiazepine deprescribing, examining when and how to help patients reduce or discontinue these medications. How can clinicians balance the benefits of deprescription against the challenges of withdrawal? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Motherhood and Medication: LAIs for Women with Schizophrenia
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the unique considerations for using long-acting injectable antipsychotics in women with schizophrenia. How might hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life impact treatment decisions for schizophrenia? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Benzodiazepines in High-Risk Populations
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the challenges and current guidelines for benzodiazepine use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and adolescence. When is it appropriate to continue benzodiazepines during pregnancy, and what alternatives should clinicians consider? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
info_outlineIn this episode, we explore a landmark Finnish study examining the long-term risk of agranulocytosis in patients taking clozapine. The research followed 62,000 patients over 22 years, providing crucial data about this rare but serious side effect. Could these findings change how we approach clozapine prescribing and monitoring requirements?
Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.