Trazodone vs. Doxepin vs. Melatonin: Comparing Alternatives for Sleep
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
Release Date: 11/07/2025
Choosing First-Line Antipsychotics: Considering Violence
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic algorithm that revolutionizes antipsychotic selection for first-episode psychosis. Should the presence of violence completely change your medication choice strategy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Antipsychotics: Using Lithium in Mania
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we challenge conventional prescribing by exploring why lithium should be the first-line treatment for acute classic mania, despite widespread use of antipsychotics. Dr. David Osser presents evidence-based arguments for lithium's unique neuroprotective benefits and long-term efficacy. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Trazodone vs. Doxepin vs. Melatonin: Comparing Alternatives for Sleep
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients? Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Monotherapy: Mixed Episode Management
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the critical decision of when to add lithium or valproate to second-generation antipsychotics in mixed manic episodes. Should you rush to combination therapy under managed care pressure, or does patience with strategic benzodiazepine bridging lead to better outcomes? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Old Drug, New Perspectives: Disulfiram's and Addiction Medicine
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore a provocative argument for reconsidering disulfiram as a first-line treatment for alcohol use disorder. Could this decades-old medication, often dismissed as outdated and dangerous, actually be more effective than newer alternatives when used in appropriately selected patients? Faculty: David Gorelick, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Quetiapine vs. Lithium in Mixed Bipolar States
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the complex pharmacological management of mixed mania, a challenging bipolar presentation affecting up to 40% of manic episodes. Why do traditional mood stabilizers like lithium fall short, and which second-generation antipsychotics emerge as first-line treatments for this dual-symptom condition? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Redefining Treatment
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore psychedelic-assisted therapy in clinical practice, examining how these treatments differ fundamentally from traditional pharmacotherapy. Can psychiatrists reconcile mystical experiences with evidence-based medicine while navigating the complex therapeutic paradigm of preparation, 8-hour sessions, and integration work? Faculty: Franklin King, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Lurasidone's Therapeutic Window: Is Less More?
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research revealing that lower doses of lurasidone (40-60mg) may be more effective for bipolar depression than higher doses. Could we be over-medicating our patients when the sweet spot for both efficacy and tolerability lies in this unexpected lower range? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Black Box Warnings: Choosing Antipsychotics in Dementia
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore a compelling comparison between olanzapine and risperidone for managing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients. Are the delusions we see in Alzheimer's disease actually true delusions, or something entirely different that requires a new treatment approach? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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SSRIs and Psychedelics: Drug Interactions
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the complex drug-drug interactions between psychedelics and psychiatric medications. Do SSRIs really blunt psychedelic effects, or is this just clinical folklore? We'll examine surprising new research and discuss potentially dangerous combinations every psychiatrist should know. Faculty: Franklin King, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
info_outlineIn this episode, we explore a head-to-head comparison of trazodone, doxepin, and melatonin for treating insomnia when benzodiazepines are off the table. Which non-benzodiazepine sleep aid offers the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability in real-world psychiatric patients?
Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.