Pharmacogenetics: Separating Science from Marketing
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
Release Date: 01/06/2026
Prescribing Through Pregnancy: Dosing, Levels, and Relapse Risk
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore how pregnancy reshapes the pharmacokinetics of psychiatric medications — and what that means for your patients. Can stopping a mood stabilizer actually put a pregnancy at greater risk than continuing it? Dr. Amanda Koire breaks down the evidence. Faculty: Amanda Koire, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Bright Light Therapy for Bipolar Depression
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore bright light therapy (BLT) as a powerful adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression — examining the neuroscience behind it, how to implement it clinically, and why it may work faster than medication alone. Could something as simple as light reshape how we treat mood disorders? Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Lithium: Managing Cosmetic and Sexual Side Effects
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore three often-overlooked side effects of lithium — sexual dysfunction, hair loss, and skin changes like acne and psoriasis — and discuss practical, evidence-based strategies for managing each one without abandoning a medication that works. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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KarXT: A New Era in Antipsychotics?
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore KarXT, a newly FDA-approved antipsychotic with a groundbreaking cholinergic mechanism, through the lens of a single powerful metric: the Number Needed to Treat. Could an NNT of 5 change how you approach treatment-resistant schizophrenia? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Lithium: GI and Weight Side Effect Management
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore how to keep your patients on lithium by getting ahead of two of its most common challenges — weight gain and gastrointestinal side effects. Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School shares practical, proactive strategies to anticipate, prevent, and manage these issues before they drive your patients away from a medication that could truly change their lives. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Beyond Weight Loss: Can Semaglutide Treat Alcohol Use Disorder?
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore a surprising new contender in the fight against alcohol use disorder — semaglutide. Could the blockbuster weight-loss drug also curb heavy drinking? We examine the first randomized controlled trial testing this GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically for AUD. Faculty: David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Managing Lithium's Renal Risks: Evidence-Based Strategies
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore lithium's renal side effects with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. How can we keep patients safe while using this highly effective medication? Discover the real risk numbers, prevention strategies, and evidence-based monitoring approaches that protect kidney function long-term. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Cariprazine for Bipolar Illness in the Elderly: What the Data Show
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore cariprazine's efficacy and safety in older adults with bipolar I disorder. Does age change how we should dose this medication? Discover evidence-based insights on treating both depression and mania in elderly patients, plus critical pearls on monitoring for akathisia. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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Lithium Essentials: Monitoring, Drug Interactions, and Safety
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore essential baseline testing, monitoring protocols, and optimal dosing strategies for lithium with Dr. David Osser from Harvard Medical School. Why does giving lithium once daily at night actually protect the kidneys better than divided doses? Discover evidence-based approaches that could transform your lithium prescribing practice. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
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ADHD Stimulants: Clinical Safeguards Against Misuse and Diversion
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates
In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of prescribing stimulants for adult ADHD when abuse potential is a concern. How do you distinguish between performance-driven misuse and recreational abuse? Dr. Bukstein shares essential red flags, safety precautions, and strategies to protect both patients and prescribers. Faculty: Oscar G. Bukstein, M.D., M.P.H. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.
info_outlineIn this episode, we explore the practical role of genetic testing in psychiatry with Dr. Chris Aiken. Which genetic tests actually matter in clinical practice? We cut through the marketing hype to reveal the three essential pharmacokinetic tests and FDA requirements that can prevent serious adverse events in your patients.
Faculty: Chris Aiken, M.D.
Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.