Information about new psychotropic drugs, a summary of advances in knowledge about identifiable risk factors for adverse effects, and updated recommendations on viable "antidote" management strategies -- including novel pharmacotherapies for tardive dyskinesia and newer agents for weight loss -- are among the features of this new, second edition of Managing the Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications. Where other psychopharmacology textbooks -- and, indeed, most internships and residencies in psychiatry -- lack a solid basis in primary care medicine, this guide bridges that educational gap, offering a thorough examination of all the effects of taking a psychotropic drug as well practical clinical advice on how to manage complications that arise. The book is divided into three parts: The first deals with global issues that affect the assessment and formulation of possible adverse effects, as well as with pertinent concepts related to basic pharmacology, physiology, and medical monitoring. The second part presents information organized by individual organ systems or specific medical circumstances. The final part focuses on summary recommendations covering all the material presented in the book and is followed by helpful appendixes and self-assessment questions and resources for practitioners. This new edition includes: Updated summaries about what psychiatrists should know regarding drug-drug interactions, iatrogenic cardiac arrhythmias, drug pressor effects and orthostatic hypotension, and drug rashes; as well as updated discussions on avoiding lithium nephrotoxicity, handling adverse effect emergencies, and understanding new FDA classifications about drug safety during pregnancy An expanded discussion on the strengths and limitations of pharmacogenetic testing to predict adverse drug effects, as well as information about new treatments for sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, cognitive complaints, and other maladies Revised summary tables to aid rapid assessment and management An expanded section on supplemental resources An updated and expanded self-assessment section with more key questions Busy clinicians will find in Managing the Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications an accessible reference that provides both scientific and scholarly discussion of the consequences of drug therapies they may prescribe (or avoid), the range of available strategies to effectively manage adverse effects, and the scientific and practical implications of their treatment decisions.

This practical reference provides a clinically oriented management guide to the secondary results of all major classes of psychotropic medications used in North America. Practical Management of the Side Effects of Psychotropic Drugs describes the symptoms, frequency, and treatment options to certain drug reactions addresses general issues of side effect management, such as mechanisms of action, differential diagnosis, patient education, quality of life, and potential legal ramifications explores which compounds are tolerated best in patients with dysthymia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and certain personality disorders covers agents applied in the control of alcoholism and drug abuse discusses dealing with special populations, including the elderly, minorities, and medically ill patients and more! With over 900 references and tables, Practical Management of the Side Effects of Psychotropic Drugs is ideally suited for clinical psychiatrists, primary care physicians, internists, neurologists, psychotherapists, pharmacologists, clinical psychopharmacologists, neuropsychopharmacologists, pharmaceutical and behavioral scientists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.

An invaluable guide to psychiatric presentation, diagnosis and treatment in a primary care setting.

This is the second edition of this book, massively expanded from the first edition that was published in 2014.Side effects are not a side issue! Adverse effects or side effects are of the greatest importance because they cause considerable suffering and are the leading cause of nonadherence to medications. That is why side effects can be called "The Other Side of Suffering" or "The Other Half of Psychopharmacology." More attention needs to be paid to preventing side effects, developing strategies to systematically assess these side effects, and for managing them. This book focuses on some of the commonest side effects of psychiatric medications and is jam-packed with highly clinically useful, practical information to help deal with them. The numerous practical strategies described will be useful to both the beginner and to the experienced clinician. The book will appeal to psychiatrists, other physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, etc. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. General principles: What's the big deal? Knowledge is power. Sensitive to medications. 2. Blood: Bleeding 3. Blood pressure: Dizziness (Orthostatic hypotension). 4. Ears: Tinnitus. 5. Electrolytes: Hyponatremia. Metabolic acidosis. 6. Endocrine glands: Diabetes Insipidus (see Polyuria/Diabetes insipidus). Hyperparathyroidism. Hyperprolactinemia. Thyroid dysfunction. 7. Eyes: Blurred vision. Glaucoma. 8. Gastrointestinal tract; Constipation. Diarrhea. Loss of appetite (Anorexia). Nausea. Pancreatitis. .9. Genitals/Sexuality: Sexual dysfunction. 10. Heart: Myocarditis. QT prolongation and other ECG changes. 11. Blood sugar: Hyperglycemia. 12. Kidneys: Kidney stones. Polyuria/ Diabetes Insipidus. 13. Liver: Hyperammonemia (elevated serom ammonia level). 14. Mouth: Bruxism . Dry mouth (Xerostomia). Hypersalivation (Sialorrhea). 15. Nervous system: Akathisia. Headache. Insomnia (See Sleep). Parkinsonism. Seizures. Tardive dyskinesia . Tremors. 16. Skin: Acne. Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). Hair loss (Alopecia.) Skin reactions. 17. Sleep: Insomnia. 18. Weight: Weight gain. Weight loss (see Loss of Appetite). 19. Other side effects: Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal). Edema.

Written by eminent psychiatrists from the Massachusetts General Hospital and other leading institutions, this book is a reliable, practical guide to the use of herbs, vitamins, and other natural substances in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Chapters discuss the natural remedies used for the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, sleep disorders, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, dementia, and sexual dysfunction. The authors review and critique the published research data on the scientific rationale, effectiveness, and safety of each medication and provide clinical recommendations on indications, dosing, and precautions. Quick-reference tabular appendices list the indications, contraindications, dosages, and drug-drug interactions for each medication.

Prescribing Mental Health Medication is a text for practitioners who treat mental disorders with medication. It explains the entire process of medication assessment, management and follow up for general medical practitioners, mental health practitioners, students, residents, prescribing nurses and others perfecting this skill. Already used by providers and training institutions throughout the world, the newly revised second edition is completely updated and focuses on the following key issues: How to determine if medication is needed Proper dosing and how to start and stop medication When to change medication Dealing with difficult patients Specific mental health symptoms and appropriate medication Special populations including pregnant women, substance abusers, children and adolescents, and the elderly Monitoring medication with blood levels Management of medication side effects and avoidance of medication risk The misuse of medication Prescription of generic preparations Prescriptions via the Internet, telemedicine, and electronic medical records Organizing a prescriptive office and record-keeping Completely updated, this text includes information on all psychotropic medications in use in the United States and the United Kingdom. It incorporates clinical tips, sample dialogues for talking about medications to patients, and information specifically relevant in primary care settings.

This second edition of the guide features updated information about newer psychotropic agents, as well as new drugs to help manage iatrogenic weight gain, metabolic dysregulation, involuntary movement disorders, and other common problems.