Hospice and Beyond

So . . . some of you more loyal listeners might remember previous blarticles concerning my wonderful father-in-law.  A man who has, over the last 26 years, become my best friend.  When I started this entry several weeks ago,  I sat beside him, his old body feverish. His breathing rhythmic . . . slow . . . . → Read More: Hospice and Beyond

Against all odds . . . getting into the Christmas spirit

For all of you who do not celebrate Christmas . . . substitute your own holiday here.  Regardless of where you live or who you associate with, this time of the year brings rituals of togetherness, reflection, thankfulness, giving, receiving and hope.  The artificialness of this is annoying to many . . . perhaps most. . . . → Read More: Against all odds . . . getting into the Christmas spirit

Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Just a short entry this evening.  A little bit of a rant and rave.  I’ve been trying to gain more experience with Vyvanse.  So far, the patients that I have taken it have given mostly favorable reviews.  Not perfect, but none of these poisons I prescribe are.  Problem is . . . the insurance companies . . . → Read More: Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

A mid-year assessment . . . a new start

So here we are folks . . . half way through the year!  Here in the northern hemisphere, the sun is high in the sky and hot hot hot. The roads are clearer on the morning’s ride to work with people taking off and schools closed.  I’ve taken a little time off and hope to . . . → Read More: A mid-year assessment . . . a new start

Dealing with the unsupportive partner . . .

I have had a rash of patients (a gaggle of patients . . . ?) who have had great difficulties with their significant others . . . ok . . . ok . . . all the patients are female and they are referring to their generally bull headed and unsympathetic husbands. I will admit . . . → Read More: Dealing with the unsupportive partner . . .

Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

Oh boy, oh,  BOY!!! When my wife showed me this issue on the internet last night I gave a big sigh and an eye roll.  I knew the phone calls would start early and heavy.  For those of you who have not heard, the American Heart Association issued a recommendation that all children who are . . . → Read More: Does every kid on stimulants need an EKG?

Getting the kids involved . . . could someone teach me a thing or two???

I’ve had a number of responses to the blarticle from January 13th (” . . . the good doctor was WRONG”).  Seems what my ex-patient had to say hit a nerve.  I’ve always been pretty aware of my own limitations as a mental health practitioner. Limitations on the effectiveness of the medications, limitations on the “power” . . . → Read More: Getting the kids involved . . . could someone teach me a thing or two???

. . . I'm back in the saddle again . . .

Well, well . . . after what seems a brief eternity, I’m back at the typewriter.  I don’t know about you but the holiday season washed over me and swept me out to sea.  The last two weeks have been so over-the-top hectic that, unfortunately, my computer didn’t get turned on for days at a . . . → Read More: . . . I'm back in the saddle again . . .

Meridia and antidepressants–Part I and Part II

PART I 

Last week a patient came in with question regarding the use of antidepressants while taking the weight loss drug Meridia.  Seems her family doc took her off the two antidepressants I had her on to treat her depression (Lexapro and Wellbutrin if my memory serves me), and gave her Meridia to treat her . . . → Read More: Meridia and antidepressants–Part I and Part II

Seroquel . . .XR . . . SR . . .CR . . .whatever . . .

All right, here I am, first day back from vacation . . . and one of the first messages handed to me by my secretary is . . . “a drug rep wants to set up a lunch to discuss Fizzilrexcrap XR . . . a new version of Fizzilrexcrap”.  . . OK, OK it . . . → Read More: Seroquel . . .XR . . . SR . . .CR . . .whatever . . .