As If The Name Wasn’t Cumbersome Enough–Confusion between Brintellix and Brilinta

I recently got notified about the potential for confusion between two medications. Brintellix, a relatively new antidepressant with a novel mechanism of action, and Brilinta, a medication used by cardiology to help prevent blood clots that could result in a heart attack. Obviously, the names are quite similar, but the conditions they treat could not . . . → Read More: As If The Name Wasn’t Cumbersome Enough–Confusion between Brintellix and Brilinta

My, Oh My, How Time Flies!!! Getting Off Antidepressants After Accidentally Taking Them For A Decade

Mike writes in with a frequently voiced concern:

I am a 48 year old male and I have been on Paxil for about 11 years now and have been wondering about getting off it. I am aware that there is “detox” time needed and I’ll feel like shit (among other things), . . my question . . . → Read More: My, Oh My, How Time Flies!!! Getting Off Antidepressants After Accidentally Taking Them For A Decade

Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

I have been accused of many things in my life . . . but none so on target as . . . (gulp) . . . an optimist . . .

YIKES . . . a rare breed, these days. What with the economic down turn, the violence in the world, the price of . . . → Read More: Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

A difficult case

A colleague writes in . . .

I’m a therapist working with an adolescent with a rapid cycling bi-polar, and the episodes of suicidal thoughts are not improving, the psychiatrist is working on the meds, we seem to have a good week and a bad week, where episodes of deep depression hit most days . . . → Read More: A difficult case

SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

I just have a question for you: what are your views on ECT – mine are completely negative since I have had so many and they did absolutely NOTHING for me but cause long term memory loss.

There is absolutely NOTHING that will scare a patient more than when the doc starts bringing up ECT–electroconvulsive . . . → Read More: SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

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

When is it time to go off the meds?

Joelle writes in with a common question:

I am on 600 mg of Lamictal and was prescribed this medication a year ago. My doctor increased my dose from 50mg slowly taking me to 600mg over a period of 4 months. It took this much to feel less suicidal and even balanced in my mind. Recently . . . → Read More: When is it time to go off the meds?

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 . . .