Vertical Pharmaceuticals partners with Medfinder to help patients locate Relexxii (methylphenidate) during ongoing ADHD medication shortages.
Jupiter Neurosciences stock rises following a licensing deal for MDMA therapy, highlighting ongoing commercial developments in psychedelic psychiatry.
This study analyzes psychotropic dispensing patterns in Portugal during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, providing epidemiological data on prescribing trends rather than direct clinical pharmacology guidance.
This retrospective study identifies significant seasonal and gender-specific variations in primary care prescribing of hypnotic and sedative medications, with rates peaking in winter and declining with increased daylight exposure.
New real-world adherence data for the olanzapine-samidorphan combination provides clinical insight into patient persistence with this antipsychotic regimen for schizophrenia.
Clinical Pearls
Bite-sized clinical takeaways from today's literature (sources from May 16 – May 20)
- Consider a sequential regimen of ketamine followed by low-dose buprenorphine to extend the duration of anti-suicidal effects from one week to over a month in adults with major depressive disorder.
- Use clozapine as a first-line consideration for patients with comorbid schizophrenia and conduct disorder, given its superior efficacy for aggressive behavioral symptoms.
- Monitor hepatic function closely when prescribing psychotropic medications, as antidepressant-induced liver injury remains a significant clinical risk requiring vigilant management.
- Reassure patients and families regarding ADHD medication safety by citing real-world data showing no increased cardiac risk associated with stimulant and non-stimulant treatments.
- Prioritize SSRIs or NDRIs for post-stroke depression, utilizing specific clinical guidance on antidepressant selection tailored to this patient population.
- Exercise caution with off-label leucovorin for autism spectrum disorder, as its rapid surge in prescribing lacks established clinical efficacy and is driven largely by media influence.
- Evaluate ECT as a viable treatment option for refractory psychosis in patients with Huntington disease-like 2 when standard pharmacotherapy fails.
- Review new real-world adherence data for the olanzapine-samidorphan combination to better anticipate and address patient persistence challenges in schizophrenia management.
- Be aware of the rare but serious adverse event of sudden loss of consciousness associated with psilocybin ingestion when considering psychedelic therapies.
- Consider mirtazapine as a potential repurposing opportunity for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder based on emerging investigative data.
Drug Development 3
The article discusses the potential of CTX-1301, a novel therapeutic candidate, for the treatment of ADHD, representing ongoing drug development in psychiatric pharmacology.
This review outlines current treatment gaps in opioid use disorder and categorizes emerging therapeutic targets, including MOR-targeted agents, pharmacokinetic modifiers, and post-MOR signaling modulators like GLP-1 agonists.
A study identifies EPAC2 as a novel drug target for reversing behavioral and neurological deficits in Fragile X syndrome, the most common genetic cause of autism.
Diagnosis & Treatment 3
A sequential regimen of ketamine followed by low-dose buprenorphine significantly extends the duration of ketamine's anti-suicidal effects from one week to over a month.
Low-dose buprenorphine administered after a single ketamine infusion significantly sustains reductions in suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorder.
This case report demonstrates that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can effectively treat refractory psychosis in a patient with Huntington disease-like 2, offering a viable option when pharmacotherapy fails.
Substance Use 3
A randomized trial indicates that switching to salt-nicotine e-cigarettes triples smoking cessation odds, offering a relevant pharmacotherapy option for substance use disorder treatment.
Mirtazapine is being investigated as a potential treatment for methamphetamine use disorder, highlighting a repurposing opportunity for an existing antidepressant.
Case report of sudden loss of consciousness following psilocybin ingestion, highlighting a rare but serious adverse event associated with psychedelic use.
Podcast Summary 1
This podcast episode discusses the biological mechanisms of postpartum depression, highlighting the role of neuroactive steroids and GABA-A receptors, and reviews the clinical impact of FDA-approved GABAergic treatments like brexanolone and zuranolone alongside emerging epigenetic biomarkers for risk prediction.
Mechanism of Action 1
Interview with neuroscientist Fadel Zeidan exploring the potential of psilocybin to alleviate phantom limb pain, highlighting its mechanism of action in pain modulation.
Clinical Pearl 2
A small clinical trial indicates that a single dose of psilocybin provides rapid relief from depression, highlighting its potential as a fast-acting treatment for depressive disorders.
This review addresses the risk of antidepressant-induced liver injury, providing clinicians with essential information for monitoring and managing hepatic adverse effects in patients prescribed psychotropic medications.