Quetiapine
Stronger WARNINGS about quetiapine and QT prolongation
As a clinical pharmacist, you will see stronger warnings about quetiapine ( Seroquel , etc) and QT prolongation. Many of the antipsychotics can prolong the QT interval , but not all of them are associated with torsades or sudden death. Torsades with quetiapine is very rare, and usually linked to an overdose. But the problem is that you can't predict who will get …
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Neurology and Psychiatry
Atypical antipsychotics will be used more for treating depression
As a pharmacist, don't be surprised if you see atypical antipsychotics being used more often in treating depression. Both aripiprazole ( Abilify ) and olanzapine/fluoxetine ( Symbyax ) are already approved for resistant depression and quetiapine ( Seroquel ) will likely get a similar indication. More than half of patients with depression still have symptoms despi…
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Weight Loss
MEDICATIONS can cause weight gain
As a nutrition support pharmacist, patients often ask you if their MEDICATIONS can cause weight gain. And alternatives to these medications may need to be considered, especially for patients who are overweight or obese with diabetes , etc... Atypical antipsychotics are notorious for causing weight gain, which might increase the risk of diabet…
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Side Effects
Manage the side effects of antipsychotics
AS A PHARMACIST, you may be asked to help manage oral antipsychotic side effects in patients with schizophrenia. Second-generation or atypical antipsychotics [risperidone ( Apexidone, Risperdal )] are often tried before first-generation or typical medications [haloperidol ( Halonace, Safinace )]. But efficacy is mostly similar and side effects can overlap. …
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Weight Loss
Consider alternatives to medications that can lead to significant weight gain
T he management of obesity is a multifaceted endeavor. Diet, exercise, and behavioral modification are all recommended, in addition to pharmacotherapy when indicated (i.e., individuals with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with comorbidity or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or surgical intervention when indicated (i.e., individuals with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with comorbidity or BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²). Unfortunat…
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