News

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) have been around for 32 years with the introduction of Prozac (fluoxetine) in 1987.  This was a big boost in the treatment of depression for our patients. Mechanism:  Allows more serotonin to be available in the synapses which improves moods. Ground Rules for Prescribing...

We dispense a fair amount do this well-known seizure medications, divalproex, carbamazepine and lamotrigine.  However, most of the prescriptions filled are prescribed by psychiatrists rather than neurologists.  These three drugs are most commonly used as “mood stabilizers” in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Valproic acid and Valproate: Divalproex extended...

Bipolar disorder: People who live with bipolar disorder experience periods of great excitement, overactivity, delusions, and euphoria (mania) and other periods of feeling sad and hopeless (depression). Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate,carbamazepine, lamotrigine) are the cornerstone of the drug therapy of bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics, alone or in combination with mood...

Mental health services are challenging to get for our patients.  Most psychiatrists are booked in advance, and mid-level practitioners such as CRNP’s and PA-C’s are carrying the burden.  Even with their help mental health services are difficult to get for our patients.  More and more mental health care is...

We wrap up this week’s journey through the world of NSAIDS.  Your Thompson Pharmacist is a great resource to help you navigate through all of the available NSAIDS.  Here’s a list of available NSAIDS by prescription, as well as important consultation points that your Thompson Pharmacist wants you to...

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) reduce blood flow to the kidney. NSAIDs can increase blood pressure, cause fluid retention, and worsen kidney function in these patients. Among patients with hypertension, those who take NSAIDs for three months or longer are about 32% more likely to have chronic kidney disease than nonusers...

Aspirin has been around 120 years now, and we still are getting clarification on its appropriate use. Aspirin Dosage: for relief of mild to moderate pain is 325-1000mg every 4-6 hours., with a maximum dose = 4000 mg/day. Up to 3-4 g per day has been used for the...