News

Although there are 9 different tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) approved in the United States I have only 5 on my shelf at Thompson Pharmacy, Broad Avenue where I practice. With 9 different TCA’s when do we use them? • MOST likely to cause drowsiness: Amitriptyline, doxepin and imipramine • MOST...

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) Mechanism: increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The SNRI’s are used for depression and pain management. SNRI Side Effects: Side effects: very favorable profile: minimal drowsiness and cardiovascular effects. Common side effects: nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and grinding of...

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...