by Eric Christianson | Oct 23, 2022 | Psychiatry and Addiction Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Z-drugs, otherwise known as benzodiazepine receptor agonists, are used to help patients with insomnia that is associated with difficulty falling asleep (sleep latency), difficulty staying asleep (sleep maintenance), or not feeling rested after a night’s sleep (sleep...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 19, 2022 | Neurology, Pain, and Musculoskeletal Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Acute migraine affects up to 26% of women, and up to 9% of men in the US. It is characterized by a moderate to severe headache that lasts for 4-72 hours and may be unilateral, cause nausea/vomiting, pulsating pain, or photophobia. First-line treatment options include...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 16, 2022 | Psychiatry and Addiction Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to over 5% of the United States population and that number continues to grow. This class of medications is responsible for facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA-A at various GABA receptors throughout the...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 12, 2022 | Neurology, Pain, and Musculoskeletal Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Is as needed (PRN) allopurinol appropriate? I have seen as-needed (PRN) orders for allopurinol in practice. It has been rare, but it has happened. Did I like it? No. Allopurinol helps to lower uric acid levels. Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase which is an enzyme...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 9, 2022 | Polypharmacy Cases And The Prescribing Cascade
I love reducing medications and tackling polypharmacy, but it needs to be done the right way. There are numerous medications you shouldn’t stop abruptly. I lay out my most important list of dangerous medications and the serious consequences that can result if...
