Abstract

Introduction

Numerous strategies exist following antipsychotic monotherapy failure including transition to another antipsychotic, dosing above FDA recommendations, or dual antipsychotic therapy. This study described antipsychotic prescribing practices on an acute psychiatry unit following antipsychotic monotherapy failure and compared outcomes to determine if any strategy resulted in superior short-term outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective chart review assessed postintervention time to discharge for patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder requiring therapy change following treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission rate, length of stay, and discharge chlorpromazine equivalents.

Results

There were no differences in number of past antipsychotic trials between groups (4.8 vs 4.5; P = .73). Of all the patients, 73% (n = 30) discharged on alternative antipsychotic monotherapy while 27% (n = 11) discharged on dual antipsychotic therapy. No patients had doses increased above FDA recommendations. The alternative antipsychotic group had shorter mean postintervention time to discharge (8.8 vs 20.6 days; P = .003) and shorter mean length of stay (16.7 vs 32.1 days; P = .03). Median time to discharge was not statistically significant (6.4 vs 14.0 days; P = .17). The dual antipsychotic group had higher mean chlorpromazine equivalents (723 mg vs 356 mg; P = .002). There was no difference in 30-day readmission rates (16.7% vs 27.3%; χ² = 0.5765; P = .45).

Discussion

This study found that following failure of antipsychotic monotherapy, transition to an alternative antipsychotic was associated with decreased mean time to discharge as compared to dual antipsychotic therapy. Further studies are needed to assess long-term clinical implications of these findings.

Abstract

Introduction

Valproic acid (VPA) and its various formulations can be given in conjunction with clozapine for seizure prophylaxis or for augmentation in schizophrenia. There is conflicting literature on how VPA affects clozapine metabolism and the incidence of clozapine-related side effects. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of VPA when given concurrently with clozapine to patients on clozapine monotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review was completed to identify patients admitted to the inpatient psychiatry unit at an academic medical center with an order for clozapine with and without concurrent VPA from August 7, 2010 to August 7, 2020. The primary outcome was the difference in clozapine doses in patients on clozapine as monotherapy versus dual therapy with VPA. Secondary outcomes include the difference in incidence of adverse effects in monotherapy versus dual therapy, as well as clozapine and norclozapine concentrations in both treatment groups.

Results

During the study period, 73 patients were included in the monotherapy group and 35 patients were included in the dual therapy group. The average clozapine dose in the dual therapy group was 250 mg (95% CI = 194.7, 305.4) which was significantly higher than the average monotherapy dose of 175.9 mg (95% CI = 134.0, 208.7; P = .016). However, there was no significant difference in the average clozapine concentration between the dual therapy group (392.5 ng/mL; 95% CI = 252.8, 532.2) and monotherapy group (365.9 ng/mL; 95% CI = 260.5, 471.3; P = .756). There were higher rates of tachycardia (45.7% vs 17.8%; P = .002), sedation (51.4% vs 8.2%; P < .001), and constipation (42.8% vs 9.5%; P < .001) in the dual therapy group compared to the monotherapy group, respectively.

Discussion

Patients on concurrent clozapine and VPA received higher doses of clozapine and experienced a higher incidence of tachycardia, sedation, and constipation.

Abstract

Introduction

Brexanolone demonstrates short-term efficacy for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression is linked to infanticide and maternal suicide, and current treatment often fails to adequately control depressive symptoms. The purpose of this analysis is to further understand the experience(s) of women who have received brexanolone for the treatment of PPD.

Methods

Semistructured interviews modeled after the theory of planned behavior (TPB) were conducted to assess women's perceptions of treatment for PPD with brexanolone. Women who received treatment with brexanolone at this inpatient facility were eligible to participate in this study. The TPB is often used to predict intention to perform health-related behaviors. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify common ideas across all interviews. Follow-up assessment of depressive and anxious symptoms was also conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively.

Results

Five of the 10 women who received treatment with brexanolone at this facility were interviewed, and common themes related to the TPB were analyzed. Attitudes toward brexanolone were favorable, and having a strong support system was a motivating factor in receiving treatment for PPD. Insurance approval, need for childcare, and poor understanding of symptoms of PPD were barriers to receiving treatment with brexanolone. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were rated as low at the time of the follow-up interview as measured by the PHQ-9 (mean 1.6, range 1 to 3) and GAD-7 (mean 2.8, range 2 to 4), respectively.

Discussion

Brexanolone rapidly and sustainably reduced symptoms of PPD and was well-received by patients. Despite significant barriers to use, women who received treatment with brexanolone advocated for its availability as well as increased awareness of PPD.

Dear Editor:

We read with great interest the case report¹ on identifying olanzapine-induced liver injury in the setting of acute hepatitis C. We wanted to bring to the attention of the Mental Health Clinician readers our similar case report entitled “Olanzapine-induced elevated liver function tests in an older person with antidepressant-induced mania”, who similarly experienced significant liver function test (LFT) elevation thought to be related to olanzapine that was published in The Senior Care Pharmacist in September 2022.²

Although an increase in LFTs is a known adverse effect of antipsychotics including olanzapine, this

A potential case of refeeding syndrome in a patient with severe mental illness

Amber R. DouglassPharmD, BCPS, BCPP, FAAPP,

Eliana SpeyBS, and

Kimberly A. EhrhardPharmD, BCPP

Comparison of antipsychotic prescribing practices following failure of antipsychotic monotherapy in the acute care setting

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Comparison of clozapine doses and tolerability in patients with and without concurrent valproic acid

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Patient-reported perceptions of brexanolone in the treatment of postpartum depression: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publication rates and characteristics of PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy resident research projects

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Treatment of concurrent etizolam and tianeptine withdrawal following accidental overdose

Abstract

Background

Case Report

Discussion

Severe olanzapine-induced liver function test elevation

A potential case of refeeding syndrome in a patient with severe mental illness

A case of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome associated with topiramate in a patient with vestibular migraine

Implementation of mMINDS monitoring for alcohol withdrawal at an inpatient academic psychiatric facility

A primary care psychiatric pharmacist clinic for addressing hypertension and mental health disparities in black patients

Use of psychostimulants in the management of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder

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Book Review: Get the residency: ASHP's guide to residency interviews and preparation