The Mental Health Clinician, November 2011 (Vol. 1, Iss. 5)

Clozapine Awareness

“Why Not Clozapine?” asked Kelly and colleagues over 4 years ago in a Clinical Schizophrenia article.¹ Apparently, few heard the question and still fewer answered. In 2011, over 20 years since clozapine was marketed in the U.S., its use is at an all-time low. In 1999, 11% of second generation antipsychotic prescriptions were for clozapine in the U.S. Today, only 2-3% of antipsychotic prescriptions are for clozapine.¹ This is despite overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, suicide prevention in schizophrenia, reductions in hospitalizations, and other pharmacoeconomic data supporting the use of clozapine. Dr. Herbert Meltzer stated, “leading economists have cited the underuse of clozapine for treatment resistance and suicide as one of the two greatest failures of mental health providers to practice evidence-based medicine.”² Most experts feel the use of clozapine in the U.S. is currently far below the estimated need. Read the full editorial.

Year in Review

Are you confused about which new second generation antipsychotic to add to your formulary’s wish-list this holiday season? Have you heard about vilazodone (Viibryd®), the new antidepressant on the market, but have been too busy to read more? Are you interested in a behind-the-scenes review of barriers to olanzapine pamoate (Zyprexa Relprevv®) usage? In December, we will review newer psychotropic and neurologic agents recently brought to market, highlight important pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, evaluate clinical trials, and explore their current role in therapy. Take our quick web poll about two hot topics from the year!

Articles in this Issue

MHC Clozapine Tool Box Find several documents that will assist you with treating your clozapine patients.
Clozapine-Induced Gastrointestinal Hypomotility: More Than Just Constipation Clozapine can have side effects more severe than constipation, a case study.
Fostering the use of clozapine in the severely mentally ill through academic detailing Introduction
Questions for Pharmacist Providers in Clozapine Clinics Read about Jennifer Zacher's clozapine clinic.
Questions for Pharmacist Providers in Clozapine Clinics CPNP member Cindy Mascarenas provides insight into clozapine clinics.
Questions for Pharmacist Providers in Clozapine Clinics Carol Ott and Kelly Williams provide insight into clozapine clinics.
Questions for Pharmacist Providers in Clozapine Clinics Find out how Joel Boerth got started in a clozapine clinic.
Reducing clozapine-induced hypersalivation This clinical pearl by Gurprit Lamba and James Ellison discusses pharmacologic treatments for hypersalivation.
Case Report: The Clinical Implications of Clozapine and Cigarette Smoking Introduction

CPNP News, Announcements and Resources

Your Engagement is Critical to CPNP and to the Profession CPNP is presently recruiting volunteers for 2012 committees and activities.
2012 Annual Meeting Focused on "Making Waves in Neuropsychiatric Pharmacy" Get a snapshot of programming at the 2012 Annual Meeting.
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado Selected as 2013 Annual Meeting Site Mark your calendars for the CPNP 16th Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
NAMI Hosting NAMIBikes Event in Arizona on December 10 NAMIBikes is a multiple-distance bicycle ride for people who want to make a difference and help people living with mental illness.
CPNP Member News Raymond Lorenz, Jennifer Zacher, Mitsi Lizer, Amy VandenBerg and Julie Dopheide have exciting news!
Case Studies: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology These case studies address complex issues in an understandable way and with direct relevance to the everyday experience of clinicians.
Psychiatry in the Cinema Read movie reviews from the perspectives of a veteran psychiatric pharmacist and a pharmacy student.

College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists