The Mental Health Clinician, December 2011 (Vol. 1, Iss. 6)

An Update on New Psychiatric and Neurologic Agents

In response to the extrapyramidal side effects that affected almost 40% of patients treated with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) in the 1960s, clozapine, the first atypical or second-generation antipsychotic was introduced to the European market in 1971.¹ Clozapine offered a reduced rate of extrapyramidal side effects but at the cost of an increased risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis. Consequently, clozapine was quickly withdrawn from the market but later entered the U.S. market in 1990, accompanied by a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for blood monitoring.

The December issue of the Mental Health Clinician is dedicated to providing an update on psychiatric and neurologic medications that have recently entered the market. In addition to the newer antipsychotics described above (iloperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone), this issue will also review vilazodone (Viibyrd®), a new antidepressant, as well as new anticonvuslants or formulations, including ezogabine (Potiga™), clobazam (Onfi), and gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant™). An article describing CPNP members’ experiences with Zyprexa Relpevv is also included in this issue. Happy holidays and happy reading to all! Read the full editorial.

Preview: Movement Disorders

Movement disorders have many different presentations and are defined as a group of syndromes that affect the ability for one to control movement in a given muscle or muscle group. Many of the medications we use to treat psychiatric illnesses (antipsychotics, lithium, and valproic acid) have the potential to cause movement disorders, often referred to as extrapyramidal side effects. As our use of antipsychotics has shifted to use of second generation agents, our vigilance for recognizing and treating extrapyramidal symptoms has waned.

The January Mental Health Clinician will focus on drug-induced movement disorders and highlight the introduction of CPNP’s Movement Disorder Training DVD which will be available for purchase.

Articles in this Issue

MHC Toolbox: Antipsychotics Find a quick drug reference table for the newer antipsychotics
Demystifying Zyprexa Relprevv Usage Zyprexa Relprevv, an extended-release injectable suspension of olanzapine, received FDA approval in December 2009 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
New Drug Review: Clobazam (Onfi®) - A “New” Anticonvulsant Option Recently approved Clobazam is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
New Drug Review: Gabapentin enacarbil extended release (Horizant™) – A New Formulation on the Horizon Learn more about Horizant, a recent FDA-approved drug for Restless Leg Syndrome.
New Drug Review: Lurasidone (Latuda®) - The New Antipsychotic on the Block Read on to learn more about Latuda, a second-generation antipsychotic.
Saphris: Does a Unique Delivery System Equal a Unique Drug? Saphris, a newer atypical antipsychotic, is currently the only antipsychotic available as a sublingual tablet.
New Drug Review- Ezogabine (Potiga): Seizing the Seizure Potiga was approved by the FDA in June 2011 as an anticonvulsant indicated for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset epilepsy.
Iloperidone (Fanapt®): Fan or Not? Fanapt is approved for schizophrenia but not bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
Viibryd (Vilazodone): Viable Option or For the Byrds? Gaining FDA approval in January 2011, Viibryd is an immediate release tablet used for the treament of major depressive disorder in adults.

CPNP News, Announcements and Resources

Continued Success and Good Health to CPNP and You Psychiatric pharmacists have much to be thankful for.
Students are Vital to our Profession and CPNP Learn about CPNP student member benefits.
CPNP Members Create and Share Knowledge Submit an abstract for the 2012 meeting, or offer to mentor a new practitioner.
Best Practices for Medical Educators Pauline Chan reviews a book that shifts the focus of medical teaching to the learner instead of on knowledge and facts.
Leadership Lessons Learned to be Shared by Dr. Wells at 2012 CPNP Annual Meeting A glimpse of the 2012 Annual Meeting session: Leadership Lessons Learned.
Melancholia: A Movie Review Reinaldo Basanez and Josh Caballero review Melancholia, a drama that embraces depression and the environmental stressors that contribute to it.
Dr. Stephen Saklad Announced as 2012 Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award Winner The Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award celebrates the life and work of the late Judith J. Saklad.
2011 Residency Program Director Survey Results Announced Read on for a summary of the 2011 Residency Program Director Survey.
CPNP Member News Jennifer Zacher, Carla Cobb and Julie Dopheide have exciting news!

College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists