Best Practices in Administering Psychotropic Medications

Course overview

Educational Objectives After completing this activity, learners will be able to: 1. Distinguish between first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics based on receptor activity, efficacy, and side effect profiles. 2. Identify the clinical uses, side effects, and monitoring protocols for second-generation antipsychotics such as clozapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole. 3. Focus on the indications, dosing, and monitoring parameters for mood stabilizers like lithium and lamotrigine, as well as antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, in the treatment of bipolar disorder and depression. 4. Apply strategies to manage and monitor side effects such as metabolic syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and QTc prolongation associated with antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy. 5. Develop individualized care plans for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, and substance-use-disorder patients, incorporating both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches.