Drug Therapy
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy: An overview for the internist
The authors review the potential effects, risks, and therapeutic applications of the psychedelic drugs MDMA (Ecstasy) and psilocybin, with a focus on MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder and psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression.
- Insomnia in older adults: A review of treatment options
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the gold standard in all age groups, but it is time-intensive and does not offer immediate results.
- Sleep is like Rodney Dangerfield
Sleep quantity (and, in some cases, quality) has been shown to impact memory and learning, mood, appetite, and pain, yet many patients and clinicians do not give sleep the respect it deserves.
- Foxglove, not quite gone or forgotten
Digoxin use has waned dramatically over the past decades, with good reason, but for select patients, it may be a very reasonable option.
- Digoxin is still useful, but is still causing toxicity
The authors review the presentation of digoxin toxicity, its mechanisms and predisposing factors, and its medical management.
- Reducing the risks when using benzodiazepines to treat insomnia: A public health approach
The authors review measures for preventing harm before benzodiazepines are prescribed, decreasing harm within 4 weeks after they are prescribed, and limiting harmful effects of long-term prescribing.
- Medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia
The goal is to maximize quality of life and minimize “bothersome” symptoms. Choices about medical therapy are guided by indication, effectiveness, side effects, as well as patient preference.
- Should my patients take their blood pressure medications in the evening to enhance cardiovascular benefit?
The focus should be to achieve blood pressure control and facilitate adherence, regardless of the timing of the medications.