Postpartum Psychopharmacology: Breastfeeding and Bipolar Disorder

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic strategies for postpartum psychosis with insights from Dr. Lauren Osborne, focusing on a critical clinical question: Can we safely use mood stabilizers like lithium in breastfeeding mothers with bipolar disorder? Discover evidence-based guidance for navigating this high-stakes decision when maternal mental health hangs in the balance. Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Postpartum Psychosis: Pharmacologic Strategies

In this episode, we explore brexanolone and zuranolone—the first FDA-approved medications specifically for postpartum depression. How do these neurosteroid-based treatments work differently than traditional antidepressants, and could they offer relief in just days rather than weeks? Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide The Role of Brexanolone and Zuranolone in Postpartum Depression

In this episode, we explore lumateperone for treating major depressive episodes with mixed features – that challenging presentation where patients experience depression alongside racing thoughts and restlessness. Can we effectively treat both the despair and the activation without triggering mania? Dr. Kristin Raj examines the evidence and clinical implications for this understudied population. Faculty: Kristin Raj, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 76 Lumateperone for Depression with Mixed Features: Is It Effective?

In this episode, we explore pharmacologic treatment for postpartum depression in breastfeeding mothers. Can psychiatric medications be safely used while nursing? Dr. Lauren Osborne explains how nearly all antidepressants are compatible with breastfeeding, why postpartum women may respond faster to treatment, and how to choose the right medication. Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Postpartum Depression: Pharmacologic Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers

In this episode, we explore a new study examining whether antidepressants and antipsychotics truly increase the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. What does the evidence say about using multiple psychiatric medications together, and when should we actually be concerned? Faculty: Scott Beach, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CMEs: Quick Take Vol. 75 Torsades de Pointes: Impact of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

In this episode, we explore the critical distinction between postpartum OCD and postpartum psychosis. Dr. Lauren Osborne reveals why accurate diagnosis matters for treatment and safety. Did you know intrusive thoughts about infant harm don't actually indicate elevated risk in OCD, but do in psychosis? Faculty: Lauren Osborne, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide Distinguishing Postpartum OCD from Postpartum Psychosis

In this episode, we examine groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread clinical belief that SSRI side effects improve with time. Using data from the landmark STAR*D trial, we explore which patients actually experience side effect resolution and which face worsening symptoms. Faculty: Paul Zarkowski, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 75 Do SSRI Side Effects Improve Over Time?

In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for augmenting lithium when monotherapy fails in acute mania. Why is quetiapine the preferred add-on to valproate, despite decades of clinical tradition favoring anticonvulsants? Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Augmenting With SGAs After Unsatisfactory Response to Lithium in Bipolar Mania

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic algorithm that revolutionizes antipsychotic selection for first-episode psychosis. Should the presence of violence completely change your medication choice strategy? Faculty: Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 0.75 CME: Quick Take Vol. 75 Schizophrenia Algorithm: Selecting an Antipsychotic for First Episodes

In this episode, we challenge conventional prescribing by exploring why lithium should be the first-line treatment for acute classic mania, despite widespread use of antipsychotics. Dr. David Osser presents evidence-based arguments for lithium's unique neuroprotective benefits and long-term efficacy. Faculty: David Osser, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.5 CME: An Update on Bipolar Mania Algorithm Lithium for Bipolar Mania Without Mixed Features