Central nervous system agents

Case-based learning: understanding and managing levetiracetam-induced psychiatric symptoms

This article highlights the psychiatric adverse effects of levetiracetam, emphasising the importance of recognising these effects rather than attributing them to an organic diagnosis.…

Bipolar disorder in adults: symptoms, diagnosis and management

A detailed overview of the different types of bipolar disease and treatments.…

UK government says it does not support safe drug consumption rooms

Speaking at a House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry into the Glasgow safe drug consumption facility, the minister for policing and crime prevention said the Westminster government would “not be amending the Misuse of Drugs Act”.…

Eye disorder is a ‘very rare’ side effect of weight-loss drugs, concludes EMA review

The review found that non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people taking semaglutide medicines.…

Study finds association between GLP-1 use and macular degeneration in diabetes

Researchers found that patients with longer durations of exposure to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists were associated with a higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration.…

MHRA urges women taking weight-loss drugs to use effective contraception

Guidance published by the medicines regulator has warned that patients trying to conceive should remain on contraception for a “wash-out” period after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists.…

NHS England looks to tender contract for behavioural support for patients prescribed tirzepatide in primary care

The NHS England document said that patients prescribed tirzepatide in primary care settings will receive “high-quality behavioural wrap-around care” as well as clinical support.…

Antidepressants ‘substantially increase risk’ of low blood pressure when standing up in older people, study results suggest

Researchers found that patients aged over 60 years who were prescribed selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors were at a four-fold increased risk of postural hypotension in first four weeks of use.…

Repeat prescription opioids most commonly linked to patient harm and deaths, study results show

Researchers found that between January 2019 and December 2023, opioid analgesics made up 76% of the medications mentioned in coroners’ prevention of future deaths reports.…

MHRA to review blood monitoring requirements for clozapine patients

Starting in summer 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will seek views on ways to improve awareness of patient risks related to clozapine.…