Nervous system diseases

Factors influencing effective communication when prescribing

Understanding the factors that impact communication is critical for the delivery of person-centred prescribing. This article explores how to identify these factors and develop an optimised communication strategy for each patient.…

Demystifying medical cannabis: five years on from legalisation

Although medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, a lack of evidence for unlicensed products has meant NHS prescribing is still extremely limited while the private market continues to grow.…

Rapid-acting antidepressants face a slow journey to wider use

Evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of rapid-acting antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression — but will their use ever take off in the NHS?…

Case-based learning: safe withdrawal and tapering of antidepressants

How to use hyperbolic tapering to avoid withdrawal effects when stopping an antidepressant.…

How to approach challenging scenarios in primary care pharmacy

Three examples of vulnerable patients and those at risk of harm. The featured scenarios consider themes of suicide, addiction and sexual violence.…

RPS backs call to legalise safe consumption facilities for drug users

Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said that providing consumption facilities for drug users would “provide an opportunity for health professionals to engage in treatment and prevention”.…

RPS Scotland collaborates on final version of ‘blue-green’ prescribing strategy

The strategy is aimed at reducing pharmaceutical pollution through prescribing nature-based health interventions and medications that are less environmentally harmful.…

Do antihypertensive medicines increase the risk of depression?

A review of the evidence to examine whether exposure to antihypertensive medicines is linked with depression.…

Second ADHD medication shortage leaves patients in ‘very difficult position’, pharmacists warn

A medicine supply notification warned that atomoxetine 40mg and 60mg capsules will be out of stock until September 2023…

Lest we forget lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

The pick of the month’s academic papers from Parastou Donyai, chief scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.…