This is the online version of the popular Clinical Handbook of
Psychotropic Drugs, currently in its 24th print
edition.
The Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs is a user-friendly and
practical resource guide for health care practitioners working in any setting where psychotropic drugs are utilized.
Its content is derived from various forms of published literature (including randomized controlled trials,
scientific data such as pharmacokinetic trials, cohort trials, case series, and case reports) as well as from
leading clinical experts. We endeavor to continually update this handbook as the scientific literature evolves, so
we can provide current evidence-based and clinically relevant information to optimize patient care. New sections,
periodically added, reflect changes in therapy and in current practice.
For the 24th edition, we have again revised and updated the handbook throughout and added
a number of new treatments and formulations that include: (1) viloxazine, the first new drug to be approved by the
FDA for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents in over a decade, a non-stimulant medication with quick
onset of action, due to become available as this edition of the Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs was
being finalized, (2) brexanolone, a GABAA receptor positive modulator that is the first drug specifically developed to
treat postpartum depression, (3) lumateperone, a second-generation antipsychotic that has a unique receptor binding
profile and differs from other antipsychotics in that it modulates glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine, (4) a new
extended-release subcutaneous formulation of risperidone, (5) lemborexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist
indicated for the treatment of insomnia, and (6) a new initiation regimen for aripiprazole long-acting injection
approved by the European Medicines Agency and Health Canada that is based on modeling and simulation data.
Augmentation strategies for both antidepressants and antipsychotics have been comprehensively revised, and the
neuroscience-based nomenclature system that focuses on pharmacology and mode of action has been added to product
availability tables within individual chapters. And the developments don’t stop there.
Instantly recognizable icons and color coding, search and browse features, charts
and tables of comparisons are employed to enable the reader to have quick access to
information.
Both American and Canadian trade names are used in the text. Though plasma levels are
given in SI units, conversion rates to Imperial US units are available in the text.
Given that changes may occur in a medication’s indications, and differences are seen among
countries, specific “indications” listed in this text as “approved” should be viewed in
conjunction with product monographs approved in your jurisdiction of interest.
Dose comparisons and plasma levels are based on scientific data. However, it is important
to note that some patients will respond to doses outside the reported ranges. Age, sex, and
the medical condition of the patient must always be taken into consideration when prescribing
any psychotropic agent.
Patient Information Sheets for most drug categories are provided as printable pdf files to
facilitate education/counseling of patients receiving these medications. For details, please
see the Patient Information Sheets section in the menu on the left.
Over the years, many readers have asked challenging questions and provided useful feedback regarding the
content and format of the handbook. This input is critical to keeping the handbook in both its online and print
editions current, accurate, and relevant. Please feel free to e-mail me at the address below with your comments and
questions.
Ric M. Procyshyn
E-mail: rprocyshyn@bcmhs.bc.ca