Expert Consultations: Real-World Answers

Antipsychotic Switching: Intersection of Art and Science – Interview

Published on March 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: March 1, 2029

Guest

Brian Miller, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

Interviewed by

Radwa Hanafy

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Interview Highlights

The cross-taper switch is the most commonly employed and safest method of switching antipsychotics.
An abrupt switch is indicated if the patient is experiencing severe adverse effects from a psychotropic medication, whereas a plateau cross-taper may be more advisable when switching to clozapine.
Although switching to aripiprazole may help mitigate the risk for metabolic syndrome, possible risks include akathisia as well as worsening of the positive symptoms of psychosis.

Text Version

This edition of Psychopharmacology Institute’s Expert Consultations features Brian Miller, M.D., who is a professor of psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. In this interview, we will discuss antipsychotic switching and how it is an intersection of art and science.

Radwa Hanafy, M.D.:

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Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Summarize different strategies for antipsychotic switching.
Discuss possible switch-related adverse effects and management strategies for these.

Original Release Date: March 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2026

Expiration Date: March 1, 2029

Expert: Brian Miller, M.D.

Medical Editors: Radwa Hanafy, M.D., Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@ml-prod.psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Answer the quiz for promoting retention of knowledge.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.