"This book has been divided into three main sections. Part I deals with global issues that bear on the assessment and formulation of possible adverse effects and with pertinent concepts related to basic pharmacology, physiology, and medical monitoring. The chapters in Part II present information organized by individual organ systems or specific medical circumstances rather than by drugs or drug classes. This approach seems to provide a logical and comprehensible format that allow readers to search out information as referenced by a particular side effect (and its varied potential causes) and to locate a discussion of practical management strategies. Part III focuses on summary recommendations covering all the material presented in the book and is followed by helpful appendixes on self-assessment questions and resources for practitioners. The book is meant to serve as a ready reference that simultaneously provides scientific and scholarly discussion of available treatment options and presents their scientific rationales."--page xx.

This is the second edition of this book, massively expanded from the first edition that was published in 2014.Side effects are not a side issue! Adverse effects or side effects are of the greatest importance because they cause considerable suffering and are the leading cause of nonadherence to medications. That is why side effects can be called "The Other Side of Suffering" or "The Other Half of Psychopharmacology." More attention needs to be paid to preventing side effects, developing strategies to systematically assess these side effects, and for managing them. This book focuses on some of the commonest side effects of psychiatric medications and is jam-packed with highly clinically useful, practical information to help deal with them. The numerous practical strategies described will be useful to both the beginner and to the experienced clinician. The book will appeal to psychiatrists, other physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, etc. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. General principles: What's the big deal? Knowledge is power. Sensitive to medications. 2. Blood: Bleeding 3. Blood pressure: Dizziness (Orthostatic hypotension). 4. Ears: Tinnitus. 5. Electrolytes: Hyponatremia. Metabolic acidosis. 6. Endocrine glands: Diabetes Insipidus (see Polyuria/Diabetes insipidus). Hyperparathyroidism. Hyperprolactinemia. Thyroid dysfunction. 7. Eyes: Blurred vision. Glaucoma. 8. Gastrointestinal tract; Constipation. Diarrhea. Loss of appetite (Anorexia). Nausea. Pancreatitis. .9. Genitals/Sexuality: Sexual dysfunction. 10. Heart: Myocarditis. QT prolongation and other ECG changes. 11. Blood sugar: Hyperglycemia. 12. Kidneys: Kidney stones. Polyuria/ Diabetes Insipidus. 13. Liver: Hyperammonemia (elevated serom ammonia level). 14. Mouth: Bruxism . Dry mouth (Xerostomia). Hypersalivation (Sialorrhea). 15. Nervous system: Akathisia. Headache. Insomnia (See Sleep). Parkinsonism. Seizures. Tardive dyskinesia . Tremors. 16. Skin: Acne. Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). Hair loss (Alopecia.) Skin reactions. 17. Sleep: Insomnia. 18. Weight: Weight gain. Weight loss (see Loss of Appetite). 19. Other side effects: Antidepressant discontinuation (withdrawal). Edema.

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