Épisodes

  • GABA Explained: Anxiety, Benzodiazepines, Sleep, and Withdrawal — PMHNP Board Review

    GABA Explained: Anxiety, Benzodiazepines, Sleep, and Withdrawal — PMHNP Board Review
    Nov 10 2026
    Gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA, is the brain’s principal inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays an important role in anxiety, sleep, neuronal excitability, and seizure regulation. In this episode of PMHNP in the Car, we examine GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, explain how benzodiazepines enhance inhibitory signaling, and compare commonly prescribed medications including lorazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam. We also explore medication half-lives, adverse effects, dependence, withdrawal syndromes, and the potentially life-threatening consequences of abruptly discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine treatment. Through clinical examples and PMHNP board-style questions, listeners will learn how to connect GABA neurobiology with safe psychiatric prescribing and clinical decision-making.
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    3 min
  • SNRIs Compared — Effexor, Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Fetzima: Half-Lives, Side Effects, and Best Clinical Uses

    SNRIs Compared — Effexor, Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Fetzima: Half-Lives, Side Effects, and Best Clinical Uses
    Nov 8 2026
    Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder, certain anxiety disorders, and selected chronic pain conditions, but important differences exist among individual medications. In this episode of PMHNP in the Car, we compare venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, and levomilnacipran, including their brand names, half-lives, approved indications, adverse effects, and prescribing considerations. We examine why duloxetine may be useful when depression coexists with neuropathic pain, why venlafaxine requires particular attention to discontinuation symptoms, and how blood pressure, liver disease, and renal function influence medication selection. Through clinical examples and board-style questions, listeners will learn how to distinguish these medications and apply pharmacological knowledge to safer psychiatric prescribing.
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    3 min
  • PMHNP in the Car: Norepinephrine Explained — ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and the Medications That Target It

    PMHNP in the Car: Norepinephrine Explained — ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and the Medications That Target It
    Nov 2 2026
    Norepinephrine is one of the brain’s most important neurotransmitters for attention, alertness, emotional regulation, and the physiological stress response. In this episode of PMHNP in the Car, we examine norepinephrine pathways, adrenergic receptors, and their relationships to ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. We also explore medications including atomoxetine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, and bupropion, explaining their mechanisms, clinical indications, and important prescribing considerations. Through practical examples and PMHNP board-style questions, listeners will learn how to connect neurotransmitter physiology with psychiatric assessment and evidence-based medication management.
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    4 min
  • Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Why Cymbalta, Effexor, and Paxil Require Careful Tapering

    Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Why Cymbalta, Effexor, and Paxil Require Careful Tapering
    Nov 1 2026
    Examine the pharmacokinetics of SSRIs and SNRIs, including elimination half-lives, active metabolites, and discontinuation risk. Learn the FINISH mnemonic, distinguish withdrawal symptoms from depressive relapse, and review safe prescribing and tapering principles relevant to the PMHNP examination.
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    4 min
  • SSRIs Compared: Best Diagnoses, Half-Lives, Side Effects, and Prescribing Exceptions

    SSRIs Compared: Best Diagnoses, Half-Lives, Side Effects, and Prescribing Exceptions
    Oct 26 2026
    Which SSRI is best suited for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder? In this PMHNP board preparation episode, we compare seven SSRIs, examining their clinical uses, FDA-approved indications, half-lives, and important prescribing considerations. We also explore pediatric and geriatric precautions, drug interactions, discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin toxicity. Learn how to distinguish these medications in clinical scenarios and select appropriate treatments for psychiatric patients.
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    5 min
  • Dopamine Explained: The Four Brain Pathways, Antipsychotics, and Exam Questions

    Dopamine Explained: The Four Brain Pathways, Antipsychotics, and Exam Questions
    Oct 25 2026
    Dopamine plays a central role in movement, motivation, reward, and psychiatric symptoms, making it an essential neurotransmitter for the PMHNP certification examination. In this episode, we examine the four major dopaminergic pathways and their relationship to schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, medication side effects, and prolactin regulation. Learn how dopamine receptor blockade produces both therapeutic benefits and potentially serious adverse effects. We finish with three board-style clinical questions to help you apply these concepts to psychiatric practice.
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    4 min
  • PMHNP in the Car: SSRIs Explained — Generic Names, Brand Names, Side Effects, and Clinical Decision-Making

    PMHNP in the Car: SSRIs Explained — Generic Names, Brand Names, Side Effects, and Clinical Decision-Making
    Oct 20 2026
    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are among the most frequently prescribed psychiatric medications and an essential topic for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. In this episode of PMHNP in the Car, we review six major SSRIs, including their generic and brand names, mechanisms of action, clinical indications, adverse effects, and important prescribing considerations. We also examine serotonin syndrome, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, and medication interactions through clinical examples and an exam-style question.
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    6 min
  • Serotonin Explained: Receptors, Psychiatric Disorders, and Medications You Must Know for the PMHNP Exam

    Serotonin Explained: Receptors, Psychiatric Disorders, and Medications You Must Know for the PMHNP Exam
    Oct 18 2026
    Episode Description: Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters to understand when preparing for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. In this episode, we examine serotonin’s role in mood, anxiety, sleep, and gastrointestinal functioning, along with the medications that influence serotonergic activity. We also review serotonin syndrome, medication interactions, and clinical scenarios that help PMHNP candidates distinguish common adverse effects from potentially life-threatening emergencies.
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    5 min