<P>The definitive pocket reference for convenient everyday use.<P>This invaluable clinical companion begins with an overview of the general principles relevant to the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications. Subsequent chapters focus on the major classes of psychotropic medications and the disorders for which they are prescribedwith the caveat that the nomenclature is somewhat artificial because, for example, many antidepressant medications are also used to treat anxiety disorders.<P>Updates for this edition in every drug class ensure ready access to information on new drugs and new findings. <ul>? <I>Antidepressants</I>Presents clinically relevant information for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, venlafaxine, duloxetine, mirtazapine, as well as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including details on choosing one antidepressant over another and discontinuing or switching medications. Updated with new information on the possible risk of increased suicidality and other potential side effects.? <I>Anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics</I>Discusses the use of benzodiazepines, zolpidem, and zaleplon, and ramelteon for the treatment of insomnia as well as diagnosis-specific guidelines for the use of antidepressants in the treatment of anxiety disorders.? <I>Antipsychotics</I>Describes the properties common to most antipsychotics, focusing on atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone), now used as first-line agents. New in this edition: the latest findings on safety and efficacy, and on the use of antipsychotic agents in bipolar disorder. ? <I>Mood stabilizers</I>Details the use of lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and other anticonvulsants in stabilizing mood oscillations, and expands on the use of antipsychotics for treating bipolar disorder. With new information on the treatment of mania and mixed episodes. ? <I>Stimulants</I>Covers the clinical use, contraindications, risks and side effects, dosing strategies, and monitoring guidelines for methylphenidate hydrochloride, dextroamphetamine, pemoline, and modafinil, used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents, narcolepsy, and (potentially) treatment-resistant depression and cognitive impairment in adults.? <I>Cognitive enhancers</I>Discusses the clinical use, drug interactions, and side effects of the cholinesterase inhibitors tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, which preserve functioning and slow further deterioration in the pharmacological management of cognitive impairment in mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Fully updated to reflect the latest findings on the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. </ul><P>Packed with practical information that is easy to access via detailed tables and charts, this pocket-sized volume (it literally fits into a lab coat or jacket pocket) is designed to be immediately useful for students, residents, and clinicians working in a variety of treatment settings, such as inpatient psychiatry units, outpatient clinics, consultation-liaison services, and private offices.</P>