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Old Versus New Medications: How Much Should Be Taught?

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Abstract

Objective

To address the issue of how much psychiatric residents should be taught about older medications.

Methods

Selective use of the literature, including historical overview was employed to compare and contrast old and newer generation medications.

Results

While many old drugs are truly antiquated, medications such as typical antipsychotics tricyclic and monoamine oxidase antidepressants, and lithium should remain integral parts of a psychopharmacology teaching program.

Conclusion

A proper blending of knowledge about older and newer medications and the use of older and newer medications is in the best interest of patients in need of psychopharmcotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Madison Institute of Medicine, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    James W. Jefferson M.D. (Clinical Professor of Psychiatry)

  2. University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    James W. Jefferson M.D. (Clinical Professor of Psychiatry)

Authors
  1. James W. Jefferson M.D.
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Correspondence to James W. Jefferson M.D..

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Jefferson, J.W. Old Versus New Medications: How Much Should Be Taught?. Acad Psychiatry 29, 162–166 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.29.2.162

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.29.2.162

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