Pharmacology: What You Need to Know About Medications in a Rehab Setting – Tom Smith

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• Treatment for ADHD, Autism, Stroke, Heart Attack, Diabetes and Others
• The latest drug information on the most common conditions
• Medication side effects and their impact on your patients
• Medication issues specific to patient age and co-morbid conditions
• “Off-label” uses of medications

Patients you work with everyday are taking various medications, including pain and cardiac, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and anti-anxiety. Attend this seminar by Dr. Tom Smith, credentialed as a doctor of pharmacy & licensed mental health counselor, and learn the most up-to-date information on drugs and how they can affect your patients rehabilitation. Tom will be addressing Inderel, Abilify, Lipitor, Plavix, Xanax, Vicodin, Oxy-Contin and many other drugs in this seminar.

Leave this seminar knowing:

• Why medications are prescribed for certain conditions
• Potential combinations
• Strategies to help your patient understand how medication aids in their recovery
• Tools to help your patient manage unpleasant side effects, including: altered balance, coordination, digestion and cognition
• Medication issues specific to age and co-morbid conditions affect rehabilitation
• The potential for substance abuse
• Non-compliance issues

OUTLINE

Brain chemistry and the role of neurotransmitters

• Mechanisms of drug action
• FDA approval process regarding indications, “off label” and “black box” warnings
• Issues of age and co-morbid conditions
• Medication compliance
• Tools you can use to understand your patients’ medication
• Risks vs. benefits of medications

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Spina Bifida
• Drug effects on the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Blood modifiers
• Dysrhythmia stabilizers
• “Lifestyle changes”
• Substance abuse potential
• Psychotherapist referral

Hypertension

• Blood pressure medications
• Potential side effects
• Falls
• Fainting
• Dietary concerns

Orthopedic Injuries

• The pharmacology of pain and inflammation
• Hip/shoulder/knee replacements
• Controversy about drugs for osteoporosis
• Side effects
• Abuse/misuse
• Addiction
• Withdrawal
• Overdose
• Non-compliance and rebound
• Gastrointestinal side effects

Mental Health Drugs

• Different classes of drugs, how they “work”, and different clinical uses
• Antidepressants to Alzheimer’s, with autism, anxiety, hot flashes, and psychosis in between
• Side effects and risk factors for the different classes of mental health drugs

ADHD

• The Stimulants
• Non-stimulants
• Medications previously used for blood pressure

Autism

• Behavioral medications
• Side effects that interfere with rehabilitation goals
• Cholesterol

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the concepts behind “mechanism of action” and “therapeutic response” from medications for specific conditions.
• Summarize how a patient’s age and co-morbid conditions affect rehabilitation.
• Describe why prescribers may use medications “off-label” and the potential benefits and drawbacks of such use.
• Identify common side effects associated with drugs used to treat ADHD, autism, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and other conditions.
• Interpret how to use a tool that will help your patient adhere to medication therapy.
• Summarize the logic behind using “foods that require a prescription” to treat certain health conditions.