by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 24, 2025 | Best practices, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Many psychiatric nurse practitioners (maybe even you?!) fall comfortably into the Type A camp—I know I do. But even the most detail-oriented among us can feel uncertain about selecting the right medication. Since we prescribe antidepressants so frequently,...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 17, 2025 | News, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
As we move into summer 2025, it’s a great time for psych NPs to stay updated on the newest psychotropic medication updates. Just as the season shifts, so does the landscape of psychiatric pharmacology — with exciting new drug approvals and treatments emerging. Though...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 12, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders, Trends
Not every psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribes clozapine regularly, but staying informed about the latest clozapine REMS updates for psych NPs is crucial. These changes impact how we monitor patients and manage treatment, making it easier to provide safe and...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 4, 2025 | Career Advice, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
When working with individuals diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, understanding and ordering the correct baseline labs for bipolar disorder is critical in ensuring patient safety and optimal treatment. As psychiatric nurse practitioners, we often encounter...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 9, 2024 | Best practices, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Raise your hand if conversations with patients about benzodiazepines is one of your favorite things? I’m not the most confrontational provider or person, so conversations surrounding benzo tapers and benzo education aren’t the most fun for me. I’ve had my fair...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | May 16, 2023 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
We all know that SSRIs are known to cause sexual side effects including lowered libido, erectile issues or orgasm problems. Often our patients come in to see us, are started on an antidepressant that’s helpful for their depression or anxiety but then they report...