by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Sep 2, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
In school as an NP student and later in clinical practice, I learned that prescribing benztropine (Cogentin) for extrapyramidal side effects was appropriate. What I didn’t realize was that there are times when prescribing benztropine—or any anticholinergic—can...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Aug 28, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
As mental health providers, we often advocate for balance, rest, therapy, and sometimes medication. But too often, we neglect taking the advice we give to our patients which can contribute to provider burnout. Prescriber mental health deserves just as much attention...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Aug 26, 2025 | Best practices
As PMHNPs, our medication choices shape how patients experience the world. Understanding neurotransmission rules isn’t just theoretical—it can improve safety, reduce side effects, and lead to better outcomes. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Aug 19, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Clozapine is one of the most effective medications for treating schizophrenia, especially in treatment-resistant cases. However, clozapine’s serious side effects require vigilant monitoring to keep patients safe. Understanding these risks can help APRNs and...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Aug 14, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
When it comes to treating mood disorders, SNRIs for depression offer a valuable option. While they may be overshadowed by SSRIs or newer antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, duloxetine, and desvenlafaxine have unique...