Shows
Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesBeyond Tapering: Supporting Patients Through Benzodiazepine DiscontinuationIn this episode, we discuss the critical challenges of benzodiazepine discontinuation, exploring Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) and effective support strategies for patients experiencing protracted withdrawal. What can clinicians do when over 50% of patients report finding more help from online forums than from medical professionals? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Beyond Benzodiazepine Discontinuation: Understanding Life Effects and Support Strategies
2025-06-2513 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesDemystifying Benzodiazepine Deprescribing: Smart Approaches to TaperingIn this episode, we discuss evidence-based strategies for safely tapering patients off benzodiazepines, including cut-and-hold and microtapering techniques. What's the best approach when commercial dosage forms limit gradual reductions? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CME: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Techniques for Successful Benzodiazepine Tapering
2025-06-1515 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesTapering with Care: Benzodiazepine DiscontinuationIn this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for successful benzodiazepine tapering with addiction psychiatrist Dr. Alexis Ritvo. How can clinicians minimize withdrawal effects while supporting patients through this challenging process? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our membership here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Understanding the Principles of Benzodiazepine Tapering
2025-06-0515 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesBeyond Benzos: Strategies for Successful DeprescribingIn this episode, we explore the complex process of benzodiazepine deprescribing, examining when and how to help patients reduce or discontinue these medications. How can clinicians balance the benefits of deprescription against the challenges of withdrawal? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1.25 CMEs: Strategies for Successful Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Benzodiazepine Deprescription: Indications, Benefits, and Risks
2025-05-2613 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesBenzodiazepines in High-Risk PopulationsIn this episode, we explore the challenges and current guidelines for benzodiazepine use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and adolescence. When is it appropriate to continue benzodiazepines during pregnancy, and what alternatives should clinicians consider? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician's Guide Consequences of Benzodiazepine Use in Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Adolescence
2025-05-1609 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesBenzodiazepines: Understanding Physical Dependence vs. AddictionIn this episode, we explore benzodiazepine use disorder, distinguishing between physical dependence and addiction while examining practical strategies for safe prescribing. Did you know only 1.5% of benzodiazepine users actually develop a use disorder? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician's Guide Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
2025-05-1112 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesWhat Every Clinician Should Know About the Risks of BenzodiazepinesIn this episode, we explore the dangerous risks of benzodiazepine use, focusing on the potentially lethal combination with opioids, cognitive impairment, increased accident risk, and fall hazards. Did you know that benzodiazepines combined with opioids increase overdose risk fivefold in the first 90 days? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician's Guide Understanding the Major Risks of Benzodiazepine Use
2025-05-0109 minPsychopharmacology and Psychiatry UpdatesClinical Pearls for Selecting the Right BenzodiazepineIn this episode, we discuss the appropriate use of benzodiazepines, focusing on evidence-based indications and optimal medication selection. Did you know that alprazolam has unique properties that make it more addictive than other benzodiazepines? Faculty: Alexis Ritvo, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D. Learn more about our memberships here Earn 1 CME: Understanding Benzodiazepine Prescribing: A Clinician's Guide Appropriate Benzodiazepine Use: Indications and Optimal Selection
2025-04-2111 min
unevenA Psychiatrist's Perspective w/ Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Part 2 of 2) | uneven 70Alexis Ritvo MD, MPH is a board-certified psychiatrist at the University of Colorado School Medicine, co-founder of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group, and lead author on the research study that introduced BIND. Join us for this illuminating conversation.
* Part 1 of this discussion was released on our sister podcast, "Benzo Free." Listen to it here: https://blubrry.com/benzofree/141330301/a-psychiatrists-perspective-w-dr-alexis-ritvo-part-1-of-2-benzo-free-141/
CHAPTERS
0:00:00 introduction
0:03:08 Dr. Ritvo's Bio
0:04:53 welcome back
0:04:59 complications of long covid
0:09:18 what are your thoughts on antidepressants?
0:13:57 prescribing ADs for benzo withdrawal
0:15:38 what about insomnia?
0:2...
2025-01-2358 min
The Benzo Free PodcastA Psychiatrist's Perspective w/ Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Part 1 of 2) | Benzo Free 141Alexis Ritvo MD, MPH is a board-certified psychiatrist at the University of Colorado School Medicine, co-founder of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group, and lead author on the research study that introduced BIND. Join us for this illuminating conversation.Part 2 of this discussion was released on our sister podcast, "uneven." Listen to it here:https://uneven.podbean.com/e/a-psychiatrists-perspective-w-dr-alexis-ritvo-part-2-of-2-uneven-70/CHAPTERS0:00:00 Introduction0:03:26 Dr. Ritvo's Bio0:06:30 Tell Us a Bit About Your Family0:08:13 What Interested You in P...
2025-01-2346 minThe Benzo Free PodcastThe BIND Roundtable (Benzodiazepine Survey Research Team)Join the Benzodiazepine Survey Research Team for a lively roundtable discussion about their research, the findings from the survey, and their latest paper which formally introduces the term benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction, or BIND. Benzodiazepine use and discontinuation are associated with nervous system injury and negative life effects that continue after discontinuation, according to the article “Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey” published June 29, 2023, in the open access journal PLOS ONE.The research team in attendance includes A. J. Reid Finlayson, MD, D E Foster, BA, Christy Huff, MD, P...
2023-06-3054 min
The Literary License PodcastSeason 6: Episode 287 - M&M: The Little Girl Who Lived Down The Lane/Alice Sweet AliceThe Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976)
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane is a 1976 cross-genre film directed by Nicolas Gessner and starring Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen, Alexis Smith, Mort Shuman, and Scott Jacoby. It was a co-production of Canada and France and written by Laird Koenig, based on his 1974 novel of the same title. The plot focuses on 13-year-old Rynn Jacobs (Foster), a child whose absent poet father and secretive behaviours prod the suspicions of her conservative small-town Maine neighbours. The adaptation, originally intended as a play, was filmed in Quebec on a small b...
2023-01-283h 26
Compass Opioid Stewardship Expert SpotlightBenzodiazepine Tapering: An Interview with Dr. Alexis RitvoHost Rachael Duncan, PharmD sits down with Alexis Ritvo, MD, an assistant professor at CU Anschutz School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Program Director at Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Colorado to discuss all things benzodiazepines. Tune in to learn about tapering strategies, polypharma interactions and increased risks involving benzodiazepines and much more. Iowa Healthcare Collaborative presents the Compass Opioid Stewardship Expert Spotlight podcast in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Visit their website for more information on the Compass Opioid Stewardship Program. Resources: Sleepwell: Online CBTi r...
2022-06-031h 17The Benzo Free PodcastA Psychiatrist’s Perspective: Conversation with Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Part 2 of 2)Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group.In Part II of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of the benzo experience that so many of us face as patients. We discuss how to find a doctor, the return of emotions, finding confidence and a stable mindset, therapy, mindfulness, and even the mammalian diving reflex. Lots of great info. Please...
2022-02-0154 minThe Benzo Free PodcastA Psychiatrist’s Perspective: Conversation with Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Part 1 of 2)Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group.In Part I of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of benzo advocacy and outreach. We discuss ongoing work in the benzo community including guidance documentation, prescriber education, peer support training, and so much more. I hope you enjoy it. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-1-of-2-bfp096...
2022-02-0149 min