Are PCPs comfortable with using atypical neuroleptics?
Atypical neuroleptics are very expensive drugs; however, they are fairly safe. They are mostly used by patients with bipolar disorder who are dealing with a manic phase or mood disorder. Atypical neuroleptics may be prescribed to patients who have an extremely agitated type of depression. As PCPs, we have to make a decision over two issues. We first need to determine whether the patient should be referred to a psychiatrist. Another issue concerns the addition of an atypical neuroleptic to a patient’s treatment. If the patient’s condition is severe, I would refer him or her to a psychiatrist. However, since contacting and meeting with a psychiatrist is difficult to do, I may try the medication and evaluate how it affects the patient.