A 38-year-old man with MDD and hypertension is started on venlafaxine 75 mg. At follow-up, his BP is 160/100 (baseline 130/80). What is the BEST next step?

A 33-year-old with ADHD asks about misuse potential differences. Which formulation generally carries LOWER misuse risk?

A pregnant patient with schizophrenia is stable on an antipsychotic but is concerned about fetal safety. Which antipsychotic has the longest history of use and is often considered when an antipsychotic is necessary in pregnancy?

A 23-year-old uses nicotine daily and wants the most effective pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. Which medication has strong evidence and is not a controlled substance?

A patient with bipolar disorder is pregnant and asks which mood stabilizer carries the highest teratogenic risk, especially neural tube defects. Which medication is MOST concerning?

A 45-year-old with OUD on buprenorphine requires surgery. Which perioperative plan best reflects safe, evidence-based practice?

A 76-year-old with depression and insomnia takes multiple medications (antihypertensives, anticoagulant, diabetes meds). The PMHNP considers adding a sedative-hypnotic. Which risk is MOST heightened in older adults and should guide prescribing?

A 55-year-old woman asks why benzodiazepines “calm her down so fast.” You explain that benzodiazepines:

A 9-year-old boy meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, combined presentation. Symptoms are impairing at school and home despite behavioral interventions. No cardiac history and normal vitals. Which medication class is considered first-line for ADHD?

A patient starting buprenorphine asks why timing matters. Which property of buprenorphine explains the risk of precipitated withdrawal if started too early?