Psychotropic drugs and oncology: the doctor talks about the nuances of use .
During the IV Forum of Cancer Patients, Anton Vilenchyk, a psychiatrist at the Israeli Oncology Hospital LISOD, spoke about who can prescribe sedatives and antidepressants to cancer patients, and what the indications should be for prescribing psychotropic drugs in general .
Ukraine , Ukraingate , 3 , February , 2022 | Medicine
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“According to the Law” On Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors “, psychotropic drugs can be prescribed by any doctors or medical institutions licensed by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
But only a psychiatrist has the right to conduct a psychiatric examination and diagnose a mental disorder, according to the Law “On Psychiatric Care”, with the voluntary or involuntary consent of the patient in critical situations, “the doctor explained.
As for the indications for such drugs, they can be used, according to Anton Vilenchik, against the background of the effects of past psychological and physical trauma of children, in cases where relatives had mental disorders, organs and systems affected by tumors that affects the mental state of the patient or to eliminate the side effects of antitumor interventions.
The doctor reminds that psychotropic drugs have side effects that must be taken into account.
“Side effects of psychotropic drugs include the risk of bleeding when taken with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the risk of serotonin syndrome in combination with fentanyl and tramadol, and the risk of mental deterioration,” said the doctor.
Source: Ukrgate