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SwitchRX: Online Medication Switching Tool

Prescribed medications, together with counselling and other services and supports, can address many people’s mental health issues. However, over time, prescriptions may change, or dosages may need adjusting.

As research on prescribed medications continues to evolve, physicians and other primary health care providers need access to resources that provide the most up-to-date explanations, treatment plans, and information on potential behavioural and physical side effects relating to switching medications. 

Quick access to these resources can help health care providers better address people’s needs and help mitigate potential side effects from new medications or adjusted doses.

SwitchRx

SwitchRx is an online tool that provides the most current, up-to-date and helpful information on prescriptions. More than 40,000 health care professionals access the SwitchRx website, which offers resources such as the following:

  • Tapering schedules
  • Recommended doses
  • Information on body effects and absorption
  • Potential precautions to consider
  • Clinical tips

Developed by a BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services researcher

Dr. Ric M. Procyshyn, a BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services researcher and a clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at UBC, is the co-developer of the SwitchRx website.

Dr. Procyshyn brings his research, expertise and knowledge to the SwitchRx website at no cost to support clinicians in helping their patients. Given he can’t answer questions individually, he’s hopeful that the SwitchRx website can help provide answers and guidance to care providers as they adjust treatment regimes to better address their clients’ and patients’ health needs.

Screenshot of SwitchRx website

Resource guide on psychotropic drugs

Dr. Procyshyn is also an editor for the popular and well-referenced Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs.

It is a user-friendly practical resource for health care providers with content derived from various forms of published literature, including randomized controlled trials, and scientific data such as:

  • Pharmacokinetic trials
  • Cohort trials
  • Case series
  • Case reports
  • Data from leading clinical experts to provide evidence-based, clinically relevant information to help guide patient care decisions
The handbook has received more than 600 citations in research publications.

If the information can’t be found in the handbook or on SwitchRx, Dr. Procyshyn provides clinical consults on the impacts from moving from one drug to another.

SOURCE: SwitchRX: Online Medication Switching Tool ( )
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