ABOUT COURSE
This course provides a deep dive into Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound in cannabis known for its therapeutic psychiatric potential without the psychoactive effects of THC.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
- This course aims to enhance the clinical skills of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers, equipping them with the knowledge to prescribe and manage Cannabidiol therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about the brand names under which Cannabidiol is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Cannabidiol is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Cannabidiol.
- Know the dosages for all potential off-label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Cannabidiol in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Cannabidiol correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Cannabidiol.
- Understand how Cannabidiol works in the brain to treat various conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Cannabidiol on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Cannabidiol is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about distribution of Cannabidiol in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss metabolism of Cannabidiol .
- Elimination: Understand how Cannabidiol is eliminated from the body.
- Half-life: Know the half life of Cannabidiol and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Cannabidiol and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Cannabidiol due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Cannabidiol.
- Understand potential life threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn about the conditions under which Cannabidiol should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with a partial response to Cannabidiol.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Cannabidiol therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests for patients on Cannabidiol.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Cannabidiol.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of Cannabidiol overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies.
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Cannabidiol to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow best protocols for safely tapering Cannabidiol.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Cannabidiol to special populations such as Pregnancy, Lactation, Hepatic Impairment, Renal Impairment, Cardiac Impairment, Elderly and Children.
- Tailor Cannabidiol dosage considering unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Cannabidiol use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand key facts about Cannabidiol based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
