Pharmacotherapy

Every medication available on the US market may be prescribed by Dr. Tendler, including long-acting injectable antipsychotics (haloperidol decanoate, fluphenazine decanoate, aripiprazole, paliperidone, and olanzapine). Absolute neutrophil count monitoring via finger stick for clozapine patients is conveniently available in the office. Dr. Tendler generally does not prescribe opioids in combination with sedative hypnotics (because there is a risk of respiratory suppression), stimulants in combination with sedatives (because they have opposing actions), and stimulants to daily marijuana users (because they have opposing cognitive effects). Exceptions are made when patients have documented failures with safer combinations as long as they are functioning well on the riskier medication combination. Dr. Tendler’s philosophy is that if a patient is not functioning well, they must be willing to change their treatment regimen to remain in the practice.