Chawla, et al.: Drug Utilization Study of Psychotropic DrugsAvailability and utilization of a wide variety of psychotropic drugs is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse drug reactions. To ensure the rational use of psychotropic drugs, it is imperative to monitor their pattern of use. The present study mainly focuses on the pattern of utilization of psychotropic drugs among psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary care hospital. A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in the psychiatry outpatient department from January to December 2012. A total of 600 cases were studied. Demographic and drug related information was collected. With respect to the psychotropic drug utilization, sedative-hypnotics (42.9 %) were the most commonly prescribed group of psychotropic drugs followed by antidepressants (31.8 %), antipsychotics (19.6 %) and mood stabilizers (5.6 %). Among the sedative hypnotics, clonazepam (51.1 %) and amongst antidepressants, sertraline (28.9 %) and fluoxetine (17.3 %) were the most frequently utilized. The prescription of atypical antipsychotics like risperidone (41 %) and olanzapine (39.8 %) was predominant (95.4 %) over the typical ones. Valproate (54.7 %) was observed to have surpassed the use of lithium (32 %) as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorders. A substantial increase in the use of anticonvulsants as mood stabilizers was observed. The use of the psychotropic drugs for different indications was in accordance to the current recommendations and guidelines. Newer drugs were being prescribed more often as compared to the conventional medications owing to their better safety and tolerability profiles. The psychotropic drug use in the health facility was a combination of rational and effective practice.

A case report of 32 years old male presented to the drug addiction OPD and treatment center for the withdrawal symptoms of mephentermine.  Mephentermine a synthetic derivative of amphetamines with cardiac stimulatory action is been misused for boast of endurance in bodybuilders. Abuse of mephentermine result in psychosis, cardiovascular disorder and development of tolerance and dependence over time. Given its potential of causing harm, the abuse and dependence liability of mephentermine needs to be highlighted to gym instructors and general public.

INTRODUCTIONPharmacology, is an ever-changing medical subject like other branches of medical sciences. It is a significant subject, included in the third, fourth and fifth semesters of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum in India and is horizontally integrated with other second year subjects like Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine. Pharmacology is a subject, which has to be learnt thoroughly in order to treat patients effectively. It serves as a foundation stone for clinical practice. Currently teaching of pharmacology in the medical curriculum especially in India is primarily drug-centred and imparts factual knowledge instead of therapeutic skills. 2As opposed to traditional and passive didactic lectures, active-learning strategies address the educational content in an interactive learning environment to develop interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills needed by future doctors to function effectively in their new roles. 3 ABSTRACT Background: Pharmacology is one of the most clinically applied subjects which are highly volatile. Hence new methodologies have to be introduced in medical curriculum which must be in line with the students' preferences. The study aimed to determine the opinion of students regarding the teaching of pharmacology, the best way of knowing and retaining the subject and application of the subject in future practice. Methods: The study will be conducted at private Medical college in Mangalore. It is an observational, KAP cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Convenient sampling method is used in which 140 Second year MBBS students were enrolled. SPSS version 21 was used to generate tables and graphs. Results of the study are based on descriptive statistics. Results: Questions which were not answered were taken as invalid response. Results show that majority preferred newer learning methodology, case-based learning, integrated teaching were more appealing, and peer associated teaching like group discussion was better for applied topics. Attitude of students in learning has shifted from traditional text book to the recent concept of knowledge sharing. Conclusions:In general students' perceptions regarding learning pharmacology was observed to be positive. The study highlights the need for interactive teaching. Practical sessions can be used to teach basic concepts and rational use of drugs. Knowledge seeking behaviour needs improvisation by teacher.

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