Table 1 – Types of vertigo (non-exhaustive list)[/caption]
Vomiting
In older people, dizziness significantly increases the risk of falls.7 Implementing appropriate interventions to address modifiable risk factors such as dizziness is of paramount importance. In cases of drug-induced dizziness, deprescribing can be considered if the medicine can be safely reduced, discontinued or substituted to prevent inappropriate prescribing cascades of potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM), especially in the context of older people.29
A national education program for pharmacists funded by the Australian Government under the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology program.[/caption]
The hypothalamus houses neurons that produce neuropeptides called orexin A and B, which were discovered in 1998, and represent one of the most exciting discoveries in sleep medicine.5,13–15 Orexin-producing neurons help us stay awake and alert, especially when we really need to focus, which is critical for survival.5,14 These neurons reach out to many brain areas that use other wakefulness messengers such as acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. These areas ‘talk back’ to the hypothalamus, to further boost wakefulness signals.5 Similarly, the thalamus is an important region that also serves to relay wakefulness signals from the RAS.5
Another dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), vornorexant*, is under development and currently undergoing clinical trials.28 
Other medicines such as dimdazenil* (partial positive allosteric modulator at GABAA specific to alpha-1 and alpha-5 GABAA receptor subtypes)41 and zuranolone* (positive allosteric modulator for GABAA) have also been tested, with positive outcomes in trials. Zuranolone* is marketed overseas specifically for postnatal depression, but clinical trials for its use in insomnia are ongoing.40
Kristy Carter (she/her)
Louise Edwards (she/her) Can I have some sleeping tablets for my morning sickness?
Sedating antihistamines have long been known to have an anti-nausea effect on humans as H1 receptor histamine antagonists.
Meet 9 female pharmacists leading the profession
To celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March), AP speaks to nine successful Australian female pharmacists.
Common antibiotics linked to life-changing psychiatric effects
The Therapeutic Goods Administration issued an alert over a commonly used of broad-spectrum class of antibiotics.
Are you prepared for the new ODT program?
The new Opioid Dependence Treatment Program kicks off on 1 July. Here's the steps you need to take before, during and after the transition.
Pharmacists to deliver COVID-19 vaccine
Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced last week that pharmacists will be involved in the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy, starting from Phase 2a.
Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for use as a booster dose for adults.
