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) Acute care opioid prescribing overhauled
A new standard of care will help to prevent long-term reliance on opioid analgesics used for acute pain.
Friar’s Balsam has a place in modern life
From its 18th century origins to modern uses, Friar's Balsam has continued to be a multi-purpose medicine.
Making antidepressant tapering safer and easier
In a significant advancement for patient-centred care, a team of pharmacists is reshaping the landscape of antidepressant deprescribing.
Stepping down safely: deprescribing gabapentinoids in practice
Pregabalin is used beyond its approved indications. Safety concerns means the focus is shifting to individualised deprescribing strategies.
Prescription rule changes to support telehealth
Australia’s Chief Health Officer has approved an amendment to PBS prescription requirements for telehealth consultations as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 response.
Could this medicine revolutionise schizophrenia treatment?
Working on a new mechanism of action, this treatment could change the lives of patients with schizophrenia. But not all patients can take it.
