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) From the President: Valuing our most vulnerable
Pharmacists spending more time on the ground in aged care has become an urgent priority.
It is often said that a measure of civilisation...
Aged care royal commission welcomed by pharmacist sector
Following distressing reports of inappropriate medicine use in aged care homes, PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson has welcomed a royal commission into the...
Digital presence for remote community pharmacies
I own a remote community pharmacy in WA. Is there a need for my pharmacy to have a digital or online presence?
In the 20th...
Beyond the spin: diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options for vertigo
Dizziness or vertigo can be burdensome to the extent that it significantly impacts quality of life, and in older people, this symptom alone may increase the risk of falls.
From the President: What opportunities have been unlocked?
PSA’s flagship plan Pharmacists in 2023 outlines system changes needed to unlock opportunities for pharmacists to be the best they can be.
Allergic rhinitis management
Are you aware that untreated allergic rhinitis (AR) can result in impaired driving performance similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.5% due to...
