A Primer of Drug Action - Softcover

The Author
Robert M. Julien, M.D., received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Washington and his Medical Degree from the University of California at Irvine.  His many research articles focus on the psychopharmacology of sedative and antiepileptic drugs.  Previously an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology at the Oregon Health Sciences University, he currently practices anesthesiology in Portland, Oregon. New Contributors
Claire D. Advokat, professor of psychology at LSU, received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University.  Her primary interest is in understanding the clinical effectiveness and the mechanism of action of drugs used in the treatment of mental illness, such as the antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics. Joseph Comaty, Adjunct Professor at LSU, received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine.  His primary area of research is clinical psychopharmacology.  In particular, he is interested in the study of the clinical treatment for the major psychiatric disorders of schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder.

"A complete, unbiased, and professional review of psychoactive drugs."--"American Journal of Psychiatry "A concise, easily readable guide to actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs . . . This book covers general principles of each class of psychoactive drugs and specific information about each drug within that class. It looks at mechanisms of action, theories about etiologies of major psychological disorders and rationale for drug treatment, and uses and limitations of psychopharmacology. It also includes basic explanations of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Drugs of compulsive use are emphasized. Each of the 20 chapters examines current and future directions in drug research (including drugs not yet available for clinical use). An interesting new chapter on herbal medications has been added. A brief glossary is included. This is a bold attempt to capture the explosion of knowledge about psychoactive substances . . . This is a good, comprehensive review that has organized and presented a massive amount of often disparate information into a comprehensible, easy to use book."--Nancy Schell, MD (Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center), "Doody Review Services "Since the primer's first edition 20 years ago, much has been learned about psychoactive drugs, their use in the treatment of mental disorders, and their potential for misuse. Chapters cover principles of drug action, properties of specific drugs, pharmacotherapy for various disorders, and societal issues. The primer's goal is to present information in clear language, free of jargon, for students and general readers, though scholarly syntax is the norm throughout."-- "Book News "This in-depthsurvey of the effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior includes an expanded discussion of drug action and new discoveries in psychopharmacology since 1975. Surprisingly simple language lend insights to details on the actions, uses and side effects of these drugs. A valuable . . . reference addition."-- "Midwest Book Review