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Since the end of 2019, the global spread of COVID-19 has represented a historic event that changed our way of treating patients globally. The use of long-acting injections (LAI) antipsychotics was emphasized. Our goal was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the frequency of prescribing LAI and compare it with a period before. All patients (198) who started LAI-risperidone or LAIpaliperidone for the period 2017-2022, in Kragujevac, the city in Central Serbia, were considered. The frequency of prescribing LAI before and during COVID-19 and the total number of prescribed LAI per year were compared. Separately, the frequency of prescribing LAI-R and the frequency of prescribing LAI-P were compared. The significant (p < 0,05) increase in the use of LAI risperidone and paliperidone was in 2020 and 2021 [per year 2017(3), 2018(6), 2019(26), 2020(75), 2021(55), and 2022(33)]. The significant (p < 0,05) increase in monthly and quarterly preparations of LAI paliperidone was in 2020 and 2021 relative to the years before the pandemic. As the pandemic weakened, the inclusion of LAI paliperidone therapy weakened during 2022. A significant increase in usage of LAI risperidone was in 2022, and in 2020 and 2021 was as it was in the period 2017-2019. During COVID-19, especially in years when COVID-19 restriction measures were stricter, there was a significant change in the application method of antipsychotic therapy in favor of LAI. Regardless of the increase in treatment costs, patients' interests and protection were prioritized in the treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risperidone is one of the most commonly used antipsychotics (AP), due to its safety and efficacy in reducing psychotic symptoms. Despite the favorable side effect profile, the therapy is accompanied by side effects due to the non-selectivity of this medicine. This review will briefly highlight the most important basic and clinical findings in this area, consider the clinical effects of AP-induced hyperprolactinemia (HPL), and suggest different approaches to the treatment.The route of application of this drug primarily affects the daily variation and the total concentration of drug levels in the blood, which consequently affects the appearance of side effects, either worsening or even reducing them. Our attention has been drawn to HPL, a frequent but neglected adverse effect observed in cases treated with Risperidone and its secondary manifestations. An increase in prolactin levels above the reference values result in impairment of other somatic functions (lactation, irregular menses, fertility) as well as a significant reduction in quality of life. It has been frequently shown that the side effects of the Risperidone are the most common cause of non-compliance with therapy, resulting in worsening of psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization. However, the mechanism of Risperidone-induced HPL is complicated and still far from fully understood. Most of the preclinical and clinical studies described in this study show that hyperprolactinemia is one of the most common if not the leading side effect of Risperidone therefore to improve the quality of life of these patients, clinicians must recognize and treat HPL associated with the use of these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the abuse of addictive prescription medicines in Serbia and include information on the national health care system, health reform and the pharmaceutical industry in the country.

The article looks at the accessibility and affordability of alcohol dependency medical care in Serbia. It explores the prevalence of full scale dependency and associated disorders in Serbia, with an emphasis on its lack of systematic morbidity and mortality registries for some leading prosperity diseases. Also tackled is the work load and economic burden of mental illness for the National Health System and the challenge of medical care affordability to the public.

The author discusses the regulatory issues concerning the periodical audit of the composition of electronic cigarette cartridges.