A Primer of Drug Action by Robert M. Julien

From the Publisher

From its first edition 30 years ago, Robert Julien’s A Primer of Drug Action has evolved side by side with the field it covers, capturing the current state of the science of psychopharmacology with each new edition.
Furthering that tradition, the new edition takes its place as the definitive guide to the pharmacology of drugs that affect the mind and behavior as understood today.  With over 40% new research citations, there is no clearer, more current presentation available on the mechanisms of drug action, etiologies of major psychological disorders, rationales for drug treatment, and the uses of psychopharmacology in patient care.

Zafeer Barki

This is the eighth edition of a book describing the mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects of psychotropic medications. The book also offers a good discussion of drugs of abuse. The purpose of this book is to provide pharmacological information in a clear and concise manner. The book successfully meets its objective of providing relevant information in plain English. Intended mainly for non-physicians, such as psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors, this is also a useful book for residents and medical students. Certain chapters are well illustrated, more so than others. However, it would be nice to have more tables for a quick reference. References in the book are pertinent and up-to-date. What makes this book stand out from others is its presentation of a complex subject, particularly the discussion of the mechanisms of action of medications and drugs of abuse, in a very readable format and language. This book is a good introduction to psychopharmacology and drugs of abuse, including alcohol. It is very useful for professionals in allied health sciences. The book can also be a good quick reference for the busy physician if more tables can be added to supplement the text. The space for these tables can be created by getting rid of Appendixes I and II, which I feel do not belong in this book.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Zafeer Barki, MD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This is the eighth edition of a book describing the mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects of psychotropic medications. The book also offers a good discussion of drugs of abuse.
Purpose:The purpose of this book is to provide pharmacological information in a clear and concise manner. The book successfully meets its objective of providing relevant information in plain English.
Audience:Intended mainly for non-physicians, such as psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors, this is also a useful book for residents and medical students.
Features:Certain chapters are well illustrated, more so than others. However, it would be nice to have more tables for a quick reference. References in the book are pertinent and up-to-date. What makes this book stand out from others is its presentation of a complex subject, particularly the discussion of the mechanisms of action of medications and drugs of abuse, in a very readable format and language.
Assessment:This book is a good introduction to psychopharmacology and drugs of abuse, including alcohol. It is very useful for professionals in allied health sciences. The book can also be a good quick reference for the busy physician if more tables can be added to supplement the text. The space for these tables can be created by getting rid of Appendixes I and II, which I feel do not belong in this book.

Booknews

From his home in Portland, Oregon, physician and pharmacologist Julien has updated his guide about every three years since 1975. Over 40% of his references here are to material published since the 1998 edition. He writes for readers with little background in biology or pharmacology, though more advanced readers will also find new information. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rating

4 Stars! from Doody

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents