A new CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for pain recently became available. Nonopioid drugs for pain were reviewed in a previous issue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using insect repellents to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods that transmit disease-causing pathogens. Repellents applied to exposed skin should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting times. Some insect repellents are listed in Table 1.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but cognitive decline also occurs in other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy.

Nonopioid drugs can be used in the treatment of many nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions. For severe pain, especially severe chronic cancer pain, use of opioids may be necessary. Noninvasive nonpharmacologic treatments, including physical and psychological therapies, have been shown to improve pain and function in patients with some common chronic pain conditions and are unlikely to cause serious harms. A multimodal approach to analgesic therapy can increase pain control while reducing opioid use and adverse effects.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common chronic neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in school-age children that frequently persists into adulthood.Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD has been associated with reduced risks of substance abuse, criminal behavior, unintentional injuries, serious traffic accidents, and all-cause mortality. Drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD are listed in Table 1.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends certain vaccines for adults residing in the US. The American Academy of Family Physicians has also recently published an adult immunization schedule. Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza will be reviewed separately.

When used for the appropriate seizure type, antiseizure medications (ASMs) are roughly equivalent in efficacy. In addition to the seizure type, the choice of drug is usually based on factors such as ease of use, spectrum of activity, adverse effects, interactions with other drugs, presence of comorbid conditions, suitability for elderly persons and those with childbearing potential, and cost. Treatment should begin with a single drug, increasing the dosage gradually until seizures are controlled or adverse effects become unacceptable. If seizures persist, expert clinicians generally...

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons ≥6 months old without a contraindication. Influenza vaccines available this season in the US are listed in Table 3.