April 2025 Archive — Erlotinib case study, naproxen alternatives, and Escitalopram options
April brought three focused, practical pieces to PharmNet. Each one is written for people who want straightforward help: a real-world erlotinib case for leptomeningeal metastases, a clear comparison of eight naproxen substitutes for pain relief, and an updated look at eight alternatives to escitalopram for depression in 2025. If you skim for what matters, this page sums up the findings and what you can do next.
Key takeaways from each post
The erlotinib case study walks through treatment of leptomeningeal metastases in an EGFR-positive lung cancer patient. It explains how erlotinib works as an EGFR inhibitor, why it can help when cancer reaches the meninges, what dose adjustments were used, and which side effects to watch for—rash, diarrhea, and liver enzyme changes. The article uses recent data to show that some patients have meaningful neurologic improvement, though responses vary and close monitoring matters.
The naproxen alternatives piece lists eight real options so you can match pain relief to your needs. It covers safer over-the-counter picks like acetaminophen for people who can’t take NSAIDs, other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, a selective COX-2 option (celecoxib) when stomach issues are a concern, topical NSAIDs for localized pain, low-dose opioids for short-term severe pain, certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants used for chronic pain, and non-drug choices like physical therapy and injection therapies. Each option includes pros, cons, and when to talk to a doctor.
The Escitalopram alternatives guide lists eight viable choices for 2025, focusing on how they differ in side effects and what symptoms they best treat. Expect comparisons of vortioxetine (Trintellix) for cognitive symptoms, sertraline and fluoxetine for broad-spectrum efficacy, SNRIs like venlafaxine for energy and pain, bupropion when sexual side effects are a concern, and mirtazapine when sleep and appetite need help. The piece helps you weigh switching vs. augmenting and flags common interaction issues.
How to use these articles
If you’re a patient: read the full post that matches your concern, jot down specific questions about risks and monitoring, and bring them to your clinician. If you’re a caregiver: focus on warning signs listed in the erlotinib case and the safe-use tips for pain medicines. If you’re a clinician or student: the posts give practical examples and up-to-date options you can apply or investigate further.
Each April article aims to be actionable: clear steps, expected effects, and safety notes. If you want a deeper summary of any single post, click through the title links on this archive page to get the full breakdown, dosing details, and references used in the original pieces.
