Seizure control and complications in patients switching from clobazam to clonazepam due to drug shortage.

BACKGROUND: Antiseizure medication (ASM) shortages are a global problem that have a negative impact on outcomes such as seizure control in patients with epilepsy (PWE). In the case of clobazam (CLB) shortage, there is no study regarding the management strategy. This study aims to investigate the alteration in seizure frequency and the occurrence of side effects in PWE undergoing an abrupt switch from clobazam (CLB) to clonazepam (CLZ), during CLB shortage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from electronic health records at our neurology outpatient clinic from January to July 2022. Change in seizure frequency and percentage of CLZ-associated side effects were determined as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Potential drug-drug interactions (Level C and above) were evaluated by using Lexicomp Drug Interaction Checker. RESULTS: The analysis included a total of 29 adult patients (15F, median age: 29). The switching ratio was 10 mg CLB for every 1 mg CLZ (10:1). Seizure frequency was higher during the CLZ period compared to the CLB period (p < 0.05), but no status epilepticus cases were observed. All patients exhibited potential drug-drug interactions, leading to reduced CLZ levels in 12 cases. A total of 36 CLZ-associated side effects were identified, with fatigue (19.4 %), drowsiness (16.6 %), and somnolence (13.8 %) being the most prevalent. A positive and strong correlation was found between CLZ dose and the number of side effects (r: 0.556; p: 0.002). CONCLUSION: The abrupt switch from CLB to CLZ was observed to increase seizure frequency without leading to status epilepticus in PWE. CLZ-associated side effects were found to be tolerable despite the abrupt switch. Future studies may explore the effect of alternative switching ratios.

Education and clinical pharmacist-led management strategies for the risk and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in general surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite the risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients are well defined, primary thromboprophylaxis (TP) can be neglected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of VTE and appropriateness of TP and to assess the effects of education and clinical pharmacy (CP) services. METHODS: This study was conducted in a total of 3 periods (n = 800): pre-education (n = 340), post-education (n = 269) and CP intervention period (n = 191) and the risk of VTE and the appropriateness of TP were evaluated. At the end of pre-education period, patients were re-evaluated after education was given about the guidelines on TP and an educative poster was posted in the services (post-education period). During the CP intervention period, the CP made recommendations in terms of optimal TP use to the physicians in charge. RESULTS: While there was no significant difference in the optimal TP rate administered to the patients before and after education (138/340, 40.6% vs. 122/269, 45.4%; p = 0.238); this rate was increased to 113/191 (59.2%) in the CP intervention period (p = 0.004). High-risk patients who received one type of TP constituted the majority of patients who did not receive optimal TP. While the ratio of high-risk patients undergoing a single type of TP in the pre- and post-education periods (104/340, 30.6% vs. 83/269, 30.9%), was similar (p = 0.819); with the CP interventions, this rate was reduced to 35/191 (18.3%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Even though education has positive influence on surgeons, the implementation of CP practices is more effective especially in terms of maintaining optimal TP.

Adherence to epilepsy quality indicators in a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: Quality indicators play an important role in healthcare quality and patient safety. The aim of this study is to identify specific clinical pharmacy interventions to improve adherence to quality indicators and minimize risks among patients with epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, two-phase, observational study was conducted in a neurology outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital. In the first phase of the study, the rate of adherence to the quality indicators was evaluated with a checklist containing the quality indicators. In the second phase of the study, an expert panel meeting was convened to identify clinical pharmacist interventions to reduce the risks associated with non-adherence. The Fine-Kinney method was used to prioritize risks, and adherence rates with each quality improvement indicator (QI) were calculated. RESULTS: The study found that adherence rates were highest for QIs involving estimating the number and type of seizures, providing medical treatment or referring patients with evidence of mood disorders to mental healthcare, and co-managing prenatal care for women with epilepsy. The most non-adherence rates were found in QIs involving quality-of-life assessment, daily folate supplementation, and addressing the decreased effectiveness of oral contraception. The annual review of information about educational issues was also poorly provided. An expert panel decided to integrate a clinical pharmacist into the outpatient clinic to improve medication adherence, side-effect assessment, drug interaction assessment, patient education, lifestyle-modification education, depression/suicide-related behavior screening, quality-of-life assessment, and effectiveness evaluation of oral contraceptives for female patients using enzyme-inducing ASM. CONCLUSION: The study shows that medication adherence, assessment of side effects, drug interactions, and patient education are inadequately provided by neurologists in patients with epilepsy. Clinical pharmacists have a crucial role in reducing potential risks of non-adherence with quality indicators. By integrating clinical pharmacy services into routine epilepsy care processes, the quality of care can be improved. Future studies should focus on implementing these interventions and evaluating their impact on patient outcomes.

Clinical pharmacist-led assessment and management of anticholinergic burden and fall risk in geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the risk of fall with the surrogate outcome of the Aachen Falls Prevention Scale and to assess the clinical pharmacist interventions in order to minimize anticholinergic drug burden and associated risk of fall according to a fall risk assessment scale in the older adults. METHODS: Patients who admitted to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital and taking at least one anticholinergic drug were evaluated both retrospectively and prospectively as groups of different patients by the clinical pharmacist. Patients' anticholinergic burden was assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale. For fall risk assessment, the Aachen Falls Prevention Scale was also administered to each patient whose anticholinergic burden was determined in the prospective phase of the study. RESULTS: A total of 601 patients were included. Risk of falls increased 2.50 times in patients with high anticholinergic burden (OR (95% CI) = 2.503 (1.071-5.852); p = 0.034), and the existing history of falls increased the risk of high anticholinergic burden 2.02 times (OR (95%CI) = 2.026 (1.059-3.876); p = 0.033). In addition, each unit increase in the fall scale score in the prospective phase increased the risk of high anticholinergic burden by 22% (p = 0.028). Anticholinergic burden was significantly reduced as a result of interventions by the clinical pharmacist in the prospective phase (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that incorporating a clinical pharmacist in the handling of geriatric patients aids in the detection, reduction, and prevention of anticholinergic adverse effects.

Clinical pharmacist's contribution to treatment adherence and quality of life in patients with stroke.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The optimal treatment adherence rate among patients with stroke is low. This study aims to determine the effect of clinical pharmacists' intervention on treatment adherence and quality of life (QOL) in patients with first-ever stroke. RESEARCH DESIGN: This open, controlled, prospective and interventional study was conducted sequentially at two different university hospitals for 3 months. Patients in the intervention group (IG) were provided with clinical pharmacist-led education whereas the control group (CG) only received routine care. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Treatment adherence and QOL were assessed on discharge day, and in months 1 and 3 after discharge. Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale were employed to evaluate treatment adherence and QOL, respectively. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Changes in treatment adherence score were higher between discharge day, 1st and 3rd months after discharge in IG than CG (p < 0.001). Regarding 'energy' and 'work/productivity' domains, patients' scores in IG were higher than those from CG at months 1 and 3 after discharge (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical pharmacist-led education improves treatment adherence in patients with first-ever stroke. The clinical pharmacist might be integrated into the multidisciplinary team to improve QOL and treatment adherence.

Factors associated with intention of clinical pharmacists and candidates to provide pharmaceutical care: application of theory planned behaviour.

BACKGROUND: Postgraduate education programs in clinical pharmacy have become widespread in Türkiye. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the intention of Turkish clinical pharmacists and candidates (who were graduates and students of postgraduate clinical pharmacy programs) to provide pharmaceutical care. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted between June 2021 and May 2022. After searching relevant studies, an expert panel discussion, translation, cultural adaptation, and a pilot study developed a 52-item Turkish scale based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP). Cronbach alpha for each construct was calculated after an explanatory factor and test-retest reliability analysis. An online survey link was sent to all graduates or candidates of postgraduate clinical pharmacy programs in Türkiye. After univariate regression analysis, the multiple linear regression model was performed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six participants completed the survey (response rate: 59.1%). The Cronbach's alpha for attitude (9 items), subjective norm (6 items), perceived behavioural control (5 items), self-efficacy (6 items), intention (11 items) and past behaviour (15 items) were 0.945, 0.720, 0.751, 0.864, 0.934 and 0.955 respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis found a higher score of the subjective norm (p = 0.016), a higher score of self-efficacy (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001) and having PhD (p = 0.038) were associated with increased intention score. CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that higher self efficacy and positive beliefs of their peers and other healthcare professionals were associated with their higher intention score for providing pharmaceutical care. Younger age and having a PhD were other factors associated with their intention to provide pharmaceutical care.

A retrospective study: Can dual ART mitigate the risk of potential drug-drug interactions among PLWH under stable ART?

Background/aim: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are getting older. Age-related comorbidities in PLWH result in polypharmacy and increase the risk for potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs). This study aimed to evaluate how the rate of pDDIs would change if the treatment of patients receiving different combined antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) were theoretically changed with dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG+3TC) or cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB+RPV). Materials and methods: This study was conducted at the infectious disease outpatient clinic of a university hospital as a follow-up of a previous study. The data of PLWH receiving at least 1 comedication other than antiretrovirals (ARVs) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The Drugs.com/Drug Interactions Checker and University of Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker databases were used to identify pDDIs and their severities. Results: A total of 75 PLWH, of whom 83% were male, with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 46.5 (±12.98) years were included. Polypharmacy was observed in 59 (79%) of the participants; however, with dual ARV options, the probability of polypharmacy was 35 (47%) (p < 0.001). In the Drugs.com database, no significant difference was found in terms of pDDIs between the treatment of current ARTs (64%) and DTG/3TC (%44) (p = 0.06) or CAB/RPV (%64) (p = 0.521). However, in the University of Liverpool database, the current rate of pDDIs (55%) was significantly higher compared to the theoretical treatment of DTG/3TC (40%) (p = 0.029), oral CAB/RPV (48%) (p = 0.003), and injectable CAB/RPV (31%) use (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The results suggest that dual treatment regimens can reduce pDDIs, resulting in better tolerance and probably higher quality of life among PLWH.

Liposomal amphotericin B related late-onset hyperphosphatemia in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at risk for serious electrolyte abnormalities. CASE REPORT: We reported a case of hyperphosphatemia in a child with acute myeloid leukemia who received liposomal amphotericin B (AMBL) for the treatment of an invasive fungal infection. The findings of this case suggest that cumulative dose accumulation due to long term AMBL treatment may result in late-onset hyperphosphatemia. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: This is the first case report in the literature that of late-onset hyperphosphatemia (day 56) in a patient with low-dose AMBL treatment (3-5 mg/kg/day) and normal renal function. DISCUSSION: We highlight the importance of increasing awareness of AMBL related hyperphosphatemia among healthcare providers.

The role of the clinical pharmacist in the prevention of drug-induced acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disorder that is commonly seen in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and has a detrimental impact on the patients' clinical prognosis. Although a variety of factors contribute to the development of AKI in patients, drug-induced AKI is a common occurrence in the ICU. With the widespread availability of clinical pharmacy services, the clinical pharmacist's consultation service to the healthcare team aids in the resolution of drug-related issues and the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes. The involvement of a clinical pharmacist in the ICU team is expected to minimize the incidence of drug-induced AKI and enhance therapeutic results. Therefore, the goal of our study was to demonstrate the impact of having a clinical pharmacist on the occurrence, stages, and treatment of AKI. METHODS: The study included two patient groups: intervention (n = 75) (IG) and control (n = 75) (CG) groups. The clinical pharmacist has made recommendations to the ICU team regarding the treatment of IG patients on drug selection, drug administration routes, drug dose adjustment, drug-drug interactions, drug-food or nutritional solution interactions, drug side effect management, and drug incompatibility. No interventions were provided by the clinical pharmacist in the CG patients. The clinical pharmacist visited patients regularly and noted the laboratory findings and pharmacological treatments of patients in the study groups on the patient follow-up forms. The obtained data of IG and CG were compared and statistical methods were used to assess them. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: According to our findings, AKI was found to be more common in CG than in IG (p < 0.05). Stage 1 was shown to be the most common AKI stage in the patients (p > 0.05). The gap between the patients' highest Cr and basal sCr values was less in IG (p < 0.05). When the association between reasons for ICU admission and AKI was investigated, pulmonary edema and acute respiratory failure were found to have a significant and positive relationship with AKI (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was shown that patients with diabetes and cancer comorbidities were the most vulnerable to developing AKI (p < 0.05). Antibiotics, anaesthetics, and cardiovascular system medication categories were found to have a significant and positive correlation with AKI in patients (p < 0.05). Also, it was revealed that the usage of vancomycin, colistin, ampicillin-sulbactam, clarithromycin, ceftriaxone, midazolam, and dexketoprofen caused AKI (p < 0.05). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that if a clinical pharmacist is included in the ICU team and provides consultation services to the ICU team regarding patient treatment by performing regular patient follow-up, the incidence of AKI in patients can be minimized and therapeutic outcomes can be improved.

Evaluation of regular insulin adsorption to polypropylene bag and polyvinyl chloride infusion set.

AIM: Clinical application of insulin infusion therapy is usually accomplished with regular human insulin. It is known that the regular insulin adsorbed to the hydrophobic surfaces and different approaches were implemented into the clinical practices. It was aimed to evaluate the rate of adsorption of insulin to polypropylene (PP) bags and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion sets and stability of insulin during the infusion. METHODS: A 100 IU insulin was added to PP bags containing 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution (n = 6). The infusion was started at a rate of 2 mL/h using infusion sets in the PVC structure. Insulin quantification was performed in the samples taken both from the bag and from the end tip of the infusion set during infusion. The stability of insulin solutions stored at room (+25°C) and refrigerator (+4°C) temperatures were compared. Samples were analysed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the concentrations of the samples taken from the bags stored at room and refrigerator temperatures at the 4th, 12th, and 24th hours (P > .05). It was seen that the adsorption rate of insulin to PVC set was 57% and PP bags is at most 5% at the 24th hour. CONCLUSION: When PP bags are used for insulin infusion, it is predicted that 24-hour change can be made instead of frequent change. In addition, losses caused by the high rate of insulin adsorption to PVC infusion sets should be considered and PP infusion sets would be the better option to use if available.

Potential drug-drug interactions with psychotropic drugs in paediatric inpatients: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are important problems that necessitate more attention in paediatric inpatients. This study aimed to determine and evaluate DDIs in paediatric inpatients using psychotropic drugs. METHODS: It was conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional study. Inpatients consulted by child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) and had at least one psychotropic drug-using between January 2016 and September 2017 were retrospectively included. To determine the clinical significance of DDIs by Micromedex® and DDI Predictor online databases. DDIs between psychotropic and other drugs, the type, severity, and duration of potential DDIs were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 564 patients' records were reviewed and 200 patients were considered eligible and included in the study. The median (min-max) age was 13.70 (1.5-17.83) years. The mean (SD) number of psychotropics used during hospitalisation was 1.29 (0.55) and the total number of drugs was 7.39 (4.45). A total of 336 potential DDIs were detected (2.19 DDIs/patient) in all patients. The most common potential outcome of psychotropic DDIs was drug-induced QTc prolongation (67.56%). While 92.85% of the potential DDIs were "contraindicated" or "major," only 18.46% had a "good" or "excellent" strength of evidence. The risk of psychotropic polypharmacy (OR:0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.92; p:0.006) and DDIs (OR:0.69, 95% CI 0.35-0.76; p:0.033) was significantly higher in patients without primary psychiatric disorders. When the total number of drugs and the total number of potential DDIs were compared amongst all inpatient units, significant differences were found between paediatric hematology-general paediatrics (mean difference: 2.002; P < .001) and paediatric hematology-paediatric ICU (mean difference: 1.650; P = .012), respectively. CONCLUSION: Psychotropic drug-related DDI is a major problem in the paediatric population and the clinical significance of the potential DDIs' risk should be determined in patient-centred care and managed by the multidisciplinary team.

Pharmacist intervention to improve patients' knowledge and attitude towards hepatitis B infection.

OBJECTIVE: Lack of knowledge/awareness of people living with hepatitis B (PLH) often leads to misinformation and stigmatisation. This study aimed to assess the contribution of the clinical pharmacist (CP)-led education on knowledge of PLH about their disease. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out between 1 October 2017 and 1 April 2018, at infectious disease and gastroenterology outpatient clinics in a university hospital. All PLH were interviewed face-to-face by a CP and a questionnaire about hepatitis B virus (HBV) knowledge was applied both at the beginning of the study (first interview) and 3 months later (second interview). Correct information was provided verbally to the patients by the CP concerning their incorrect answers during the first interview. A 10% increase in the number of correct answers was targeted for the second interview. RESULTS: A total of 147 PLH with a mean age of 43.05 ± 13.25 years were included in the study (55.8% female). In the first interview, the mean (±standard deviation) number of correct answers was 35.53 ± 9.15 out of 51 questions. In the second interview, correct answers were 48.67 ± 2.74 with an increase of 25.8% (P < .001). In the first interview, the number of correct answers was higher for the following groups: 20-39 age group, people with monthly income of >1081 $ and university graduates. The number of correct answers to all questions but one was elevated (P < .001) in the second interview. Answers to the question "there is a carrier state in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)" did not change (P = .125). CONCLUSION: Significant improvement was observed in the correct answer rate after CP's contribution, therefore as a team member, CP has an important role in improving patients' knowledge and attitude towards HBV infection.

Polypharmacy and drug-related problems among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single-center experience

Background/aim: The HIV-infected population is aging, and the concomitant comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy. There is a scarcity of data for determining drug-related problems in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between 1 September 2015 and 1 July 2016. All patients underwent a face-to-face interview with a clinical pharmacist. PCNE Classification V 7.0 was used classify incident drug-related problems (DRPs). Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.4 ± 13.06 years. The rate of polypharmacy was 66.1% in patients with comorbidities and 12.3% in those without comorbidities (P < 0.001). DRPs were more prominent in older patients (46 vs. 37 years, P < 0.001), those with longer durations of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (45 vs. 27 months, P = 0.014), and those with lower education levels (P = 0.013). Receiving >3 ART drugs was associated with more DRPs in the logistic regression model (odds ratio: 8.299, 95% confidence interval: 1.924­35.803). Fifty-eight interventions were performed in 45 (24.9%) patients. Clinical pharmacist interventions were performed in 18.9% of patients without polypharmacy and in 38.9% of patients with polypharmacy (P < 0.001). Conclusion: DRPs and polypharmacy are common among elderly PLWHA. More interventions are warranted to boost the quality of life in aging PLWHA.

An evaluation of chemotherapy drug preparation process in hospitals in Turkey - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the practice differences among chemotherapy units and the opinions of pharmacists on safety precautions for handling antineoplastic drugs in hospitals. METHOD: The survey was administered to hospital pharmacists in Turkey. The pharmacists who work in chemotherapeutic drug preparation units were asked to participate if they are volunteered. The participating pharmacists were asked questions about the type of chemotherapy units, order and verification process of chemotherapy protocols and potential shortcomings of chemotherapy preparation. The questions were initially assessed in a small sample of pharmacists and subsequently revised and refined. The filled and returned questionnaires were accepted as given consent. RESULTS: A total of 97 questionnaires were delivered and 40 (41%) were returned by pharmacists. The median age and practicing years in hospitals of the pharmacists were 38.0 and 6.25 years, respectively. Fully automated chemotherapy units were used by 42.5% of respondents, whereas 30% prepare chemotherapeutics manually; furthermore, 87.5% provide chemotherapeutic drug preparations (admixtures) less than 120 per day. With regard to the drug preparation process, more than half of the respondents 'always' use protective equipment without foot covers (32.3%). Almost 90% of respondents 'always' use a coat, mask and biological safety cabinets; however, 20% of respondents 'often' use closed-system drug transfer sets. More than 50% of pharmacists expressed that they have sufficient knowledge on cytotoxics and the risk of exposure, protective precautions, selection and usage of personal protective equipment and correct storage of cytotoxics. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists acknowledge sufficient understanding of safe preparation and handling of chemotherapeutics, but reported practices by pharmacists in hospitals are not consistent with published recommendations. Providing theoretical and practical educations for pharmacists and developing standard procedures for preparing chemotherapy may be beneficial in improving the preparation and use of antineoplastics in Turkey.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Physicians and Pharmacists on Probiotics: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objectives: Probiotics have been gaining increased attention from the public recently, which originates concerns about their rationale use among healthcare professionals. Although there is evidence on the efficacy and safety of probiotics in certain gastrointestinal disorders, it is important to identify healthcare professionals' opinions on probiotics. This study aimed to identify the opinions of pharmacists and physicians on the use of probiotics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November, 2017 and August, 2018 among pharmacists and physicians practicing in Ankara, Türkiye. An electronic survey was designed and sent to the participants via e-mail. Results: A total of 361 pharmacists (74.5% female) and 356 physicians (42.4% female) participated in the study. Approximately two-thirds of pharmacists and physicians were familiar with the mechanism of action and indications of probiotics. Most pharmacists and physicians recommended probiotics to be used in gastrointestinal system disorders (99.7% and 97.7%). Other areas that probiotics are commonly recommended was genitourinary system (29.3%) by pharmacists and dermatological symptoms (15.1%) by phycisians, respectively. Considering patient advice regarding the probiotics, pharmacists (63.3%) seemed to receive more requests compared to physicians (30.9%); and with regard to the probiotic recommendation, 70.7% and 38.2% of pharmacists and physicians, respectively, indicated that they have no concerns, but 61% of physicians have concerns on reimbursement policy when prescribing. Conclusion: Pharmacists and physicians are healthcare providers commonly asked about probiotics by patients. Therefore, it is important to address healthcare professionals' concerns and increase their knowledge of the use of probiotics for different health conditions. Given that probiotic products can be purchased without a prescription, healthcare professionals in primary care settings should be more vigilant about the rational use of probiotics.

Web Survey of Turkish Pharmacy Students Comparing First and Fifth Years' Antidepressant Awareness and Stigmatizing Attitudes Regarding Depression and Anxiety.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased day by day. Prejudice, self-stigma, and public stigma, on the other hand, continue to prevent patients from seeking adequate treatment, particularly in traditional communities. In this web-based, cross-sectional study, both the presence of depression and anxiety, and the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of first- and fifth (final)-year pharmacy students were examined via an online survey. The aim was to demonstrate the potential impact of public information and five years of pharmacy school on knowledge, attitude, and awareness. Our study population consisted of first- and fifth-year pharmacy students enrolled in one faculty of pharmacy during the spring semester of 2022-2023. The Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Scale were utilized to measure the presence of depression and anxiety, while the Depression and Antidepressant Awareness and Knowledge Scale (DAKAS) was applied to assess their knowledge, attitude, and awareness. Fifth-year participants (n = 101) exhibited noticeably fewer stigmatizing attitudes than first-year participants (n = 104) (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety scores in first- and fifth-year pharmacy students. Being in the fifth class (OR: 3.690; p = 0.025), being of female gender (OR: 4.653; p < 0.001), and having a relationship with someone who took a psychotropic (OR: 3.060; p = 0.008) were associated with a lower overall stigma score by multiple linear regression analysis. The students' awareness of antidepressants and familiarity with mental health issues at the end of their pharmacy education were higher and stigmatization behavior was lower than in first-year students. The positive attitudes at the end of their training towards depression will reduce the likelihood of future pharmacists' patients from being exposed to stigmatization, prevents the formation of an additional stress factor, and likely will improve pharmacy practices.