Locations
Office
Skokie, IL
Phone
Insurances accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Aetna Life Insurance Company
About
Bio
My patients are dealing with problems related to mood, anxiety, sleep, sex, appetite, energy level, weight control. A big part of my practice is treatment of addiction.
I know the standards of care well – I used to teach other doctors the skills to pass the board exams, - but I also know what can be offered beyond the common standards. In some cases, I use medications that are not commonly prescribed - MAOI, Xyrem, LDN, to name a few; in some cases, supplements and vitamins can replace medications or at least cab help decrease the doses of medications. In many cases, addressing thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue or using bio-identical hormones can solve the problems that antidepressants and sedatives cannot solve.
To schedule an appointment in person, call 847 563 4488
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SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Psychiatry
Addiction Medicine
Anti-Aging Medicine
Geriatric Psychiatry
Holistic Medicine
Pain Management
Specialty
Licenses
United States: Illinois
Languages spoken
Russian
Doctor Q&A
93 Answers
37 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Many ways: it is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine used as an hypnotic, sedative, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and skeletal muscle relaxant drug. if you use i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not recommended: Haloperidol is an anti-psychotic. It helps people who are agitated from psychosis. Agitation from opioid withdrawal comes from a different source. Hal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not really: The same compound - buproprion. The name zyben was a marketing tool to indicate that medication is not taken for depression and to provide patients wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: Nardil (phenelzine) is one of the medications that belongs to maoi class. A wonderful group of medications that is not used now much because it was fe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not directly: Tranxene (clorazepate) is a benzodiazepine and works on GABA receptors. Marijuana has its own receptors, so there is no direct interaction. However, b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No: You might be not is likely to be able to conceive for a while, when there is no long term damage to the "mechanism", unless testicles are really "cook... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No: Pace is an acronym for "probation accountability with certain enforcement" and they do not have a specific tests for alcohol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Vasoconstriction: Cocaine constricts the blood vessels in the septum. Lack of oxygen leads to cell death... Then destruction and "hole".
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes and no: I assume you are asking about the use of Viagra (sildenafil) for women with sexual dysfunctions caused by antidepressants. It might work, but the typi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
yes and no: Medical – yes: any opiates will help that.
Legally – no: Suboxone is approved by fda for opioid addiction only. Fda is watching carefully and, unless... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not really: as you see from the previous answers, antipsychotics are more likely to help with hormone dysregulation than regulation. are you really asking about a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No, but: no, but do not eat too much. also, long term regular use might lead to some problems. Otherwise – might be problematic, but not "dangerous"
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: yes. Both Quillivant and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are truly extended-release formulations. They do not leave your body is rapidly as Adderall. Becau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not really: Officially, you can find a long list of side effects from Naltrexone and i will not say that there are no side effects. From the practical standpoint,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Do not look: Do not look, do not smell, distract yourself by talking about something else.... Have a cotton ball with ammonia in your hands. Sniff it if you feel y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Troubles from it: Similarly to other addictions, you have it if you do it instead of doing other important things, if you think about it all the time, if you cannot sto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: The shape of the Lomotil (diphenoxylat and atropine) molecule is similar to opioid molecules, and thus sits on the same receptors. All opiods slow bow... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Possibly: Similar to many antidepressant medications, and has a side effect of "delayed ejaculation". Some of my patients use antidepressant vacations specifica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No: The molecule of Lomotil (diphenoxylat and atropine) is similar to a molecule of other opioids. It sits on the same receptor, but does not activate it ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
See DSM: Essentially, when instead of the pleasure it becomes problematic. The person is preoccupied with the habit; spends more and more time on internet; wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: as far as I can see in my practice, progesterone supplementation taken in the luteal phase of your cycle can decrease or sometimes eliminate hormone-i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
depends: First of all, i think you are talking about 0.25 mg. 25 mg is a totally different game.
If your buddy was not exposed to Alprazolam ( you did not dev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No: naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. You have no opioids in your system – it means you did not take any narcotic pain medications, heroine etc - you ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No: Officially, this medication can be used – for other purposes – up to 3600 mg per day. Start slow. Increased slow. Do not discontinue abruptly – might ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Try this: pregabalin is not likely the cause. Charcoal will not help – by the time it is in your bowels, it will be saturated with gases from above - stomach et... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
No, unless...: Suboxone normally is not detected on standard tests used by your employer etc.
It can be reliably detected, along with its metabolites, on a specializ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
You felt differently: Apparently, alcohol made you feel differently - possibly, calmer, more relaxed, disinhibited. He also possible, that you have a problem with blood sug... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: A lot depends on the size of the shots :) more seriously, if you're dehydrated the next day, you might be more dizzy after giving blood. Otherwise, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: Tranxene belongs to the same group as xanax, (alprazolam) ativan, etc. It is, however, very long-acting: it starts slowly, but stays in the body for a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Depends on condition: Haloperidol is used for psychosis. If you cannot study because you are hearing voices or your thoughts are so scattered that you can't stay on topic, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Troubles from it: Similarly to other addictions, you have it if you do it instead of doing other important things, if you think about it all the time, if you cannot sto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes, but not quickly: Like any medication in its group, it is lethal in overdose. The problem with tranxene (clorazepate) is that people do not feel affected by it right aw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not really: Officially, you can find a long list of side effects from Naltrexone and i will not say that there are no side effects. From the practical standpoint,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Troubles from it: Similarly to other addictions, you have it if you do it instead of doing other important things, if you think about it all the time, if you cannot sto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Depends on condition: Haloperidol is used for psychosis. If you cannot study because you are hearing voices or your thoughts are so scattered that you can't stay on topic, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: The shape of the Lomotil (diphenoxylat and atropine) molecule is similar to opioid molecules, and thus sits on the same receptors. All opiods slow bow... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Almost the same: Vicodin is hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) - with ibuprofen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Some similarities: "negative symptoms" are some changes seen in patients with schizophrenia. An example is lack of motivation, lack of emotions, "mental confusion", lack... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
A great product: it is a medication that can help you abstain from illegal opiates. There are many other uses for this medication, but you need to talk to the person w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Depends: the answer is different depending on "last for - - what". officially, it can be taken once a day. I have patients taking every other day. At the same ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes: Actually, this is one of the late side effects of alcoholism. Did you see old alcoholics who walk mornings there legs very carefully, with wide base, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
yes, you can: Although st. John's wort has multiple herbs – drugs and arabs – herbs interactions, according to medscape, this combination has no interactions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
possibly, yes: Although antidepressants have no direct effect on pain ( well, it can be argued - Cymbalta has indication for neuropathic pain, Effexor (venlafaxine) ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
depends: The standard safety margin is 3-5 days for infrequent use. If you have been a regular or heavy user it may take slightly longer. It also depends on th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
no and yes: Any stimulants potentially can cause miscarriage, including energy drinks. There is another problem with energy drinks: am not sure that all the sugar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
At the pharmacy: This medication is not the same as marijuana, although it produces some of the same effects such as increased appetite. Officially, it can be prescrib... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Yes, but not as bad: Tranxene (clorazepate) is a very long-acting benzodiazepine. The general rule is: the longer acting, the less withdrawal (like methodone withdrawal is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Many: First of all, benzodiazepines replaced barbiturates long time ago. They have all the best of barbiturates (almost) without some of the side effects. U... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Like barbiturates: Fioricet (acetaminophen butalbital and caffeine) has butalbital, - an old sedative, which is very addictive. You are addicted if you need to take more... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Mark Shukhmananswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Not legally: All of the above are controlled substances. Buprenorphine is even more controlled: the md should have a special license. Look at www.Suboxone.Com - th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
6
Recommendations
191
Thank you notes
Apr 26, 2015
I learn a great deal from Dr. Shukman's answers and expertise. He meets patients where they are and is clear and understandable in his responses. We are lucky to have him here on HealthTap!
HealthTap member
Oct 9, 2013
Very calm, smart without being smug, really cares about how you are feeling. Works with you to find the best treatment for you as an individual. I feel lucky to have found him. He has helped me thr...Read More
HealthTap member
Nov 27, 2015
This Thanksgiving, I wanted to share my appreciation for all that you do! Thank you, doctor! :)
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :) I appreciate you answering my question.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Didnt know it was a benzo. Thanks!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, IL
Graduated 2002MD
Medical/Graduate school
Kiev State University
Graduated 1990MD
Medical/Graduate school
Rosalind Franklin University - Chicago Medical School, IL
MD
Medical/Graduate school
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, IL
MD
Residency
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Completed 2000
Residency
Rosalind Franklin University
Completed 1998
Awards
Founding Rx Editor, First Place, National - Winter
2015
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
northshore university hospitals
lutheran general hospital
Associates In Psychiatry
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