Antidepressants & Antibiotic Resistance: New Model Reveals Concerning Impact

Researchers have discovered that several commonly prescribed antidepressants can promote antibiotic resistance and persistence in E. coli bacteria. This concerning finding implicates yet another widely used class of pharmaceuticals in exacerbating the global antibiotic resistance crisis. Key Facts: Antidepressants including sertraline and duloxetine were found to significantly increase E. coli’s resistance to multiple antibiotics like …

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Best Antidepressants for Preventing Relapse in Major Depression (Latest Research)

Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing 20 antidepressants to identify the most effective options for preventing relapse in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Their findings suggest desvenlafaxine, paroxetine, venlafaxine and vortioxetine balance efficacy and tolerability best for maintenance treatment. Key Facts: The analysis included 34 high-quality clinical trials with over 9,300 patients total. All …

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Revolutionizing Depression Treatment: Novel Rapid-Acting Antidepressants & Emerging Drug Targets

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health crisis affecting over 300 million people. While available antidepressants help some patients, treatment is far from satisfactory for many. Exciting research into rapid-acting agents like ketamine and psilocybin combined with exploration of novel drug targets finally offers real hope for transformational change in how depression is treated. …

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Antidepressants for Cancer Treatment via Autophagy Modulation?

Antidepressants could potentially be repurposed as anticancer agents based on emerging evidence showing they can modulate autophagy—a process cancer cells rely on for growth and survival. Key Facts: Many antidepressants like SSRIs and TCAs have demonstrated anticancer effects in lab studies. Their mechanisms involve regulating autophagy, which plays a complex role in cancer development. Specific …

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Running Therapy vs. Antidepressants: Efficacy for Depression, Anxiety, Health

New research finds that regular running is just as effective as antidepressants for treating depression and anxiety, and leads to better physical health outcomes. Key Facts: In a study of 141 patients, running therapy and antidepressant medication had comparable effects on rates of remission (no longer meeting diagnostic criteria) from depression/anxiety disorders. However, running led …

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mGluR2/3 Inhibitors as Antidepressants: Targeting Glutamate Receptors in Depression

Depression affects over 300 million people globally. Current antidepressants have limited efficacy and slow onset of action. New research shows promise for compounds targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3) as fast-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects. Key Facts: 1/3 of depressed patients are treatment-resistant with current antidepressants mGluR2/3 inhibitors show robust, rapid (within …

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Optimizing Escitalopram (Lexapro) Dosage with CYP2C19 Enzyme Genetics & Body Weight

Researchers have made strides towards enabling personalized dosing for the commonly prescribed antidepressant escitalopram. Using robust clinical trial data, they developed an innovative population pharmacokinetics model that elucidates the impact of patient genetics and physiology. Key Facts: Model based on data from over 170 healthy Chinese adults receiving single escitalopram doses Identified CYP2C19 liver enzyme …

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Minocycline Adjunct Treatment for Depression via Immune-Inflammation Effects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. Novel treatment approaches are needed, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. This study investigated the effects of adjunctive minocycline on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in MDD. Key Highlights: Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. It shows promise as …

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Top Drugs & Medications that Cause Weight Gain: Worst Offending Pharmaceuticals (2012-2021)

A new study published in Pharmazie takes a close look at adverse event reports related to drug-induced weight gain submitted to the FDA over the past 10 years. The retrospective analysis provides insight into the drugs most commonly associated with weight gain side effects. Key findings include: From 2012 to 2021, 137,370 reports of drug-induced …

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Antidepressants Like Fluoxetine in Wastewater & Wildlife Behavior (Starling Birds Study)

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment has become a growing concern, with increasing evidence that these compounds can impact wildlife at low, environmentally relevant levels. One drug in particular – the popular antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) – deserves special attention due to its potential effects on brain function and behavior. Key Facts: Fluoxetine is commonly …

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