Antidepressants

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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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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Predicting Responders to Minocycline for Depression via Clinical Subgroups

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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental illness and leading cause of disability worldwide. While treatments exist, they are far from optimal and up to 30% of patients fail to respond. There is an urgent need to identify factors that may enhance treatment response in MDD. Targeting inflammation has been proposed as a …

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Dextromethorphan Bupropion (Auvelity) for Depression: Fast-Acting Mood Boost?

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The novel combination drug dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) was recently approved by the FDA as an oral antidepressant that works rapidly to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This new medication represents an exciting development for depression treatment. Here are some key facts about this drug: Works significantly faster than standard antidepressants, showing efficacy in as little …

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California Rocket Fuel for Depression: Mirtazapine & Venlafaxine Combination

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Depression is one of the most common and burdensome mental health disorders globally, affecting over 300 million people. While antidepressant medications can help many patients recover, up to a third do not respond adequately to first-line treatments. This has led doctors to try combining medications in the hopes of better outcomes. One such combination that …

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Antidepressants & Mania in Bipolar Disorder: 5-HTTPLR Gene Impacts Risk

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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. While antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat the depressive symptoms, they can also trigger manic episodes in some patients. New research suggests having a certain gene may increase this risk. Key Facts: Antidepressants can cause manic episodes, called treatment emergent …

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Deciphering Ketamine’s Role in Depression Treatment

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Researchers are gaining exciting new insights into how the drug ketamine can rapidly treat symptoms of depression, including in people who don’t respond to other antidepressants. Key facts about ketamine for depression: Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to quickly improve mood in depressed patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression. It works …

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