Mood disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder affect millions worldwide. Existing treatments often fall short, highlighting the need for better options. An emerging possibility is anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib that may target the immune system abnormalities linked to these conditions. A new comprehensive review suggests celecoxib holds promise as an add-on treatment for major …
A new network meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology provides important insights into the relative efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for migraine prevention. This comprehensive analysis compares four CGRP monoclonal antibodies – eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab – and sheds light on which ones are most effective for reducing …
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), long thought of as a childhood condition, is increasingly recognized as a disorder that can persist into adulthood. Up to 60% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults. Yet treatment options specifically tested and approved for adult ADHD remain limited. A new study published this month in the Journal …
Brain zaps are brief, electric shock-like sensations felt in the brain that can occur when decreasing or stopping dosage of certain antidepressants. Though poorly understood, new research is shedding light on this perplexing phenomenon. Key Facts: Brain zaps are a recently acknowledged potential side effect of discontinuing certain antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. They feel …
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 …
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 …
Depression affects over 300 million people globally. Current treatments have limited efficacy for many patients. Exciting new research highlights the potential of allopregnanolone agonists like brexanolone and zuranolone as more targeted, rapid-acting antidepressants. Key Facts: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid that regulates mood and is decreased in depression. Its agonists boost allopregnanolone activity. Brexanolone is the …
Major depressive disorder affects over 17 million American adults each year. For up to 30% of these patients, standard antidepressant medications fail to provide adequate symptom relief – a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Now, new research suggests amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall may be an effective augmentation strategy for TRD when other therapies have …
A new study provides evidence that the psychedelic compound psilocybin has both immediate and lasting anti-inflammatory effects in healthy volunteers. The findings shed light on how psilocybin may improve mood, social behavior, and potentially treat depression. Key facts: Psilocybin decreased the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha immediately after administration. Seven days later, psilocybin reduced two other inflammatory …
Cannabidiol (CBD) is emerging as a promising therapeutic for a variety of health conditions, but research is still in early stages. Here are some key facts on purified CBD: Purified CBD is showing positive results in clinical trials for anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD and substance abuse. Evidence is strongest in these neurological and psychiatric conditions. …
