Semaglutide is emerging as a wonder drug for management of various metabolic diseases. Originally approved for type 2 diabetes, this glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is now showing promise for treating obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Let’s explore the therapeutic potential of semaglutide and how it acts as …
Synthetic cathinones like MDPV emerged as drugs of abuse in the early 2010s, gaining notoriety for their powerful stimulant effects and association with bizarre intoxication and death. Despite legislation banning MDPV and its analogs, these substances continue circulating in the drug marketplace. Understanding the pharmacology of MDPV provides insight on its abuse liability, toxic effects, …
Cocaine abuse leads to dysfunction of brain dopamine systems and the development of addiction. New research identifies changes in the dopamine transporter as a driving force underlying cocaine addiction, and points to a novel way to reverse these detrimental effects. Key Facts: Cocaine abuse caused the dopamine transporter to form larger complexes of multiple transporter …
Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amphetamine or placebo, spaced 2 days apart. Those getting amphetamine showed enhanced subjective …
New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep deprivation. Modafinil reduced sleepiness and theta brain waves during wakefulness regardless of genetics. Modafinil did not reduce slow …
A series of studies suggest that repeated low doses of d-amphetamine can lead to a progressively greater behavioral response in some people. This phenomenon, known as “behavioral sensitization,” has been observed in animal models and hypothesized to contribute to addiction in humans. However, few controlled human studies have directly tested this idea. A new double-blind, …
Big picture: Psychoplastogens are a groundbreaking new class of psychoactive compounds that rapidly induce structural and functional changes in the brain, allowing pathological neural circuits to be rewired for therapeutic benefit. Key facts about psychoplastogens: Rapidly increase neural plasticity, unlike traditional antidepressants that work slowly. Produce fast-acting and sustained antidepressant effects in humans after a …
Amphetamine is well known for its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain. But new research suggests the psychostimulant drug may also directly alter dopamine 2 receptors, with implications for behavioral effects and physiological changes seen after chronic amphetamine use. Key facts: In cells expressing the dopamine transporter, prolonged amphetamine exposure decreased dopamine 2 …
Wastewater from pharmaceutical plants and research facilities may contain concerning levels of toxic chemicals and drugs. As this water is often reused for irrigation or finds its way into drinking water, it poses significant public health risks that urgently need addressing. Key Facts: Wastewater can contain residues from thousands of different pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, antidepressants, …
Kava is an ancient ceremonial drink from the Pacific Islands that’s gaining popularity worldwide for its ability to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and protect brain health. Key facts about kava: Kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant and has been consumed ceremonially and socially in Pacific Island cultures for thousands of years. …
