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Allopregnanolone Agonists for Depression: Brexanolone & Zuranolone in Focus (2023)

Allopregnanolone agonists represent a promising new class of medications for treating depressive disorders. Evidence suggests that allopregnanolone agonists exhibit rapid-onset of antidepressant action – particularly in women with postpartum depression (PPD). Key facts: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors and is decreased in depressive disorders. The allopregnanolone …

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Top 12 Antidepressant Nutrients & Foods for Depression Treatment

Depression is a growing public health concern, but nutrition may offer a pathway for prevention and treatment. A new research study identified the most nutrient-dense foods for brain health to inform dietary recommendations. Key Facts: 12 nutrients have evidence supporting a role in preventing and treating depression, including omega-3s, B vitamins, minerals like magnesium, and …

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Dextromethorphan-Bupropion (Auvelity) for Depression: Clinical Trial Data for the New Rapid-Acting Antidepressant

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant global health concern, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. While numerous pharmacological options exist, challenges remain in achieving timely, robust, and sustained antidepressant response. Dextromethorphan-bupropion is a novel oral antidepressant recently approved by the FDA for MDD in adults that may address some of these unmet needs. Key …

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D-Mannose & ACSS2 Enzyme: Rapid Depression Treatment via BDNF & TPH2

Researchers have uncovered a critical role for the metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) in depression, identifying it as a novel target for rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant therapies. Findings show ACSS2 regulates both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels to improve synaptic plasticity and serotonin synthesis through tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) to mediate …

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Antidepressants (SSRIs) & Permanent Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD): A Risk to Consider

Treatment with commonly prescribed antidepressants may cause a small proportion of patients to develop persistent sexual side effects that continue even after stopping the medication. This condition is known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). Key Facts: The study found 0.46% of patients developed erectile dysfunction that continued after stopping antidepressants. This suggests the risk of …

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Adjunct Celecoxib for Depression & Mania: Treatment with a COX-2 Inhibitor

Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, shows promise as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for major depression and mania, according to a new comprehensive systematic review. The analysis also found celecoxib improved symptoms when used as a standalone antidepressant in patients with somatic disorders. However, evidence for efficacy in bipolar depression remains unclear. Key Facts: …

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Lexapro (Escitalopram) vs. Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are two medications within the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) classification that are commonly administered for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.  The development of Lexapro (escitalopram) was initiated in 1997 by Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories – whereas the development of Prozac (fluoxetine) was initiated in the 1970s by chemists (Bryan Molloy …

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