Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that was initially FDA approved in 1964 (under the brand name “Pamelor”) for the treatment of major depression. It is regarded as chemical successor to Amitriptyline based on the fact that Nortriptyline is Amitriptyline’s predominant psychoactive metabolite. Since Nortriptyline has been on the market since the mid-1960s, researchers are …
Amitriptyline (brand name “Elavil”) is a medication that was initially approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Due to its three-ring chemical structure, it is formally classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Though not formally approved in the United States to treat conditions other than major depression, Amitriptyline is …
Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline classification, indicating that its chemical structure consists of 4 hydrocarbon rings. The fact that minocycline has a broad-spectrum mechanism indicates that it targets a wide-range of pathogenic (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) bacteria. In fact, when compared to other tetracycline drugs, minocycline is regarded as having the “broadest spectrum” …
Microbiota is classified as an ecological community of microorganisms that share a specific host. Within the human body it is estimated that there are trillions of microorganisms, accounting for approximately 1% to 3% of total body mass; equating to an average net weight of around 3 lbs. Though scientists these days are attempting to elucidate …
Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a drug that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and RLS (restless leg syndrome). Classified as a dopamine receptor agonist, pramipexole elicits partial or full agonism upon D3 receptors, D2 receptors (2L/2S), and D4 receptors. Interestingly, pramipexole also appears to modify mitochondrial function, and to a negligible …
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a medication that was originally approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of major depression. Upon ingestion, Effexor functions as an SNRI (or dual-reuptake inhibitor) by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, and to a lesser extent, norepinephrine. As a result of serotonergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibition, concentrations of serotonin and …
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a drug that was introduced in 1993 as a pharmaceutical antidepressant by Wyeth; its marketing rights are now owned by Pfizer. Pharmacodynamically, it functions primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is understood to be the first-ever “dual reuptake inhibitor” approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. …