Depression is a prevalent and serious condition in older adults and those with cardiovascular disease. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression, but when they’re ineffective, alternative antidepressants must be considered. Key Facts: Depression in Older Adults and Cardiovascular Patients: Affects 15-20% of patients with coronary heart disease. Limitations of SSRIs: While …
The rise in antidepressant prescribing, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) since the 1980s, is a complex phenomenon with broad implications for public health. While these medications are crucial for many, the increase in long-term use has raised concerns about overprescription, side effects, and withdrawal challenges. Key Facts: Rising Prescriptions: Antidepressant prescriptions, particularly SSRIs, have …
Research suggests that metformin may reduce weight gain associated with antipsychotic medications. Key facts: Antipsychotics are linked to weight gain, especially clozapine and olanzapine. Metformin may counteract antipsychotic-induced weight gain through effects on insulin resistance and appetite. Study found metformin reduced mean weight gain on antipsychotics from 2.5 kg to -0.04 kg. Younger patients ages …
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic that kills bacteria and protozoa by inhibiting protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex). The drug was patented in 1957, introduced as a pharmaceutical in 1967, and has received medical approval as a treatment for conditions such as: acne, bacterial pneumonia, chlamydia, cholera, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, …
Fetzima (Levomilnacipran) is a medication prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Although it is similar to the drug Savella (Milnacipran), Fetzima exhibits unique pharmacodynamics in that it functions as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) with a 2-fold affinity for norepinephrine reuptake inhibition – relative to serotonin reuptake inhibition. In other words, …
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that remains popular throughout south China and Southeast Asia wherein it is referred to as “qingcha” or dark green tea. When translated from Chinese to English, the term “oolong tea” roughly means “black dragon tea.” Similar to both green and black tea, oolong tea is a product created …
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and edema (fluid accumulation and retention in bodily tissues) resulting from various medical conditions and prescription medications (e.g. corticosteroids). Other medical conditions for which hydrochlorothiazide is sometimes prescribed to treat include: congestive heart failure, diabetes insipidus, renal tubular acidosis, and kidney stones (as a …