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Drugs

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

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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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Solriamfetol for ADHD in Adults: A New Alternative Treatment?

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While ADHD has historically been considered a disorder of childhood, it is now known that symptoms frequently persist into adulthood. A new pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry provides the first data indicating that a newer …

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Advanced OCD Treatment Strategies & New Drugs Under Investigation (2023)

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OCD affects approximately 1-3% of the population and often begins in childhood or adolescence. While OCD was previously considered untreatable, advances in the past few decades have led to effective evidence-based treatments. Key Facts: Glutamatergic medications like memantine, ketamine, and N-acetylcysteine have shown preliminary evidence of efficacy in small trials, but larger studies have been …

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Oral Contraceptive Pill Pause & Withdrawal Linked to Depression & Anxiety in Young Women (Study)

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A recent study has shed new light on the mental health implications of hormonal contraceptives, particularly focusing on the period known as the ‘pill pause.’ Research indicates that temporarily stopping synthetic hormone intake during this break can lead to increased negative emotions and anxiety among long-term contraceptive pill users. This finding challenges the conventional approach …

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

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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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Statins & Depression: Antidepressant Effect by Lowering Cholesterol?

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Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. While best known for lowering cholesterol, emerging evidence suggests that statin drugs may also impact mental health – but in complex, and sometimes contradictory, ways. Key Facts: Animal and some human studies show statins may have antidepressant effects by altering neurotransmitters, promoting neurogenesis, and reducing inflammation. …

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