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. …
Recent research suggests that using marijuana may lead to higher exposure to toxic metals like cadmium and lead. Key findings: Exclusive marijuana users had 22% higher blood cadmium and 27% higher blood lead levels compared to non-users. Individuals who smoked marijuana within the past week (7 days) had the highest levels of cadmium and lead …
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: …
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 …
Pantoprazole and Omeprazole are medications classified as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and are commonly prescribed for the management of medical conditions in which stomach acid reduction is of therapeutic benefit. Chemists at Byk Gulden, a subsidiary of Altana (a German chemical company), are credited with the synthesis of pantoprazole in 1985 – whereas Swedish chemists at …
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 …
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Neurontin (gabapentin) are both classified as “gabapentinoids” (i.e. α2δ ligands). As gabapentinoids, Lyrica (pregabalin) and Neurontin (gabapentin) are chemical analogues of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that interact with α2δ subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels. Development of gabapentin (Neurontin) was initiated in the 1970s by chemists at the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis – …