MentalHealthDaily

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

by GLOOM

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 …

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

by GLOOM

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 …

Statins & Depression: Antidepressant Effect by Lowering Cholesterol?

by GLOOM

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. …

Marijuana & Toxic Metals: High Levels of Cadmium & Lead in Users

by GLOOM

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 …

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

by GLOOM

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: …

Metformin Prevents Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: A Saudi Study Finds

by GLOOM

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 (Protonix) vs. Omeprazole (Prilosec)

by GLOOM

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 …