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Minocycline For Depression: Antibiotics As Antidepressants?

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” …

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CBD Oil For Anxiety: Is Cannabidiol An Effective Treatment?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of over 85 scientifically-identified cannabinoids (or chemical compounds) derived from the flowering plant cannabis.  Each of the cannabinoids within cannabis elicit unique neurophysiological effects.  Most people are well-aware of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the predominant cannabinoid within cannabis that is ingested by upwards of 230 million people per year as a psychoactive …

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Sinemet (Carbidopa-Levodopa) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List)

Sinemet is a pharmaceutical drug engineered by Merck that combines Carbidopa (a peripheral enzymatic inhibitor of DOPA decarboxylase) and Levodopa (an agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase central concentrations of dopamine); hence it is frequently referred to as “Carbidopa-Levodopa.”  The drug was initially approved by the U.S. FDA in 1988 for the treatment …

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Requip (Ropinirole) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List)

Requip (Ropinirole) is a drug initially approved in 1997 by the United States FDA for the treatment of [early or advanced-stage] idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.  In the management of Parkinson’s disease, Requip can be utilized either as: a standalone agent or as an adjunct to L-DOPA.  After its initial approval for the attenuation of Parkinson’s symptoms, …

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Mirapex (Pramipexole) For Depression: An Effective Antidepressant?

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 …

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Mirapex (Pramipexole) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List)

Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of idiopathic (early-stage and advanced) Parkinson’s disease.  Analysis of the drug’s pharmacodynamics reveals its function as a mixed partial/full dopamine agonist, with highest affinity for: D3 receptors, D2 receptors (D2S and D2L), and D4 receptors (in that order).  To …

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Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid (Comparison)

Research suggests that tens of millions of Americans suffer from hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.  Two of the most popularly prescribed treatments for hypothyroidism include: Armour Thyroid (porcine-derived desiccated thyroid extract) and Synthroid (levothyroxine).  Armour Thyroid is classified “natural” in that it is thyroid hormone extracted from pigs, whereas Synthroid is considered “artificial” in that it …

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