Sugar refers to short-chain carbohydrates that are sweet and used in food. Most people know sugar as a whitish crystal-like powder with a sweet taste that is often added to food. Each year, hundreds of millions of tons of table sugar are produced across the world. The sugar that you eat is scientifically referred to …
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener (non-saccharide) that is often used as a substitute for sugar in drinks such as diet sodas as well as foods like chewing gum. Aspartame was first created under the name NutraSweet in 1965 and is made up of three specific elements: phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. There is much controversy …
Latuda (Lurasidone) is a new atypical antipsychotic drug that is approved for the treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder (type 1) as well as schizophrenia. It is considered a relatively new drug as it was just approved in 2013 to treat depressive episodes for people with bipolar I disorder. This drug is somewhat unique …
Most people would agree that on occasion, consumption of alcohol in moderation is fine and may actually yield some health benefits. However, when consumption of alcohol becomes chronic and spirals out of control, it can really take a toll on both physical and mental health. Alcohol itself works by increasing the effects of GABA, an …
Depakote (Valproic acid) is a compound that is utilized as an anticonvulsant to help prevent seizures in epileptics. It also has mood stabilizing properties and is approved to help treat and prevent mania among individuals with bipolar disorder. In some cases it is prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches as well. Other off-label uses …
Topamax (Topiramate) is an anticonvulsant drug that is used to help prevent seizures in epileptics. It was later approved by the FDA in conjunction with phentermine for weight loss. Although the two primary uses of the drug remain to treat epilepsy and to help people lose weight, it is prescribed by some psychiatrists to treat bipolar disorder. …
Geodon (Ziprasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that was developed to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to help control acute mania and treat mixed states among individuals with bipolar disorder. In some cases this drug is prescribed as an off-label treatment for depression, anxiety, autism, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and …