Seroquel (Quetiapine) is a medication that was developed by AstraZeneca from 1992 through 1996. It received FDA approval in 1997 for the treatment of schizophrenia, and has since received approval to treat both acute mania and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. The drug is classified as an atypical, second-generation antipsychotic and exerts pharmacological effects via …
Prednisone is a common synthetic corticosteroid medication that was initially synthesized in 1955. Upon ingestion of prednisone, it doesn’t elicit significant biological effects until converted via the liver to the pharmacologically active chemical “prednisolone.” Prednisolone functions as an irreversible glucorticoid receptor agonist, binding to alpha glucorticoid receptors (AlphaGRs) and beta glucorticoid receptors (BetaGRs) within bodily tissues …
Abilify (Aripiprazole) is a medication that was developed by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of schizophrenia. Approximately 2 years thereafter (in 2004) it was approved for the treatment of acute mania and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. By 2007, it had attained approval for the treatment of …
Ambien (Zolpidem) is a popular medication prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. It is classified as a “nonbenzodiazepine” due to the fact that it shares a similar mechanism of action with benzodiazepines, but differs in its chemical structure. Ambien delivers its sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing) effects by modulating receptors of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid). It specifically functions primarily …
Suboxone is a semisynthetic drug manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser pharmaceuticals for the treatment of opioid dependence. It was introduced to the market in October 2002 and gained popularity as a result of its efficacy and reduced potential for abuse compared to other opioid replacement agents such as methadone. The drug is comprised of the ingredients …
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is a psychostimulant medication manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Many consider Vyvanse to be a “new and improved” successor of the drug Adderall. Vyvanse contains the ingredient Lisdexamfetamine which is pharmacologically inactive until metabolized; hence being classified as a “prodrug.” The fact that Vyvanse is a prodrug …
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) medication prescribed primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It was initially introduced to the market by Wyeth in 1993 when it became the first dual-reuptake inhibitor to attain FDA approval for depression. It differed from the SSRIs in that in addition to solely inhibiting reuptake …