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 …
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a popular SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) prescribed primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also utilized medically for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, PTSD, and social phobia. The drug has been available as a prescription antidepressant since 1991 when it was introduced by Pfizer. Though a …
Methadone is a popular synthetic opioid utilized for the treatment of opioid dependence as a “replacement therapy.” Individuals addicted to highly potent opioidergic agents (e.g. heroin) are often prescribed methadone as a transitory “replacement” drug. Administration of methadone as a replacement over heroin is preferred because it is medically viewed as being slightly less addictive. …