MentalHealthDaily

Lamictal & Weight Gain vs. Loss: What Should You Expect?

by GLOOM

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed for the prophylaxis and/or management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that Lamictal modifies neurochemistry by: inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, blocking various calcium channels (L-type; N-type; P-type), antagonizing sigma and 5-HT3 receptors, upregulating GABA signaling, and suppressing the release of glutamate and aspartate. Through the aforementioned mechanisms …

Lithium & Weight Gain: How Much? (And Why It Happens)

by GLOOM

Lithium is a naturally occurring element that’s commonly prescribed in the format of “lithium carbonate” for the prophylaxis and/or management of bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium is sometimes prescribed as an adjunct to treat refractory cases of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Throughout treatment, lithium is understood to modulate numerous aspects of a user’s neurophysiology to …

Vraylar (Cariprazine) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions

by GLOOM

Vraylar (Cariprazine), is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved in 2015 by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Occasionally, Vraylar is also prescribed as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression and off-label for anxiety disorders. Although Vraylar is marketed as an improvement over older atypical antipsychotic medications in terms of efficacy and tolerability, …

Vraylar (Cariprazine) & Weight Gain vs. Loss: What You Should Know

by GLOOM

Vraylar (Cariprazine), also sold under the name Reagila [in European countries], is an atypical antipsychotic developed by the pharmaceutical company Allergan. In 2015, Vraylar received FDA approval for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder. From a pharmacodynamic perspective, Vraylar functions predominantly as a partial agonist at D3 and D2 dopamine receptors, …

Cannabidiol (CBD) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions

by GLOOM

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid with medicinal properties derived from the cannabis plant (i.e. marijuana). Of all ~113 active phytocannabinoids, or plant-based chemical constituents within the cannabis plant, cannabidiol is most abundant and accounts for approximately 40% of the plant’s extract. Unlike other phytocannabinoids that induce intoxicating effects (e.g. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol), cannabidiol is devoid …

Zoloft (Sertraline) & Headaches: Does It Cause or Treat Headaches?

by GLOOM

Zoloft (Sertraline), is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It was approved by the FDA in 1991 and initially marketed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. In 2013, Zoloft became the single most popular antidepressant medication in the United …

Humira (Adalimumab) & Weight Gain: A Common Reaction

by GLOOM

Humira (Adalimumab) is a biologic, immunosuppressant medication sold and marketed by the pharmaceutical company AbbVie Inc. More specifically, Humira functions as a TNF inhibitor whereby it binds to and blocks the physiologic effect of the proinflammatory cytokine known as “TNF-alpha.” Blockade of inflammation induced by TNF-alpha makes Humira useful for the treatment of many autoimmune …