Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a pharmaceutical medication engineered by Merck & Co. for the treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura). It received FDA approval in 1998 as an abortive antimigraine intervention and is chemically classified as a second-generation triptan (tryptamine-based). Analogous to other triptans, Rizatriptan remains ineffective as a migraine prophylactic, however, it is …
Relpax (Eletriptan) is a medication manufactured by Pfizer Inc. for the acute treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura) in adults. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2002 and is regarded as a highly effective abortive agent, engineered to attenuate already-occurring migraine attacks. Chemically, Relpax is classified as a second generation triptan …
Sumatriptan (brand names “Imitrex”) is a synthetic medication that was initially approved in 1991 for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Chemically, it is classified as a “triptan” or tryptamine-based agent and is identified as a structural analogue of various alkaloids such as bufotenine and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). When administered following the onset of a …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Armour Thyroid is a porcine-derived thyroid extract manufactured by Actavis Inc. (formerly by Forest Laboratories, Inc.) for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Unlike synthetically engineered thyroid medications (e.g. levothyroxine), Armour Thyroid is completely natural, and as a result, is thought (by some users and professionals) to be safer and more biologically compatible with humans. Additionally, many …