Buspar (Buspirone) is a drug of the azapirone chemical classification that was engineered and patented in the 1970s by Mead Johnson. It was later acquired by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb and approved by the FDA in 1986 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). What’s unique about buspirone compared to other anxiolytics such …
Pindolol is a beta blocker initially synthesized by the pharmaceutical company Sandoz in the 1960s. As of 1977 it received FDA approval for the management of hypertension and was sold under the brand name “Visken.” Pharmacologically, pindolol acts as a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it competitively binds to all 3 beta-adrenergic receptor sites (Beta-1, Beta-2, …
Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is a drug that was approved July 10, 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunctive option for major depressive disorder. In clinical trials it was referred to as the chemical “OPC-34712” and is being marketed as a superior successor to Abilify (Aripiprazole) due to the fact that Abilify’s patent expired …
Guanfacine is a drug that was developed primarily for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It has been proven as an effective medication to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure via its effect on Alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors. It functions by stimulating these receptors (as an agonist) and reducing activation of the sympathetic nervous …
Provigil (Modafinil) is a eugeroic drug that was originally approved in 1998 for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. Despite never attaining FDA approval for the treatment of depression, many anecdotal reports highlight the efficacy of Provigil as an antidepressant. The drug tends to …