Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage created utilizing a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, commonly referred to under the acronym “SCOBY.” Although its precise origin remains unknown, some allege that kombucha originated in China and may have been named after a Korean physician named “Kombu” who used his tea (“cha”) for healing purposes. Etiological investigations …
Belviq (Lorcaserin) is an anorectic medication manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals for the long-term management of obesity. As of 2012, the FDA approved lorcaserin to promote weight loss in adults with: BMIs exceeding 30 or BMIs exceeding 27 plus [at least] one weight-related medical comorbidity such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and/or hypertension. Upon administration, lorcaserin functions primarily …
Phentermine is a natural monoamine alkaloid derivative that was initially approved by the United States FDA in 1959 as an anorectic (appetite suppressant) for the treatment of obesity. It was popularized throughout the early 1970s under the brand name medication “Fastin,” marketed by King Pharmaceuticals. In the late 1990s phentermine was discontinued from pharmaceutical circulation, …
Naltrexone is a pure opioid receptor antagonist utilized principally for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. As an opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone competitively binds to mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) sites with higher affinity than opioid agonists, thereby attenuating receptor activation. Should an individual administer an opioid agonist (e.g. morphine) while taking …
Zomig (Zolmitriptan) is a medication marketed by AstraZeneca and is FDA-approved as an abortive therapy for migraines and cluster headaches. Chemically, it’s classified as a triptan implying that it’s a tryptamine-derivative, and is manufactured in multiple formats including: tablet and nasal spray. Similar to other triptans, Zomig is considered efficacious when administered during a migraine …
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 …