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Dextromethorphan-Bupropion (Auvelity) for Depression: Clinical Trial Data for the New Rapid-Acting Antidepressant

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant global health concern, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. While numerous pharmacological options exist, challenges remain in achieving timely, robust, and sustained antidepressant response. Dextromethorphan-bupropion is a novel oral antidepressant recently approved by the FDA for MDD in adults that may address some of these unmet needs. Key …

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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) for Depression Treatment: 2 Case Reports (Pilot Study)

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aims to modify the gut microbiome and holds promise as a new treatment approach for major depressive disorder (MDD). Early case studies report improvements in depressive symptoms following fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), but larger controlled trials are needed to substantiate its efficacy. Key Facts: Two patients with long-standing major depression received …

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At-Home TDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) for Depression: A Convenient Treatment

A new study provides promising evidence that delivering transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) remotely in people’s homes could be an effective treatment approach for major depressive disorder. The key facts are: tDCS is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses electrical currents to modulate activity in targeted brain regions. When applied to the left …

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D-Mannose & ACSS2 Enzyme: Rapid Depression Treatment via BDNF & TPH2

Researchers have uncovered a critical role for the metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) in depression, identifying it as a novel target for rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant therapies. Findings show ACSS2 regulates both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels to improve synaptic plasticity and serotonin synthesis through tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) to mediate …

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Statins & Depression: Antidepressant Effect by Lowering Cholesterol?

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. While best known for lowering cholesterol, emerging evidence suggests that statin drugs may also impact mental health – but in complex, and sometimes contradictory, ways. Key Facts: Animal and some human studies show statins may have antidepressant effects by altering neurotransmitters, promoting neurogenesis, and reducing inflammation. …

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Adjunct Celecoxib for Depression & Mania: Treatment with a COX-2 Inhibitor

Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, shows promise as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for major depression and mania, according to a new comprehensive systematic review. The analysis also found celecoxib improved symptoms when used as a standalone antidepressant in patients with somatic disorders. However, evidence for efficacy in bipolar depression remains unclear. Key Facts: …

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Magnesium For Depression: An Underexplored Treatment

Magnesium is regarded as an essential mineral for humans and functions as a cofactor in upwards of 300 biochemical processes throughout the body.  For example, magnesium is implicated in: ATP production, blood pressure regulation, bone development, glucose modulation, heart rhythm normalization, muscle and nerve function, plus protein synthesis.  Knowing that magnesium is essential for optimal …

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