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, …
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree of the coffee (Rubiaceae) family native to countries such as: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand. It is best known for generating leaves that contain upwards of 40 distinct psychoactive compounds. Pharmacological research indicates that the psychoactive constituents of kratom – most prominent being [indole alkaloids] …
Probiotics are considered living microorganisms that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, are conducive to the health of their host. The term probiotic is derived from the preposition “pro” (meaning “for”) and “biōtikos” (meaning “fit for life”), and is associated with the introduction of beneficial bacteria, contrasting with the term antibiotic (associated with the destruction of …
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 …
Ginkgo Biloba is considered an extremely popular dietary supplement. In 2005, it was estimated that individuals living in the United States spent nearly $110 million on Ginkgo Biloba; a staggering amount of money. While there are some potential Ginkgo Biloba benefits such as cognitive enhancement, improvements in working memory, and increased blood flow to the …
Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia and in some cases, bipolar disorder. It is also a relatively popular antidepressant augmentation strategy for individuals who don’t respond to monotherapeutic options. Off-label some doctors prescribe it at low doses for Tourette syndrome, insomnia and anxiety disorders, despite …