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. …
A new study reveals an association between higher dietary acid load and increased risk of depression and anxiety, particularly in women. The research highlights the potential role of diet in mental health and wellbeing. Key Facts: Women with high dietary acid load had 20% higher odds of severe depression compared to those with low acid …
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: …
Deep brain stimulation using focused ultrasound leads to rapid remission of severe depression in breakthrough patient case study. Key Facts: Focused ultrasound targeted and suppressed hyperactive areas linked to depression. Stimulation lasted just 64 minutes yet caused depression remission for over 6 weeks. Approach is noninvasive and precisely targeted with no side effects observed. Technology …
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic that kills bacteria and protozoa by inhibiting protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex). The drug was patented in 1957, introduced as a pharmaceutical in 1967, and has received medical approval as a treatment for conditions such as: acne, bacterial pneumonia, chlamydia, cholera, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, …
Xanax (alprazolam) is a drug of the benzodiazepine class originally developed by Upjohn, a Michigan-based pharmaceutical company (now a subsidiary of Pfizer). In the United States, Xanax first received FDA approval for the treatment of panic disorder and hit the market as a prescription medication in 1981. It eventually received subsequent FDA approval for the …
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree from the Rubiaceae (coffee) family that produces leaves containing numerous psychoactive compounds, most notably including indole alkaloids: 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitraphylline, and mitragynine. When ingested by humans, the aforestated indole alkaloids significantly modulate CNS activity primarily via partial agonism of mu-opioid receptors (MORs). In addition, evidence from pharmacodynamic investigations suggests …