TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a neurostimulation technique that uses magnetic field generators (in the form of coils) to emit targeted electrical currents that stimulate the cortex. TMS is believed to improve neurological functioning via stimulating activity in hypoactive regions of the brain that are contributing to a particular pathology. For example, individuals with depression …
Fanapt (Iloperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that was approved by the FDA on May 6, 2009 for the treatment of schizophrenia. The drug is thought to have been synthesized in the 1990s, during which its rights were sold from Hoechst Marion Roussel Inc. to Titan Pharmaceuticals, and eventually to Vanda Pharmaceuticals. It functions as an …
Saphris (Asenapine) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2007 for the treatment of schizophrenia and the manic phases of bipolar disorder. It functions by acting primarily on 5-HT2A serotonergic receptors and D2 dopaminergic receptors as an antagonist. It also elicits effects on a variety of other serotonergic receptors (5HT2B, 5HT2C, 5HT6, …
L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid derived from the Camellia sinensis plant species. It was first discovered circa 1950 in which it was noted within the contents of green tea; it serves as a “building block” for proteins and is also present in other types of tea (e.g. black tea). For generations L-theanine has been …
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 …
Neurofeedback is a training technique that helps you learn how to consciously change the electrical activity (brain waves) in your brain. All electrical oscillations influence your state of consciousness, arousal, and ability to function. Neurofeedback is based on the idea that many individuals, particularly those with psychological conditions (e.g. ADHD) have suboptimal brain waves in …
Belsomra (Suvorexant) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of insomnia. It didn’t hit the market until 2015 and is regarded as the first of a new generation of sleeping pills called “orexin receptor antagonists.” Belsomra functions by binding to orexin (hypocretin) receptors OX1 and OX2 to inhibit …