Lorazepam (brand name “Ativan”) is a benzodiazepine drug that hit the market in 1977 and is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. Although it is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety when used over a short-term, it is regarded as problematic when taken over an extended duration. Long-term usage of lorazepam is linked to dementia, …
PCP (Phencyclidine), commonly referred to as “Angel Dust,” was first synthesized in the 1950s and initially approved by the FDA as an anesthetic under the brand Sernyl. As a result of its extended half-life (approximately 3 days) and adverse psychotomimetic effects (e.g. hallucinations), it was taken off the market in 1965. Despite its removal from …
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive substance known for its combination of euphoric and empathogenic effects. In the United States, it is commonly referred to as ecstasy and/or “Molly.” MDMA is considered a Schedule I controlled-substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and is considered unsafe when utilized outside …
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a Schedule I controlled-substance in the United States and is considered the single most addictive drug in the world. Compared to other popular illicit drugs, heroin is associated with the highest likelihood of physical and psychological dependence. When injected intravenously, heroin avoids first-pass metabolism, meaning none of the drug is metabolized before …
Marijuana (Cannabis) is widely regarded throughout the world as the most commonly used recreational drug. As of 2015, it is estimated that nearly 50% of residents in the United States population have ingested marijuana at some point throughout their lives. Within just the past several years, recreational marijuana usage has steadily increased. This increase is …
Fanapt (Iloperidone) is an antipsychotic that was approved in 2009 for the treatment of schizophrenia. It functions similar to most current-market atypical antipsychotics in that it acts as an antagonist of the 5-HT2A receptor and D2 dopamine receptor. It is thought to produce fewer extrapyramidal side effects (e.g. akathisia) compared to other antipsychotics. The drug …
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 …