Neurofeedback is a practice devised to optimize the electrical activity within a person’s brain a.k.a. adjust their brain waves. It is based on the premise that abnormal electrical activity in certain regions of the brain may contribute to various psychological conditions and may compromise mental performance. The goal of neurofeedback is to correct electrical abnormalities …
Gabapentin is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 1993 as an adjunct treatment for epileptic seizures. It has since attained approval for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children. In addition to its mechanism as an antiepileptic drug, Gabapentin functions as an analgesic, and was approved in 2004 for the …
Guanfacine is a drug that was developed primarily for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It has been proven as an effective medication to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure via its effect on Alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors. It functions by stimulating these receptors (as an agonist) and reducing activation of the sympathetic nervous …
Clonidine is a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine is also commonly used as a treatment for anxiety and as an intervention to minimize drug withdrawal symptoms. On occasion, it is prescribed off-label for the treatment of PTSD, borderline personality disorder, stress, and insomnia. It functions primarily as an Alpha-2 …
There are many new medications that have been engineered specifically for the treatment of opioid dependence. Those dependent on opioids tend to experience debilitating physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. To help individuals discontinue illicit opioids like heroin, an “opioid replacement therapy” drug is often prescribed. Two of the most common opioid replacement therapy …
Subutex and Suboxone are drugs that were approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of opioid dependence. Both drugs contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, a semisynthetic opioid that acts as primarily as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist. Buprenorphine also acts as an antagonist at the kappa and delta opioid receptors. Buprenorphine’s mechanism of …
Methadone was originally developed in Germany during the 1930s as a synthetic alternative to opium. Post World War II, the United States obtained all research records for the substance and noted that it was less sedating and less of a respiratory depressant than morphine. In 1947, Methadone was approved by the FDA for the treatment …