Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant that is hypothesized to function as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It is believed to predominantly increase levels of norepinephrine and only affects dopamine to a minor extent. As a result of its noradrenergic mechanism of action, it is considered “atypical” when compared to other serotonergic antidepressants. Unlike serotonergic antidepressants, Wellbutrin has a …
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is an SNRI antidepressant developed by Wyeth as an improved successor to the older drug Effexor (Venlafaxine). Pristiq is engineered to contain solely the pharmacologically active metabolite of Venlafaxine known as “O-desmethylvenlafaxine” in a synthetic format dubbed “desvenlafaxine.” The drug was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of major depression …
Lyrica (Pregabalin) is a medication approved for the treatment fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and partial seizures (as an adjuvant). The drug “pregabalin” was engineered by Pfizer as an improved successor to “gabapentin,” a chemical that had been on the market since 1993. Like gabapentin, pregabalin is considered a lipophilic analogue of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), …
Trazodone (brand name “Desyrel”) is a medication originally approved by the FDA in 1981 for the treatment of anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. It is also commonly utilized as a sleep-inducing agent in cases of insomnia, as well as an off-label option for conditions such as: alcohol withdrawal, bulimia nervosa, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, OCD, panic …
Gabapentin (brand name “Neurontin”) is a drug initially approved by the FDA in 1993 as an adjunct treatment for partial seizures, and 11 years later in 2004, received approval for the treatment of neuropathic pain. It has since gained popularity as an off-label treatment for a variety of conditions including: anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, hot …
Tramadol (brand name “Ultram”) is a synthetic drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It initially hit the market in 1995 as an immediate-release (IR) drug, and was since also engineered into an extended-release (ER) drug in 2005. Compared to many other pain medications, Tramadol is unique in that …
Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine medication utilized primarily for the treatment of anxiety disorders and acute epilepsy. It is also prescribed off-label for a host of other medical conditions including: acute mania, akathisia, bruxism, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. As a benzodiazepine, it functions principally by modulating the neurotransmission of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) within the …