Mirena is a small T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the progestin hormone “levonorgestrel” to prevent: pregnancy, heavy menstrual periods, and/or excessive build of the uterus lining in persons on estrogen replacement therapy. When properly inserted within the uterus, Mirena is programmed to release 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day, and is expected to remain …
Naltrexone is a chemical initially synthesized in 1963 and patented thereafter by the pharmaceutical company Endo Laboratories in 1967. It is considered a substituted derivative of oxymorphone in that the tertiary amine methyl-constituent is replaced with an allyl group (specifically an N-cyclopropylmethyl group) – or a longer chain of carbon atoms. It was initially approved …
Invega (Paliperidone) is considered a newer spin-off of the antipsychotic Risperdal in that it contains the same active metabolite, but is thought to have fewer side effects and drug interactions. It was initially approved in 2006 for the treatment of schizophrenia and was since granted approval for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder in 2009. While …
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 …
Saphris (Asenapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that was approved in 2009 for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a relatively new atypical antipsychotic, and is considered a chemical derivative of the tetracyclic antidepressant (TeCA) mianserin. It is manufactured in a sublingual format, which some may perceive as an upgraded or novel …
Risperdal (Risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that has been approved since 1994 for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, as well as certain cases of autism. It functions as an antagonist of the neurotransmitter dopamine. By acting as an antagonist, it reduces overall dopamine activity in the brain and helps eliminate many of the …
Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In relatively rare cases, it is used as an augmentation strategy for the treatment of depression. The drug is manufactured by the company Eli Lilly, and has generated billions of dollars in revenue. Despite …