Phentermine is a natural monoamine alkaloid derivative that was initially approved by the United States FDA in 1959 as an anorectic (appetite suppressant) for the treatment of obesity. It was popularized throughout the early 1970s under the brand name medication “Fastin,” marketed by King Pharmaceuticals. In the late 1990s phentermine was discontinued from pharmaceutical circulation, …
Migraines are characterized as intermittently-occurring, painful, throbbing headaches resulting from transient vasodilation of intracranial blood vessels. Estimates suggest that for every 1 million persons in the general population, a total of 3000 migraine attacks will be experienced on a daily basis. Although migraine is among the most common neurological disorders in both men and women, …
Reglan (Metoclopramide) is a medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of gastroparesis or delayed stomach emptying. Gastroparesis often occurs as a result of conditions such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and diabetes, but is also sometimes experienced by patients following surgery (post-operative). Assuming an individual postpones treatment of ongoing gastroparesis, stomach acid can …
Topamax (Topiramate) is an anticonvulsant agent discovered in 1979 by Bruce Maryanoff and Joseph Gardocki while working for McNeil Pharmaceutical (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson). When compared to other anticonvulsant agents, Topamax is regarded as unique in that it is pharmacologically classified as a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide derivative, indicating that its chemical structure is similar …
Migraines are characterized as excruciatingly painful headaches commonly accompanied by symptoms of nausea and/or sensory hypersensitivity (such as to light or sound). A small percentage of individuals with migraines are able to prevent future migraine attacks with strategic lifestyle changes such as: reducing stress, adhering to a strict sleep schedule, and/or dietary adjustments. However, many …
Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a pharmaceutical medication engineered by Merck & Co. for the treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura). It received FDA approval in 1998 as an abortive antimigraine intervention and is chemically classified as a second-generation triptan (tryptamine-based). Analogous to other triptans, Rizatriptan remains ineffective as a migraine prophylactic, however, it is …
Relpax (Eletriptan) is a medication manufactured by Pfizer Inc. for the acute treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura) in adults. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2002 and is regarded as a highly effective abortive agent, engineered to attenuate already-occurring migraine attacks. Chemically, Relpax is classified as a second generation triptan …