Amitriptyline (brand name “Elavil”) is a medication that was initially approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Due to its three-ring chemical structure, it is formally classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Though not formally approved in the United States to treat conditions other than major depression, Amitriptyline is …
Sumatriptan (brand names “Imitrex”) is a synthetic medication that was initially approved in 1991 for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Chemically, it is classified as a “triptan” or tryptamine-based agent and is identified as a structural analogue of various alkaloids such as bufotenine and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). When administered following the onset of a …
Fioricet is a brand name medication comprised of the following ingredients: butalbital (50 mg), acetaminophen (300 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). The combination of a barbiturate (butalbital), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (acetaminophen), and central nervous system stimulant (caffeine) – seem to act synergistically to alleviate various types of headaches. Medically, Fioricet is approved by the …
Requip (Ropinirole) is a drug initially approved in 1997 by the United States FDA for the treatment of [early or advanced-stage] idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. In the management of Parkinson’s disease, Requip can be utilized either as: a standalone agent or as an adjunct to L-DOPA. After its initial approval for the attenuation of Parkinson’s symptoms, …
Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of idiopathic (early-stage and advanced) Parkinson’s disease. Analysis of the drug’s pharmacodynamics reveals its function as a mixed partial/full dopamine agonist, with highest affinity for: D3 receptors, D2 receptors (D2S and D2L), and D4 receptors (in that order). To …
Armour Thyroid is a porcine-derived thyroid extract manufactured by Actavis Inc. (formerly by Forest Laboratories, Inc.) for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Unlike synthetically engineered thyroid medications (e.g. levothyroxine), Armour Thyroid is completely natural, and as a result, is thought (by some users and professionals) to be safer and more biologically compatible with humans. Additionally, many …
Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is a synthetic form of T4 (thyroxine), a hormone secreted by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Individuals with insufficient levels of thyroxine (T4) exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism such as: depression, lethargy, malaise, and sleepiness. Regular administration of synthroid (levothyroxine) is thought to reverse symptoms of hypothyroidism and normalize all neurophysiological processes …