Prednisone is a synthetic pregnane corticosteroid that was first identified in 1950 by the American microbiologist Arthur Nobile, and thereafter, synthesized in 1955 by the Schering Corporation. As a synthetic derivative of cortisone, prednisone acts by mimicking the physiologic effects of cortisol, the chief endogenous hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex when the body is …
Buspar (buspirone) is a medication [of the azapirone classification] that’s most commonly administered for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Although Buspar is solely approved by the FDA for the treatment treat anxiety disorders, it is occasionally prescribed for other medical conditions like: major depressive disorder (as a standalone or adjunct); cerebellar ataxia; sexual …
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication utilized primarily for the acute management of anxiety disorders – particularly panic disorder. When administered, Xanax crosses the blood-brain-barrier and modulates the activation of GABAA receptor alpha-1 subunits. This GABAergic modulation hyperpolarizes neurons via chloride ion influx and induces negative membrane potentials. The induction of negative membrane potentials makes neurons …
Vraylar (Cariprazine), also sold under the name Reagila [in European countries], is an atypical antipsychotic developed by the pharmaceutical company Allergan. In 2015, Vraylar received FDA approval for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder. From a pharmacodynamic perspective, Vraylar functions predominantly as a partial agonist at D3 and D2 dopamine receptors, …
Trintellix (Vortioxetine hydrobromide), formerly sold under the name Brintellix, is an antidepressant that was jointly developed by the pharmaceutical companies Lundbeck and Takeda. In 2013, Trintellix received FDA approval for the treatment of major depressive disorder in the United States. Trintellix is classified as a “serotonin modulator and stimulator” in that it functions as an …
Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid derived from plants of the Apocynaceae family, including: Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana and Tabernaemontana undulata. When ingested by humans, ibogaine induces a psychedelic response with dissociative and opioidergic properties. The [subjective] experience of ibogaine is often described as biphasic such that the first phase (4 to 6 hours) is …
Gabapentin, sold under the brand name “Neurontin,” is a drug that was first approved by the United States FDA in 1993 as an adjunct treatment for partial seizures in adults. Thereafter, gabapentin’s indication as a treatment for partial seizures would be extended in 2000 to pediatrics, and subsequently, it would receive FDA approval for the …