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Analyzing Serum Biomarkers to Predict Antidepressant Efficacy in Depression (2023 Study)

Depression, a complex and often debilitating mental health condition, affects millions globally. Despite advances in psychiatric medicine, finding the right treatment remains a challenge for many. A recent comprehensive study, however, is shedding light on this issue by examining the role of serum biomarkers in predicting the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy. Highlights: Innovative Approach: This …

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Evening Chronotype & Lower Efficacy of SSRI Antidepressants (2024 Study)

Recent research in the Australian Genetics of Depression Study reveals a fascinating connection between an individual’s chronotype and the efficacy of antidepressants. A study, focusing on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), suggests that evening chronotypes may experience poorer responses to these medications. Highlights: Chronotype Impact: Individuals with an evening chronotype reported …

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Effexor (Venlafaxine) For Hot Flashes: A Non-Hormonal Therapy

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a medication that was originally approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of major depression.  Upon ingestion, Effexor functions as an SNRI (or dual-reuptake inhibitor) by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, and to a lesser extent, norepinephrine.  As a result of serotonergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibition, concentrations of serotonin and …

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Effexor (Venlafaxine) For Anxiety Disorders: An Effective Anxiolytic?

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a drug that was introduced in 1993 as a pharmaceutical antidepressant by Wyeth; its marketing rights are now owned by Pfizer.  Pharmacodynamically, it functions primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is understood to be the first-ever “dual reuptake inhibitor” approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder.  …

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Cymbalta Lawsuits: Users Suing Eli Lilly Over Undisclosed Withdrawal Symptoms

It appears as though the pharmaceutical juggernaut Eli Lilly is facing major legal backlash for failure to disclose discontinuation effects associated with their medication Cymbalta (Duloxetine).  Cymbalta is an SNRI antidepressant that was approved in August 2004 for the treatment of major depression.  A woman named Claudia Herrera has been making news headlines because she …

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California Rocket Fuel: Remeron and Effexor Combination

Unless a person is dealing with treatment-resistant depression, it’s relatively uncommon for a person to be taking multiple antidepressants. If a person ends up taking multiple antidepressants, they are generally from different classes such as an SSRI (e.g. Prozac) with an atypical (e.g. Wellbutrin). Prescribing multiple antidepressants of the same class such as multiple SSRIs …

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Pristiq: Weight Gain or Weight Loss? Causes & Individual Factors.

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is a drug that was approved for the treatment of major depression in 2007. It functions as an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and increases extracellular levels of two neurotransmitters. In addition to treating depression, it is also being investigated as a non-hormonal approach to treating menopause. This drug is considered very similar to …

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