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 …
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 …
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed for the prophylaxis and/or management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that Lamictal modifies neurochemistry by: inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, blocking various calcium channels (L-type; N-type; P-type), antagonizing sigma and 5-HT3 receptors, upregulating GABA signaling, and suppressing the release of glutamate and aspartate. Through the aforementioned mechanisms …
Lithium is a naturally occurring element that’s commonly prescribed in the format of “lithium carbonate” for the prophylaxis and/or management of bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium is sometimes prescribed as an adjunct to treat refractory cases of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Throughout treatment, lithium is understood to modulate numerous aspects of a user’s neurophysiology to …
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, …
Humira (Adalimumab) is a biologic, immunosuppressant medication sold and marketed by the pharmaceutical company AbbVie Inc. More specifically, Humira functions as a TNF inhibitor whereby it binds to and blocks the physiologic effect of the proinflammatory cytokine known as “TNF-alpha.” Blockade of inflammation induced by TNF-alpha makes Humira useful for the treatment of many autoimmune …