Piracetam is a drug that was synthesized in 1964 by Corneliu E. Giurgea et al. at the pharmaceutical company “UCB” headquartered in Belgium. Chemically, it is identified as 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide, shares the same base structure with pyroglutamic acid, and as a result of its pyrrolidone nucleus, is classified as a “racetam” compound. Following the synthesis …
Curcumin is a yellowish-colored compound derived from turmeric (a curry spice within the Ginger family) that is often taken as a dietary supplement and/or utilized as a food additive. It was initially isolated from turmeric in 1815, chemically mapped in 1910, and thereafter formally classified as a “diarylheptanoid” (as a result of its chemical structure …
Aniracetam is a drug of the “racetam” chemical classification that was initially developed in the 1970s by pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche. Chemically, aniracetam is synthesized via reaction of 2-pyrrolidone with anisoyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine; hence it is sometimes referred to as “N-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone.” When administered to humans and animals, aniracetam functions via allosterically …
It’s no secret that many people derive therapeutic benefit from the serotonergic antidepressant Escitalopram, marketed under the brand name “Lexapro.” However some Lexapro users have become increasingly frustrated with its side effect profile. One side effect in particular that is often reported by users, yet infrequently reported by its manufacturer (Forest Laboratories) – is that …
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a neurostimulation technique that uses magnetic field generators (in the form of coils) to emit targeted electrical currents that stimulate the cortex. TMS is believed to improve neurological functioning via stimulating activity in hypoactive regions of the brain that are contributing to a particular pathology. For example, individuals with depression …
Invega (Paliperidone) is considered a newer spin-off of the antipsychotic Risperdal in that it contains the same active metabolite, but is thought to have fewer side effects and drug interactions. It was initially approved in 2006 for the treatment of schizophrenia and was since granted approval for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder in 2009. While …
Saphris (Asenapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that was approved in 2009 for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a relatively new atypical antipsychotic, and is considered a chemical derivative of the tetracyclic antidepressant (TeCA) mianserin. It is manufactured in a sublingual format, which some may perceive as an upgraded or novel …