Zoloft (Sertraline) is a popular SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) prescribed primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also utilized medically for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, PTSD, and social phobia. The drug has been available as a prescription antidepressant since 1991 when it was introduced by Pfizer. Though a …
Percocet is a brand name medication comprised of active ingredients oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (paracetamol). It was first introduced to Germany in 1917 as an intravenous formulation for pain management among soldiers in World War I. Eventually it received approval in the United States (1976) as an oral (tablet) formulation as a narcotic …
Xanax (Alprazolam) is regarded as the single most popular benzodiazepine in the world. It is a highly effective drug when utilized for the medical treatment of acute anxiety, panic attacks, and social phobia. This is due to the fact that Xanax modulates the neurotransmission of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), specifically at the GABA-A receptor sites. To …
Lorazepam (brand name “Ativan”) is a benzodiazepine drug that hit the market in 1977 and is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. Although it is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety when used over a short-term, it is regarded as problematic when taken over an extended duration. Long-term usage of lorazepam is linked to dementia, …
PCP (Phencyclidine), commonly referred to as “Angel Dust,” was first synthesized in the 1950s and initially approved by the FDA as an anesthetic under the brand Sernyl. As a result of its extended half-life (approximately 3 days) and adverse psychotomimetic effects (e.g. hallucinations), it was taken off the market in 1965. Despite its removal from …
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive substance known for its combination of euphoric and empathogenic effects. In the United States, it is commonly referred to as ecstasy and/or “Molly.” MDMA is considered a Schedule I controlled-substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and is considered unsafe when utilized outside …
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a Schedule I controlled-substance in the United States and is considered the single most addictive drug in the world. Compared to other popular illicit drugs, heroin is associated with the highest likelihood of physical and psychological dependence. When injected intravenously, heroin avoids first-pass metabolism, meaning none of the drug is metabolized before …