Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is a medication that was first approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of partial seizures, later in 1998 for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and again 2003 for the management of bipolar disorder. Specifically, Lamictal is used to prevent and/or treat: focal seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and acute depressive episodes or …
Vraylar (Cariprazine), is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved in 2015 by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Occasionally, Vraylar is also prescribed as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression and off-label for anxiety disorders. Although Vraylar is marketed as an improvement over older atypical antipsychotic medications in terms of efficacy and tolerability, …
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid with medicinal properties derived from the cannabis plant (i.e. marijuana). Of all ~113 active phytocannabinoids, or plant-based chemical constituents within the cannabis plant, cannabidiol is most abundant and accounts for approximately 40% of the plant’s extract. Unlike other phytocannabinoids that induce intoxicating effects (e.g. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol), cannabidiol is devoid …
ZzzQuil is an over-the-counter medication utilized most frequently to enhance sleep quality among individuals with allergies or the “common cold.” However, because ZzzQuil is a potent sleep aid, individuals without health problems sometimes use the medication to help manage insomnia. On occasion, ZzzQuil is even administered for the treatment of motion sickness and extrapyramidal symptoms …
Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), is an atypical antipsychotic approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (as an adjunct). The drug was engineered via collaboration between pharmaceutical companies Otsuka and Lundbeck and is considered the successor to Abilify (aripiprazole), a formerly top-selling antipsychotic medication with an expired patent. Although Rexulti is marketed …
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug comprised of the amino acid L-lysine coupled with dextroamphetamine, hence its chemical name “lis-dexamfetamine.” As a prodrug, Vyvanse is inactive until ingested and enzymatically metabolized into l-lysine (an amino acid) and dextroamphetamine (a psychostimulant), the latter of which has been deemed effective for the treatment of ADHD and binge eating …
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree of the coffee (Rubiaceae) family native to countries such as: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand. It is best known for generating leaves that contain upwards of 40 distinct psychoactive compounds. Pharmacological research indicates that the psychoactive constituents of kratom – most prominent being [indole alkaloids] …