Fetzima (Levomilnacipran), is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that was approved by the United States FDA in 2013 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It was engineered to be a spinoff (or some might suggest an upgraded or slightly modified version) of the drug Savella (Milnacipran). Comparatively, Fetzima solely contains the levorotatory enantiomer of …
Omeprazole, manufactured the trade names Prilosec and Losec, is a proton-pump inhibitor prescribed for the management of medical conditions such as: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); peptic ulcer disease; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; and forms of esophagitis (erosive and eosinophilic). In some cases, omeprazole is also utilized as a prophylactic to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in at-risk populations. …
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Most people know that serotonin is associated with mood. It has long been marketed that high serotonin results in happiness, and low serotonin results in major depression. Despite the incessant marketing of serotonin to the mainstream by pharmaceutical companies, serotonin does more than …
Dopamine is a popular neurotransmitter that is believed to play a primary role in motivation, pleasure, and mood. When a person experiences pleasure from activities like having sex, watching porn, using drugs, or even intense physical exercise – dopamine is at work. Additionally, dopamine plays a vital role in motor control and cognitive function. Increasing …
BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is considered an important protein that influences brain function as well as the peripheral nervous system. BDNF influences a variety of functions including: preventing death of existing brain cells, inducing the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and synapses, and supporting cognitive function. Low levels of BDNF are often problematic and have …
There is considerable evidence supporting the usage of fish oil for depression. The omega-3 fatty acids within fish oil are capable of increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex, enhancing neurotransmission, and reducing inflammation. Although they can be effective as a standalone treatment for mood disorders (e.g. depression), they are also commonly used with success as …
When withdrawing from any antidepressant, most would agree that it’s best to taper. Tapering reduces the likelihood that you’ll endure protracted withdrawal symptoms, and gives your nervous system a slower readjustment to homeostatic functioning from being under the influence of a drug. Taking steps such as: maintaining a good diet for mental health, staying productive, getting …