Fetzima (Levomilnacipran) is a medication prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Although it is similar to the drug Savella (Milnacipran), Fetzima exhibits unique pharmacodynamics in that it functions as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) with a 2-fold affinity for norepinephrine reuptake inhibition – relative to serotonin reuptake inhibition. In other words, …
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a medication regularly prescribed for the management of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. Other medical conditions for which Depakote is occasionally utilized as a complementary (i.e. adjunct) therapy include: AIDS, cancer, dopamine dysregulation syndrome (associated with Parkinson’s disease), schizophrenia. Most who are familiar with this drug understand that Depakote (divalproex …
Propranolol, sometimes referred to as “Inderal” (brand name), is a non-cardioselective sympatholytic beta blocker that was first synthesized by British scientist James Black in 1964. As a non-selective beta blocker, propranolol prevents endogenous catecholamines (e.g. norepinephrine and epinephrine) from activating Beta-1 and Beta-2 adrenergic receptors within the CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous …
Prednisone is a synthetic pregnane corticosteroid that was first identified in 1950 by the American microbiologist Arthur Nobile, and thereafter, synthesized in 1955 by the Schering Corporation. As a synthetic derivative of cortisone, prednisone acts by mimicking the physiologic effects of cortisol, the chief endogenous hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex when the body is …
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 …