Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication that was developed as a treatment for neuropathic pain and as an adjunct for seizures. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for conditions such as: restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, migraines, and even anxiety disorders. In fact, an estimated 9/10 prescriptions for the drug are for off-label conditions. The drug …
Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that most people associate with mood. It is a derivative of tryptophan and is present throughout the body in the CNS, GI tract, and blood. Most people have heard that if you have low serotonin, you’re more likely to be depressed, but not many have heard of high serotonin. While …
It is estimated that over 50% of all individuals in the U.S. aged 18+ have consumed an alcoholic beverage within the past month. Approximately 70% of people have consumed alcohol within the past year. While many people seriously enjoy drinking in social situations and “going out” with friends to bars on the weekends, others find …
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the most popular TCA (tricyclic antidepressant) medication on the market. It is primarily utilized for the treatment of depression, and in other cases, migraine headaches and anxiety disorders. The drug functions primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of the serotonin transporter, which increases extracellular levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Although serotonin is primarily …
Lyrica (Pregabalin) is a drug that is approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain as well as partial seizures in adults. In some countries (outside the United States) it has also been successfully used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Lyrica is often preferred over opioid medications in the treatment of chronic pain as well …
Geodon (Ziprasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that was approved by the FDA in 2001 for the treatment of schizophrenia. It has since been approved to manage both manic and mixed states of bipolar disorder. In some cases, the drug is used as an antidepressant augmentation strategy for the treatment of refractory depression, as well as …
Risperdal (Risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that has been approved since 1994 for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, as well as certain cases of autism. It functions as an antagonist of the neurotransmitter dopamine. By acting as an antagonist, it reduces overall dopamine activity in the brain and helps eliminate many of the …