The first oral pill approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postpartum depression, called Zurzuvae, developed by Sage Therapeutics, is now available by prescription. The medication, approved in August, is currently available only at specialty pharmacies and has to be shipped directly to patients. The drug, administered as two 25-milligram capsules […]
The “988 Lifeline” service was launched in July 2022, progressing from the narrow focus on suicide prevention as the “National Suicide Prevention Lifeline” to a wider attention of forms of acute distress (and also requiring a much simpler dial code). A recent study on 988 Lifeline reveals that while it has received millions of calls, […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatments, let’s shine the spotlight on methylfolate, a form of folate (or folic acid, also known as vitamin B9), in the fight against depression. Folate, a vital nutrient for neurotransmitter production, has long been associated with mood disorders. The body has to convert it into methylfolate before it […]
The legalization of cannabis in certain regions has sparked a shift in the landscape of substance use among young people, with an emerging trend indicating that more individuals are driving under the influence of cannabis than alcohol. As cannabis becomes more socially acceptable and legally accessible, concerns about its impact on road safety are growing. […]
The closure of Point Loma Shelter Island Drug after decades of community service is not an isolated event — it is part of a nationwide problem threatening the survival of independent pharmacy in America. A Point Loma Institution Closes Its Doors After more than 3 decades of serving the local community in San Diego, Point […]
The serotonin theory of depression has been around for a good 60 years and is often used as justification for the use of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Understandably, a review published recently by psychiatric researcher Joanna Moncrieff, which concluded that there was no consistent evidence of an association between serotonin and depression, […]
Most of our readers know about antianxiety medications like Valium or Klonopin, and may know that their generic names are diazepam or clonazepam. The “pam” in these names stands for Positive Allosteric Modulator, and this fancy term means that these drugs change the shape of the GABA receptor to make it more active, causing a […]
There are several exciting developments in the field of antidepressants, with various drugs currently in the pipeline. These new treatments aim to provide better efficacy and fewer side effects compared to existing antidepressants. Here are some of the most promising candidates: Ketamine-Derived Drugs: Ketamine has gained significant attention for its rapid antidepressant effects. As a result, […]
The article mentioned in our January 2020 blog entry was followed by a more comprehensive work which was published in 2022 (Triggers and Characteristics of Brain Zaps According to the Findings of an Internet Questionnaire.) The study found that brain zaps were real clinical phenomena with typical symptomatic characteristics, which can aid the clinician in their identification. […]
Many people are interested in using herbs and vitamins, collectively called nutraceuticals, either alone or with therapy or medication to feel more in control of their treatment. Nutraceuticals are supplements derived from food sources that are thought to provide health benefits. Several have been studied for possible anxiolytic effects. Ashwagandha is an herb used in […]