Articles tagged with Antidepressants
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation brings about changes in brain metabolism weeks or months before patients begin to feel better. The treatment was able to improve symptoms of depression in 9 out of 13 participants, with significant changes in brain metabolism occurring far in advance of any improvement in mood.
A new study found no increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or death in patients taking daily doses of citalopram above 40mg, contradicting the FDA's warning. Higher dosages were associated with fewer adverse outcomes than lower dosages.
A recent Lund University study analyzed antidepressant ads in the Swedish Medical Journal between 1994 and 2003, finding that 34% were deemed misleading by industry self-regulation. The review process was criticized for being ineffective, with only 0.009% of sales revenue fined for unethical marketing.
The Mayo Clinic has created an institution-wide electronic warning system to identify patients at risk of premature death due to prolonged QT intervals. The system alerts physicians when a patient's ECG shows an abnormal heart rhythm, and has been shown to reduce mortality rates by nearly four times.
Research highlights the significant impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sexuality, including cognitive deficits, medical issues, and relationship changes. Rehabilitation strategies are crucial to address these challenges and improve sexual functioning in TBI survivors.
Researchers from the University of Granada confirmed the effectiveness of a spray containing 1% malic acid in improving xerostomy, or dry mouth, caused by anti-depressant drugs. The study found significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life for patients with this condition.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy does not impact infant growth over the first year. Infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had similar weight, length, and head circumference as infants born to non-depressed women.
A new study challenges the long-held explanation that depression is caused by insufficient serotonin levels. Instead, researchers found that abnormal communication between brain cells is the root cause of depression. This discovery opens possibilities for new therapies targeting excitatory connections rather than serotonin.
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that adjunctive antipsychotic medications improve depressive symptoms but have limited effects on quality of life. The treatments are also linked to side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and akathisia.
A study suggests a link between untreated depression and decreased response to the shingles vaccine in older adults. Depression treatment, however, boosts cell-mediated immunity and increases vaccine effectiveness.
A 30-year study of nearly 400 men found that nearly one-third of major depressive episodes were seen only while they were drinking heavily. Heavy drinking is often mistaken for depression, but the symptoms typically resolve within weeks to a month of abstinence.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a key protein that antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy target to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain. This finding could lead to genetic tests to predict individual responses to therapy and develop new treatments.
A study found that a biomarker based on brain activity in the visual cortex can predict response to scopolamine, an experimental rapid-acting antidepressant. Patients with depression showed lower visual cortex activity, which correlated with treatment response.
Patients attending a family practice clinic will be offered genetic testing to see how they respond to psychiatric medication. The tests, which analyze variations on five genes, can help physicians predict which medications are safe and effective for each patient.
A recent study found a link between certain antidepressants and long QT intervals, a marker for heart rhythm abnormalities. The research used electronic health records to track patients who had taken antidepressants or methadone, and discovered that some medications increased the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
A new analysis of over 38,000 patient records reveals the effects of various antidepressants on heart rhythm, confirming associations with some medications but not others. The study supports FDA warnings and provides guidance for patients taking antidepressants like citalopram and escitalopram.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that psychiatrists exposed to COI policies during residency are less likely to prescribe brand-name antidepressants after graduation. The results suggest that COI policies can lower rates of prescribing heavily promoted antidepressants, potentially reducing cost growth.
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates the production of new neurons from neural progenitor cells in the adult cortex. This process coincides with a reduction in apoptotic cell death following ischemia, highlighting the potential neuroprotective response induced by this antidepressant drug.
Researchers found no significant association between SSRI use during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or postneonatal death. However, women exposed to SSRIs had higher rates of stillbirth and postneonatal mortality due to underlying maternal psychiatric disease.
Researchers discovered that paroxetine protects endothelial cells from damage caused by high sugar levels in diabetes, preventing hyperglycemia-initiated reactive oxygen species damage. The drug also restores blood vessel function in animals with diabetes, suggesting potential as a new therapy for diabetic complications.
A clinical trial by NIH found that AZD6765 briefly improved depression symptoms in minutes, with fewer side effects than ketamine, and better residual effects.
Research finds that witnessing or experiencing workplace bullying increases the risk of being prescribed antidepressants, sedatives, and sleeping pills. The study, which tracked 6,606 public service employees in Finland, reveals a significant association between bullying and subsequent prescriptions for psychoactive drugs.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults who had not responded to antidepressant medication. After six months, 46% of participants in the CBT group showed improvement compared to 22% in the control group.
A new antidepressant drug called GLYX-13 has shown significant reductions in depression symptoms within hours, with positive effects lasting an average of seven days from a single dose. The novel therapeutic targets brain receptors responsible for learning and memory.
GLYX-13 produced statistically significant reductions in depression scores within 24 hours and persisted for an average of seven days. The effect size observed was nearly double the effect size seen with most other antidepressant drugs after 4-6 weeks of repeated dosing.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided in addition to usual care reduced symptoms of depression and improved patients' quality of life. At six months, 46% of those who received CBT had improved, reporting at least a 50% reduction in symptoms.
Researchers found evidence of worsened pregnancy outcomes with SSRI antidepressants, no benefits, and increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and congenital abnormalities. The study suggests prescribing these medications with caution and counseling for women trying to get pregnant.
Research found that antidepressant use, particularly SSRIs, increases the risk of intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhages by 50% and 40%, respectively. However, the actual increased risk for most people is extremely low, occurring at a rate of one additional stroke per 10,000 people per year.
Current resources and strategies for helping smokers quit are available, but often underutilized. The author recommends combining behavioral support with nicotine replacement therapy to improve success rates. Many smokers may not be aware of the support offered by free nationwide toll-free numbers like 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
A study found that 40% of stroke patients were treated for depression without proper diagnosis. Researchers say clinicians are over-treating some patients and overlooking others due to lack of access to mental health care professionals. Screening for depression after all strokes could improve treatment outcomes.
In 2011, Americans took a record 4.02 billion prescription drugs, with antidepressants and ADHD medicines showing notable increases in sales. The growth of prescriptions is attributed to the rising demand for CNS disorders medications.
A new study suggests pregnancy could have a positive impact on bipolar disorder, with fewer and shorter episodes in pregnant women. The study's findings call for large, multicenter, prospective studies to better understand the natural course of the disorder.
A systematic review found that approximately one in five elderly prescriptions are inappropriate, with medications like diphenhydramine and propoxyphene being used incorrectly. The study highlights the need for more accurate medication prescribing practices in primary care settings.
A study found that spouses of people who suffer a sudden heart attack are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, or suicide. Men were more susceptible to depression and suicide after their wife's survival or death from an acute myocardial infarction.
Researchers discover flavor components similar to prescription mood stabilizer valproic acid, which could lead to dietary recommendations or new supplements with beneficial mood effects. The study analyzed over 1,700 substances and found similarities between certain food flavors and approved antidepressants.
Researchers discovered that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) can increase the number of glial cells, supporting neurons and promoting proper neuronal function. This study presents a fundamental new mechanism for treating depression by targeting glial cell growth.
Studies investigate the connection between serotonin, BDNF, and TG2 in depression. High levels of TG2 may disrupt serotonin signaling, leading to depressive symptoms.
A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.
Off-label drug use is a widespread practice in medicine, with roughly 1 in 5 prescriptions filled for an off-label use. Patients may not be aware when their prescribed medications are being used off-label, as there is no requirement for physicians to disclose this information through informed consent.
Researchers identified a brain signal that can predict which depressed patients will respond to ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant. The signal also holds clues to the agent's mechanism of action, which may lead to more personalized treatment.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that the antidepressant sertraline hydrochloride (ZOLOFT) exhibits potent mechanisms against Cryptococcus neoformans, the major causative agent of fungal meningitis. The study suggests that ZOLOFT could be repurposed as a treatment option for this deadly infection.
A hormone with anti-diabetic properties called adiponectin has been shown to reduce depressive-like symptoms in stressed mice. Administering adiponectin produced antidepressant-like effects, especially in mice with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries with depression who faced a coverage gap in their Part D plan were more likely to discontinue their antidepressants. The study, which analyzed data from over 65,000 patients, also found similar reductions in the use of other essential medications, including heart failure drugs and antidiabetics.
Researchers found that rapamycin enhances learning and memory in young mice and improves these faculties in old mice, negating the normal decline with age. The drug also lowered anxiety and depressive-like behavior in the rodents.
A new study found that treating vitamin D deficiency improved symptoms of depression in women, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study involved three women who received oral vitamin D replacement therapy and showed significant improvement in their depression scores after treatment.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry confirms ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in patients with bipolar disorder. Ketamine was found to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within hours of administration.
A study found that critically ill patients taking antidepressants in ICU had higher mortality rates, with risk increasing by 73% compared to those not on the medication. The risk was highest among patients with acute coronary syndrome and those who had undergone cardiac surgery.
Patients with unipolar Major Depressive Disorder achieved significant improvements in depression symptoms and quality of life after five weeks of NeuroStar TMS therapy. The treatment resulted in a 30.5% increase in patients reporting no problems with performing usual activities.
The review explores the adverse effects of anti-epileptic drugs and antidepressants on fetal development, finding an estimated 1% of congenital malformations attributable to prescription drug use. Pregnant women are excluded from clinical trials, leaving a knowledge gap in drug safety and efficacy during pregnancy.
Researchers found that antidepressant Zoloft accumulates in yeast cells, inducing autophagy and causing membrane distortions. This response supports the idea that depression may be linked to diminished BDNF secretions and suggests alternative targets for next-generation antidepressants.
Bedwetting in children aged five years or older is common due to excessive urine production, overactive bladder, and inability to wake up. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, medication, and bed alarms, with the latter showing long-term success in reducing nighttime water production.
Researchers found that sertraline, a common antidepressant, accumulates in yeast cells and triggers membrane curvature, suggesting a potential alternative mechanism for depression treatment. The study supports the idea that depression is linked to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretions, not just serotonin.
A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antidepressants decrease depression in people with Parkinson's disease without worsening motor problems. The study used paroxetine and venlafaxine, two types of antidepressants with fewer side effects, and showed significant improvements in depression scores.
A US study has found that physicians are less likely to prescribe antidepressants to African-American and Hispanic patients with major depressive disorder. The study also reveals significant variations in prescription patterns based on patient age, payment source, and physician ownership status.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry has discovered that testosterone's antidepressant properties are mediated by a specific pathway in the hippocampus. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to effectively improve mood, particularly in men with hypogonadism.
A prospective controlled study of 309 mother-infant pairs found that prenatal antipsychotic exposure was associated with significantly lower scores on a standardized neuromotor screening measure. Infants exposed to antidepressants also showed lower scores, while those with no psychotropic exposure scored highest. The study highlights t...
Cedars-Sinai researchers found that rifaximin and lubiprostone are effective treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with low side-effect profiles. The study analyzed over two dozen clinical trials and compared various drug therapies, concluding that these two drugs offer the best options for IBS patients.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that the brain responds differently to antidepressant medication based on prior treatment history. Subjects who had never taken an antidepressant showed large increases in prefrontal brain activity during placebo treatment, while those with prior experience exhibited slight decreases in activity.