Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly all women take prescription medications (92%) and self-medicate with over-the-counter medications (96.5%). Researchers also discovered potential drug interactions, including those between antidepressants and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.
Negative clinical trial results from SSRIs go unpublished, while flimsy data support their use. Flawed trial design, secrecy in approvals process, and inadequate adverse drug reporting systems contribute to ineffective and unsafe drugs entering the market.
A study examined trends in potentially inappropriate drug prescribing at ambulatory care visits among older adults from 1995 to 2000. The research found that pain relievers and central nervous system drugs made up most of the inappropriate prescriptions, with rates higher for patients with multiple prescriptions and women.
UT Southwestern researchers are studying the effect of supervised exercise on individuals taking SSRIs, with preliminary results indicating positive responses from patients. The goal is to determine if exercise can augment SSRI treatment and reduce all symptoms of depression.
A telephone counseling program was found to be more effective in helping smokers quit than a less-intensive mailing plan. The study showed that participants who received the phone counseling had a reduced chance of smoking after one year, with a significant association between the type of counseling and smoking behavior.
Researchers found that paroxetine reduces levels of endoxifen, an active metabolite of tamoxifen, in breast cancer patients. This decrease was more pronounced in women with a normal CYP2D6 genotype, suggesting potential implications for tamoxifen treatment outcomes.
The guidelines recommend five medication types to treat neuropathic pain, including gabapentin, lidocaine patches, and narcotics. Neuropathic pain affects 4-6 million people in the US, caused by nerve damage from conditions like shingles, diabetes, and cancer.
UB researchers found that antidepressant drugs decrease chronic pain by inhibiting TNF production in the brain. The study showed that these drugs also increase norepinephrine release, leading to a decrease in pain and its symptoms. This finding may contribute to new strategies for treating chronic pain.
Researchers found that variations in genes related to serotonin receptors and liver enzyme CYP2D6 impact antidepressant efficacy and side effects. The study suggests personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.
The study found that nearly 68% of patients who received antidepressant treatment were alive after nine years, compared to about 36% of those who received placebo. The researchers believe antidepressants may provide protective effects by improving recovery and reducing mortality in stroke patients.
Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.
Researchers found that antidepressants stimulate new neuron creation, which takes several weeks, and that this process is crucial for clinical response. The study also highlights the importance of specific serotonin receptors in regulating emotions.
Researchers found that antidepressant treatment appears to preserve hippocampal volumes in depressed patients, compared to those who have not taken medication. The study suggests that using antidepressants whenever symptoms occur may help prevent long-term brain damage.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that patients taking citalopram scored lower on a scale measuring compulsive shopping tendencies compared to those on a placebo. The majority of participants reported significant improvement in their symptoms, including reduced urges and interest in shopping.
A new study finds that pairing medication with intensive outreach and encouragement significantly reduces depressive symptoms and improves daily functioning among low-income, minority women. The treatment approach was most effective for this population compared to traditional care.
A UCLA-led study found that individuals with bipolar depression who continued taking antidepressants in conjunction with mood stabilizer medication after remission had a lower risk of depression relapse. The study's lead author, Dr. Lori Altshuler, suggests guidelines similar to those for unipolar depression may be more effective.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that treating depression and social isolation in heart attack patients does not improve survival rates, but significantly improves quality of life. The ENRICHD trial followed 2,481 heart attack patients with depression or low social support for 29 months.
A recent study found that paroxetine significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women by 64.6%, with up to 30% experiencing no flashes after six weeks. The medication worked by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, a natural chemical modulating mood and temperature control.
The use of generic drugs led to a slowdown in prescription drug spending during the first quarter, with a 3.2% reduction in dollar outlay. Physicians responded positively to safety warnings and modified patient therapy as a result, with 38% changing or modifying their treatment.
A recent study found that 20% of pregnant women show signs of depression, yet only 13.8% receive mental health counseling or treatment during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and screening to address post-partum depression risks associated with hormone imbalances and fetal exposure.
Effexor/Effexor XR demonstrated higher remission rates (41%) compared to SSRIs (35%), while also resolving physical symptoms of depression. The analysis included over 7,000 patients across 30 head-to-head studies.
Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of St. John's wort and citalopram in treating minor depression, a common disorder that can impair daily life and increase the risk of major depression. The study aims to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for primary care clinicians.
A study found that Keppra, when used in combination with conventional treatments, provided significant pain relief for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Over half of the participants showed marked improvement and continued treatment with Keppra.
A study of 274 depressed patients found relatively low satisfaction with their care, particularly in treatment choices and follow-up care. The researchers also discovered that only a third of the patients received educational recommendations or materials to aid in managing depression.
A meta-analysis of 31 trials involving over 4400 patients found that continuous antidepressant treatment for one to two years significantly reduced depressive relapse rates compared to placebo. The study suggests that many patients remain at risk of recurrence after initial treatment and may benefit from extended medication
Researchers found that selegiline hydrochloride significantly increased smoking cessation rates among participants, with 45% quitting after 8 weeks of treatment. This suggests the MAO-B inhibitor may be an effective treatment for nicotine addiction.
A study published in The Lancet found that treatment for one to two years with antidepressants substantially reduced the likelihood of relapse compared to discontinuing active treatment. The average rate of relapse on placebo was nearly double that of treatment, highlighting the benefits of long-term medication adherence.
Researchers found that both nortriptyline and bupropion, when combined with counseling, helped smokers attain periods of abstinence but had limited effectiveness in quitting for a year. The study showed that antidepressant therapy and counseling can aid in achieving short-term abstinence for cigarette smokers.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the effects of antidepressant venlafaxine on clinically depressed patients. The study found that the drug produced robust alterations in the anterior cingulate area of the brain within two weeks, which may help predict treatment response.
Research found that mail reminders significantly improved adherence rates among patients taking antidepressants, particularly those on SSRIs. The study suggests that the $30,000 spent on this intervention could be cost-effective compared to the estimated cost of lost productivity in depressed workers.
A new model of team care, IMPACT, significantly improved depression treatment outcomes in older adults compared to usual care. Patients assigned to IMPACT reported greater reductions in depression symptoms and improvements in daily functioning.
The American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians have released new guidelines for treating migraines, recommending immediate treatment with NSAIDs or triptans, as well as managing nausea and vomiting symptoms. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of patient involvement in charting migraines and i...
A new study has identified a unique brain marker of 'vulnerability' that may explain why people who recover from major depression remain at risk for another episode. The finding could lead to more targeted treatments and help identify family members at risk before they experience a major depression.
A Canadian study found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions from 3.2 million to 14.5 million between 1981 and 2000, outpacing the country's population growth. The study suggests increased awareness and better understanding of depression may be contributing factors, but the underlying cause remains unclear.
A study by UT Southwestern researcher Dr. John Rush and colleagues found that long-term treatment of chronic depression can result in sustained psychosocial benefits. The therapy showed significant improvement rates among patients taking Zoloft, with only 6% relapse rate compared to 23% for the placebo group.
A study published in Neurology found that opioid medications effectively relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain without significant side effects, with 54% of patients preferring opiates over antidepressants. The research suggests opioids are a good alternative for patients not responding to other types of pain medications.
A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...
Research suggests that irritable bowel syndrome is a discrete collection of organic bowel diseases, characterized by morphological, psychological, and physiological changes. Treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and tricyclic antidepressants, show promise in managing symptoms.
A new study found sertraline to be both safe and effective in treating depression among hospitalized heart patients. The trial showed a 23% reduction in life-threatening cardiovascular events, although not statistically significant, indicating potential benefits of sertraline for this population.
Research by Colleen Flaherty reveals pharmaceuticals can stunt growth and result in more male offspring in Daphnia, while combination effects can be lethal. The study highlights the need to consider multiple chemicals in assessing ecological impacts.
Spending on prescription drugs grew by 16.9% in 2001, with 56.8% of the increase attributed to higher prices and use of more expensive medications. The average wholesale price rose by $85.42 to $592.05. In contrast, the company forecasts a 15.9% annual spending growth rate for 2002, driven by new generics and moderation in utilization.
In a study involving 495 patients, Effexor XR showed significantly higher remission rates compared to placebo. At the end of 12 months, 67% of patients maintained remission after a year of therapy, with 46% on placebo.
A team of researchers found that both placebo and antidepressant responders showed increased activity in the cortex, accompanied by decreased activity in limbic regions. Patients who responded to fluoxetine also experienced unique changes in lower brain areas thought to confer additional advantage in sustaining the response.
A new study found that an anti-depression medication called bupropion (Zyban) is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in helping women quit smoking. Women who took bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free compared to those on nicotine replacement, with similar success rates after a full year of treatment.
The Stanford study found that the quality of care received by depressed patients has significantly improved since the introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in 1988. The study also revealed a notable increase in physician visits for depression, largely driven by the adoption of SSRIs.
Researchers found nicotine shows promise as an antidepressant in a Wistar-Kyoto rat model of depression. The study suggests that nicotine or nicotinic agonists could be therapeutic options for treating depressive illnesses. However, the risks associated with cigarette smoking outweigh any potential benefits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are launching a three-year study to investigate prescription drug pollution in drinking water, sewage treatment plants, and coastal waters. Two new scientific tools have been developed to aid in the investigation, including a survey of environmental concentrations and a highly sensitive lab test ...
A recent study found that Prozac significantly reduced hot flashes in women with breast cancer, providing a viable treatment option. The medication was compared to placebo and showed a 50% decrease in hot flash frequency and severity.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly all antidepressant trials exclude patients with mild depression, anxiety disorders, or other psychiatric problems. This limits the generalizability of trial results and may lead to unjustified exposure of risks and side effects.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers has confirmed that long-term use of venlafaxine provides women with breast cancer significant relief from hot flashes, with a 60% reduction in frequency over eight weeks. The antidepressant is considered a safe and effective non-hormonal alternative to estrogen for treating hot flashes.
A recent study found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps patients with panic disorder manage their symptoms without medication. Six months after stopping antidepressants, about 80% of patients who received CBT were symptom-free and experienced improved anxiety levels.
Researchers identify potential link between serotonin-enhancing drugs and increased risk of cerebrovascular syndrome (stroke). The study suggests that caution should be exercised when combining medications that contain serotonin enhancers, particularly in patients presenting with sudden-onset headaches.
A new UCLA imaging study has found that placebo alters brain function in individuals with major depression, showing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex for those who responded to treatment. This discovery challenges traditional views on treatment effectiveness and may lead to the development of new medications.
The study compared paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertaline, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the US, finding they have similar effects on health-related quality of life measures. The medications, known as SSRIs, work similarly on neurotransmitter pathways to decrease depression symptoms.
A follow-up study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved symptoms in 60% of patients who had failed multiple medications, with 20% experiencing complete symptom disappearance. The technique has been approved for treating epilepsy and is currently being studied for its long-term benefits in depression.
A recent study published in Psychiatric Services found that expenditures on antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics increased significantly between 1992 and 1998. The researchers highlighted the need for drug benefit coverage to ensure accessibility and affordability for individuals with low incomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long-term medication use helps smokers who stop avoid relapse and gain less weight. The study, which involved 784 participants, showed that those taking the antidepressant bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free than those on a placebo.
Researchers found that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was more effective than imipramine or placebo in reducing depression symptoms and improving patient moods. The study involved 275 patients aged 12-18 with major depression.
A new drug, lamotrigine, has been shown to reduce central post-stroke pain in patients by an average of 30 percent. The treatment was found to be effective for patients who could not tolerate amitriptyline due to its side effects.
A landmark survey shows that patients with major depression often feel their illness isn't under complete control and experience few quality-of-life improvements. The study highlights a significant communication gap between primary care physicians and patients, leading to inadequate treatment and side effect management.