Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A three-year study of 351 people from Sweden aged 80 and over reveals that psychoactive medications have negative effects on cognitive performance. The results show that individuals taking these medications experience lower performance scores and a more severe decline in cognitive function compared to those not on medication.
The Express Scripts 1999 Drug Trend Report reveals a record 17.4 percent increase in prescription drug spending, with senior citizens facing the biggest cost increases. The average cost of a prescription rose 9.6 percent in 1999, driven by higher prices and greater drug utilization.
Studies found that medications like clonidine and propranolol can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay in individuals with dry mouth. The research suggests that antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications can alter saliva composition, making it less effective at neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth.
A new study documents the increase in Ritalin-type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants prescribed to children, raising concerns about diagnosis and treatment. Thirty percent of children on SSRIs also took stimulants, highlighting the need for further research on safety and effectiveness.
Insomnia is a prevalent and serious condition that can have serious consequences. Effective treatments include identifying underlying causes, such as lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or medications, and adopting good sleep hygiene practices, like restricting bedtime, avoiding naps, and increasing exercise.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released new guidelines for treating depression with antidepressant drugs. The guidelines highlight the effectiveness of both older and newer medications, as well as the potential risks associated with St. John's wort. Patients should consult their doctor to d...
A team of scientists at UC San Francisco is launching a four-year research project to identify genetic variations that affect how people respond to drugs. The study aims to revolutionize drug design and testing, boost treatment effectiveness, and reduce side effects.
A survey of nearly 600 primary care physicians found that most rely mostly on referral and counseling for depressed kids, but some use new antidepressants like Prozac. The study highlights the need for more research and training on recognizing and treating childhood depression.
A study by Duke University psychologists found that specific drugs for treating AIDS, heart disease, and depression have foul or bitter tastes that can stop patients from taking their medication. This phenomenon affects not only nutrition but also mood and well-being.
Researchers found that tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline is more effective in treating post-stroke depression than selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The study, conducted at the University of Iowa, compared nortriptyline with fluoxetine and a placebo in 104 patients within six months of their strokes.
A recent study of outpatients taking prescription drugs found that drug complications may be long lasting and have additional negative consequences, including patient dissatisfaction with care. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal ailments, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and tiredness.
Researchers found changes in brain cells in rats treated with anti-depressant and obesity drugs, including shriveling and abnormal corkscrew shapes. The study raises concerns about the prolonged use of such commonly prescribed drugs as fluoxetine and sertraline.
A new report describes four patients who experienced bruxism, including jaw clenching, headaches, tooth grinding, and broken teeth, after taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety. The symptoms resolved with the addition of another anti-anxiety drug, Buspar.
A study found that antidepressant use increased with age, particularly among women, suggesting improvements in detection and treatment of mental health disorders. Women were 70% more likely to use antidepressants than men, regardless of age.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new chemical pathway in the brain involved in regulating mood, which may improve treatment for depression. The study found that popular antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft increase the synthesis of a key neurosteroid, potentially providing a new target for mood-regulating drugs.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that a brisk walk or jog three times a week may be just as effective in relieving symptoms of major depression as standard anti-depressant medications. The study showed significant improvements in all three groups, with exercise and medication showing similar results.
Researchers genetically altered mice adrenoceptor 2C expression to study stress response. The results showed differential behavioral responses in treated vs. untreated mice, as well as changes in plasma corticosterone levels and brain dopamine/serotonin content. This study highlights the importance of single-gene mutations in respondin...
Recent studies have found that high cortisol levels might be a cause of depression, potentially leading to new antidepressant drug strategies. Cortisol-lowering drugs have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in patients with high cortisol levels.
Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.
A recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that 10 out of 16 men experienced a greater than 50% reduction in hot flashes while taking venlafaxine. The incidence of severe and very severe hot flashes was also significantly reduced.
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome experience significant improvements in physical condition, symptom reports, and mental state when using non-drug treatments like exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Non-drug techniques were found to be superior to medication alone in reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Research published in Molecular Psychiatry found St. John's Wort to have a better antidepressant effect than placebo and comparable effects to standard antidepressants. The herb's favorable side effect profile may contribute to its advantages over other medications.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered novel regulatory mechanisms that move serotonin transporters on and off the cell surface. This finding opens possibilities for developing new antidepressant drugs with novel actions.
Depression-treating drugs were the biggest contributor to a record-setting pharmacy benefit cost increase of 16.8 percent last year, according to Express Scripts. Plan sponsors who actively managed their pharmacy benefits cut the cost increase in half by encouraging the use of lower-cost but equally effective drugs.
A study found that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had a reduction in sticky platelets, which can contribute to heart problems. The researchers suggest that improved mood is the key factor behind this effect.
A pilot study at Duke University Medical Center found that bupropion SR combined with a 1,600-calorie diet resulted in significant weight loss among non-depressed women. The study showed a 6.21% weight loss in the treatment group compared to 1.56% in the placebo group.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that interferon alfa 2b significantly depresses the activity of internal enzymes breaking down narcotics and antidepressants. This may lead to overdose in cancer patients receiving these medications with IFNa2b.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that over 500,000 children are prescribed antidepressants each year, despite a lack of research supporting their use in youngsters. The survey also revealed that 72% of physicians have prescribed SSRIs for patients under 18, but only 8% reported adequate training.
Researchers found a reciprocal relationship between emotional and cognitive areas of the brain in depressed individuals, with blood flow decreasing in cortical regions and increasing in limbic regions. The study provides new insights into the neural interplay between mood and cognition in depression.
A UPMC study of 124 depressed elderly participants found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy prevented depression recurrence in 80 percent of patients, while medication alone was effective in only 57 percent. The study suggests that continued treatment can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
A recent study found gabapentin to be at least as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating postherpetic neuralgia, with better-tolerated side effects. The eight-week clinical trial involved 229 patients and reported a significant drop in pain levels for those treated with gabapentin.
A new study shows sertraline safely prevents depression recurrence in severe chronic sufferers. The drug extends remission time and protects against recurrence for patients with disabling psychological and social problems.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that ecstasy users are at risk of developing brain injury due to the drug's impact on serotonin-releasing nerves. The research found significant losses in these nerve cells with greater use, suggesting potential long-term damage.
Researchers found that the fen-phen diet drug combination was potentially toxic due to the destruction of serotonin control in blood plasma. This could lead to primary pulmonary hypertension and heart valve lesions in some users. The study highlights the importance of complete and up-to-date drug labels.
A researcher found that cognitive behavioral psychotherapies effectively treat various traumatic events, reducing intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Long-lasting benefits were also observed in studies following participants after treatment.
A meta-analysis of 19 drug studies involving 2,318 patients suggests that three-quarters of the beneficial effect of anti-depressant medications can be attributed to the placebo effect. The remaining 25 percent may be due to side effects of the medication.
Researchers warn that antidepressants can lead to dental cavities and oral infections by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for cleaning teeth and remineralizing them. Dentists should be informed about the risks of antidepressant use to prevent these issues.
A new study led by Duke psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Davidson found that the anti-depressant drug venlafaxine XR is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD, including feelings of worry and tension. The drug was more effective than a placebo and a commonly used anti-anxiety medication, offering a new treatment option for this chronic disorder.
Researchers found that a widely used anti-depressant can alter personality traits in healthy individuals, making them more easy-going and cooperative. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that psychopharmaceuticals may affect different aspects of normal personality through distinct neural pathways.
Millions of Americans experience social phobia, a fear of embarrassment or disapproval in social situations, which can lead to debilitating symptoms like blushing, sweating, and nausea. Effective treatments include medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a combination of both.
Researchers monitored 60 migraine patients using transcranial Doppler ultrasound before and after six months of treatment. The study found that two-thirds of patients reported clinical improvement, with changes in blood vessel velocity supporting the findings.
The new guidelines rank treatment options using data from 69 experts, recommending cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary first-line treatment. The guidelines also suggest starting medication before adding CBT for severe patients, and recommend a trial of clomipramine after failed SSRI trials.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel group of compounds without nitrogen that recognize the same molecular targets as common drugs, including Prozac and Ritalin. These experimental compounds appear to be as powerful as their traditional counterparts.
In a groundbreaking study, antidepressant Zoloft significantly reduced depression, anxiety, insomnia, and reexperiencing of trauma in rape victims with chronic PTSD. Four out of five women participating in the study responded positively to treatment after 12 weeks on Zoloft.