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neuropharmacology

·September 18, 2019·5 min read

Low-cost blood pressure drug improves brain function in individuals with autism

Propranolol, a common 'beta-blocker' drug used to control blood pressure, could be a promising new treatment for those on the autism spectrum. The medication improved cognitive performance and positively altered the frontal-parietal control network, an area of the brain associated with word and information processing, in those with ASD.

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·September 1, 2019·5 min read

Psychedelic drugs: would you accept a prescription? It depends if you’ve tried them before

Numerous studies have linked controlled psychedelics to improvements in mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. In March, the FDA approved Esketamine as a treatment for depression. However, with much stigma surrounding psychedelics, researchers question how many patients would take psychedelic medications if prescribed to them. According to a new study, 40% of people with no experience of psychedelics would be unlikely to take the prescription due to fears of 'brain damage' or a 'bad trip'.

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·August 29, 2019·5 min read

New medication may be able to improve effects of psychological treatment for PTSD

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, a form of medication that boosts endocannabinoids, may be helpful in the treatment of PTSD. FAAH inhibition can improve the recall of fear extinction memories. The drugs could also help treat stress and other psychological disorders.

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·August 26, 2019·3 min read

Skyrocketing interest in marijuana and cannabinoids for pain

37% of Millenials and 25% of Gen Xers say they have used cannabinoids to help relieve pain.

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·August 22, 2019·4 min read

‘Microdosers’ of psychedelics report improved mood, focus and creativity

Those who microdose psychedelics report improved mood, greater focus, and increased creativity. A new study looks at the positive outcomes of microdosing and suggests others look at potential long-term negative consequences of using psychedelics.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·August 21, 2019·5 min read

Cannabis flower is an effective mid-level analgesic medication for pain

People who used while dried cannabis flowers or cannabis with higher levels of THC had the greatest analgesic response to pain. Those who used CBD reported lower levels of pain relief.

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·August 20, 2019·4 min read

Alzheimer’s drug reverses brain damage from adolescent alcohol exposure

Donepezil, a drug routinely administered to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, shows promise in treating damage caused to the brain by adolescent alcohol exposure. The drug reverses neuroinflammation and neuron damage in rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence.

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·August 13, 2019·4 min read

ADHD medication may affect brain development in children

Methylphenidate, a drug given to help treat ADHD, affects specific tract in white matter in young boys. The effects are age dependant as the changes were not observed in adults who use the treatment. Researchers say the drug should only be given to children if they are significantly affected by ADHD in their daily lives.

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·August 12, 2019·3 min read

Estrogen improves Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Selective estrogen treatments appear to reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease in male mice. The study sheds light on sex-based differences associated with the disease and may provide new therapeutic avenues for treatment.

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·August 8, 2019·5 min read

Adding MS drug to targeted cancer therapy may improve glioblastoma outcomes

Teriflunomide, a drug commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis, shows promise for the treatment of glioblastoma when coupled with targeted cancer therapies.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 7, 2019·3 min read

New data indicates rise in opioid use for migraine treatment

Almost 1 in 5 people now use opioids to treat migraines. Researchers say a growing number of patients are using opioids to replace medications approved and specially designed to treat migraines, despite knowing the risks of opioid use.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 31, 2019·4 min read

Ketamine isn’t an opioid and treats depression in a unique way

A new study clarifies the mechanism behind how ketamine works as an antidepressant. Researchers say there is evidence to suggest ketamine binds to NMDA receptors, instead of opioid receptors. Reducing the belief that ketamine is an opioid may make patients with depression more open to using the treatment.