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neuropharmacology

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·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.

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·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.

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·July 28, 2019·4 min read

CBD and genetic testing provide hope for ‘intractable’ epilepsy in children

Genetic testing can help identify children at risk of epilepsy, in addition to identifying new genetic mutations associated with the condition. Using CBD based medications can also help reduce seizures in children with epilepsy.

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·July 22, 2019·2 min read

Social isolation stresses rodents

Social isolation caused by housing animals alone increases stress and epilepsy in rodent models. The effects of social isolation may negatively impact the results of preclinical drug trials that use these animals.

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·July 19, 2019·3 min read

Music may offer alternative to preoperative drug routinely used to calm nerves

Study shows listening to calming music before surgery has similar effects as midazolam in reducing anxiety before regional anesthesia is given.

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·July 15, 2019·5 min read

Science of microdosing psychedelics remains patchy and anecdotal

While many people report microdosing is beneficial to their mental wellbeing, researchers say more research needs to be conducted to evaluate the psychological and health implications of taking low-dose psychedelics.

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·July 15, 2019·5 min read

Cannabis treatment counters addiction

Nabiximols, a cannabis-based medication, can effectively be used as a cannabis replacement therapy for those addicted to the substance.

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·July 10, 2019·2 min read

How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain

Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports.

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·June 25, 2019·4 min read

Common antidepressants interact with opioid med to lessen pain relief

SSRI antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil, interact with opioid medications to make them less effective at providing relief from chronic pain. Tramadol relies on activation of the CYP2D6 enzyme to control pain, but SSRIs inhibit this enzyme. Researchers suggest prescribing different classes of antidepressants which do not suppress the enzyme may benefit those in need of opioid medications. Alternatively, non-opioid pain killers should be considered for those who can not switch from SSRIs.

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·June 24, 2019·6 min read

Commonly prescribed drugs could increase the risk of dementia

Anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed to treat a range of disorders, from Parkinson's disease to bladder conditions, may increase dementia risks. The increased risk was linked to anticholinergic antidepressants, antipsychotics, bladder control, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease medications. There were no increased risks associated with other types of anticholinergics, such as gastrointestinal drugs or antihistamines.