How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain
Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports. ... Read More...
prozac
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.... Read More...
Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study
A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory.... Read More...
Male Birds Sing Less to Females on Antidepressants
A new study reports male songbirds sing less to females during courtship if they have been exposed to low levels of SSRI antidepressants.... Read More...
Is Ketamine a Panacea For Depression?
Researchers have identified a mechanism that could help explain how ketamine helps relieve symptoms of depression.... Read More...
When Our World Turns ‘Upside-Down,’ Serotonin Helps Us Deal With It
Researchers analyse the role serotonin plays in reward and learning.... Read More...
Electroconvulsive Therapy: A History Of Controversy, But Also Of Help
A new paper looks at the controversial use of electroconvulsive therapy over the years to treat depression.... Read More...
Mapping Serotonin Dynamics in the Living Brain
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that could aid in the development of antidepressants.... Read More...
Newly Discovered Pathway in Brain Could Ease Depression
Researchers report they have discovered a new target for antidepressants which could help those for who other treatments for depression have failed.... Read More...
Sex Reassignment Hormone Treatments Alter Brain Chemistry
A new study reports sex hormones taken by those undergoing gender reassignment can alter brain chemistry and increase risk for mood disorders, especially in men transitioning into women.... Read More...
Blocking Memory Pathway Could Prevent PTSD
A new study reports that serotonin promotes the consolidation of traumatic memories following stress events. Additionally, SSRI medications which are commonly prescribed for PTSD may make the condition worse by enhancing the effects of serotonin. ... Read More...
New Compound Could Treat Depression in Less Than 24 Hours With Few Side Effects
Researchers claim to have identified a new compound that can effectively treat depression in less than 24 hours with minimal side effects.... Read More...