Are some antidepressants less risky for pregnant women?
Alteration of placental serotonin levels due to maternal depression or antidepressant use may be associated with the disruption of placental estrogen production. ... Read More...
SSRIs
The effect of taking antidepressants during pregnancy
Exposure to antidepressants during the first few weeks of pregnancy has long term implications for sensory processing in the offspring.... Read More...
Turning to turkey’s tryptophan to boost mood? Not so fast
Research examines the myths and science behind how the amino acid tryptophan, associated with turkey, affects mood.... Read More...
AI helps scientists predict depression outcomes
Artificial intelligence technology was able to identify specific brain regions which were most important for predicting whether a person with depression would respond to SSRI antidepressants. ... Read More...
Common antidepressant may not reduce depression symptoms, but does reduce anxiety
Sertraline (Zoloft), a commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, may not be as effective at treating depression within 6 weeks as previously thought. However, the drug is effective for treating anxiety symptoms. ... Read More...
How serotonin and a popular anti-depressant affect the gut’s microbiota
Serotonin and SSRIs like Prozac can have a major effect on gut bacteria. When exposed to serotonin, specific gut bacteria grew to higher levels. However, when exposed to SSRIs, the bacterium grew to much lower levels in mouse models.... Read More...
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'.... Read More...
How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain
Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports. ... Read More...
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...
New therapeutic target for depression identified
A fragment of the neuropeptide Galanin appears to play a role in anhedonia in mouse models of depression. Galanin could be a potential target for the treatment of depression.... 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...
Fish are accumulating certain antidepressants, antibiotics and sun cream components
Antidepressants, such as the SSRI amitriptyline, antibiotics associated with developmental problems and sun cream components are contaminating water, and are being accumulated in fish. Exposure to the medications has effects on the molecular level to the fish. Researchers say this poses a problem as consumption of gilt-head bream is on the rise, and there could be a risk of the contaminants reaching humans via diet.... Read More...