The FDA has approved IV amisulpride (Barhemsys – Acacia), a selective dopamine-2 and -3 (D₂/D₃) receptor antagonist, for prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults. It is the first antiemetic to be approved for rescue treatment of PONV in patients who have symptoms despite receiving antiemetic prophylaxis. Oral formulations of amisulpride are available in Europe for treatment of schizophrenia and acute psychotic episodes.

The recent terrorist attacks on the US have led to many questions about the clinical effects, prevention and treatment of injury caused by chemical warfare agents.

The FDA has approved lemborexant (Dayvigo – Eisai), an orexin receptor antagonist, for treatment of sleep-onset and/or sleep-maintenance insomnia in adults. It is the second orexin receptor antagonist to be approved for this indication; suvorexant (Belsomra) was the first.

View the Comparison Table: Some Nonopioid Analgesics for Pain

The FDA has approved daridorexant (Quviviq – Idorsia), an orexin receptor antagonist, for treatment of sleep-onset and/or sleep-maintenance insomnia in adults. Daridorexant is the third orexin receptor antagonist to be approved for this indication; suvorexant (Belsomra) and lemborexant (Dayvigo) were approved earlier.

The oral sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator ozanimod (Zeposia – Bristol Myers Squibb) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. It is the first S1P receptor modulator to be approved for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Ozanimod was approved in March 2020 for use in adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

View the Comparison Table: Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused primarily by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The nonmotor symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused by degeneration of other neurotransmitter systems. No disease-modifying drugs are available for treatment of PD.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is generally used for initial treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, and others), and mirtazapine (Remeron, and others) are reasonable alternatives. Improvement in symptoms can occur within the first two weeks of treatment with these drugs, but a substantial benefit may not be achieved for 4-8 weeks.

Patients who receive pretravel advice can reduce their risk for many travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended for travelers are reviewed in a separate issue.