Matching articles for "sertraline"

Drugs for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 11, 2023;  (Issue 1691)
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,...
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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Dec 11;65(1691):193-200 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Anxiety Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 7, 2023;  (Issue 1682)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They can be treated effectively with...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Aug 7;65(1682):121-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 22, 2022;  (Issue 1657)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but cognitive decline is also associated with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but cognitive decline is also associated with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Aug 22;64(1657):129-36 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Difelikefalin (Korsuva) for Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 7, 2022;  (Issue 1643)
Difelikefalin (Korsuva – Vifor), an IV kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults...
Difelikefalin (Korsuva – Vifor), an IV kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on hemodialysis. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication and the first KOR agonist to become available in the US. Difelikefalin has not been studied in patients on peritoneal dialysis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Feb 7;64(1643):18-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 24, 2020;  (Issue 1592)
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of treatment for major depressive disorder; a partial response is associated with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement in symptoms can occur within the first...
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of treatment for major depressive disorder; a partial response is associated with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement in symptoms can occur within the first two weeks of treatment with an antidepressant, but it may take 4-8 weeks to achieve a substantial benefit. Following successful treatment of a first major depressive episode, antidepressant treatment should be continued at the same dose for at least 4-9 months to consolidate recovery. In patients with recurrent depressive episodes, long-term maintenance treatment can reduce the risk of relapse.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Feb 24;62(1592):25-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Anxiety Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 12, 2019;  (Issue 1578)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder are now considered separate entities in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5); they can also be treated with CBT and many of the same drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Aug 12;61(1578):121-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 25, 2017;  (Issue 1530)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Sep 25;59(1530):155-61 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypothyroidism

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 26, 2015;  (Issue 1480)
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, or radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment of hypothyroidism with replacement doses of thyroid hormone is...
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, or radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment of hypothyroidism with replacement doses of thyroid hormone is usually lifelong. Levothyroxine is the drug of choice.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Oct 26;57(1480):147-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Citalopram, Escitalopram and the QT Interval

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 22, 2013;  (Issue 1421)
In 2011, the FDA asked the manufacturers of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram (Celexa, and generics) to lower the maximum daily dosage of the drug because of a dose-related...
In 2011, the FDA asked the manufacturers of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram (Celexa, and generics) to lower the maximum daily dosage of the drug because of a dose-related increase in the QT interval. Since then, some of our readers have asked whether escitalopram (Lexapro, and generics), the active enantiomer of citalopram, could have the same effect.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Jul 22;55(1421):59 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2013;  (Issue 130)
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used for many...
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used for many of them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective or cannot be used.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Jun;11(130):53-64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Vilazodone (Viibryd) - A New Antidepressant

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 11, 2011;  (Issue 1368)
Vilazodone (Viibryd – Forest), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of depression. It has been claimed to have no...
Vilazodone (Viibryd – Forest), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of depression. It has been claimed to have no sexual side effects and not to cause weight gain.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Jul 11;53(1368):53-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2011;  (Issue 104)
...
Adults with a body mass index (BMI=kg/m2) of 25-<30 are considered overweight; those with a BMI of ≥30 are considered obese.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Apr;9(104):17-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychotic Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2010;  (Issue 96)
The antipsychotic drugs listed in Table 1 on the next page are more effective for treating the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) than the “negative symptoms” (apathy,...
The antipsychotic drugs listed in Table 1 on the next page are more effective for treating the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) than the “negative symptoms” (apathy, social withdrawal, and blunted affect). Some symptoms of schizophrenia and acute psychoses may improve rapidly after treatment with antipsychotic drugs, but chronic schizophrenia improves slowly over many weeks and some patients may continue to improve for months. Most patients with chronic schizophrenia require prolonged maintenance therapy, but the risk of tardive dyskinesia and adverse metabolic effects must be kept in mind.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Aug;8(96):61-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2010;  (Issue 93)
Drugs are not the only treatment for mood disorders. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and...
Drugs are not the only treatment for mood disorders. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective, poorly tolerated or cannot be used. Some drugs are recommended here for indications that have not been approved by the FDA.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 May;8(93):35-42 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Thyroid Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2009;  (Issue 84)
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, goiter or cancer, or radioactive iodine therapy for...
Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, goiter or cancer, or radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Aug;7(84):57-64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Tamoxifen and SSRI Interactions

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 15, 2009;  (Issue 1314)
Use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is common in women taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, and others) for breast cancer, both to treat depression and to decrease hot flashes. However, tamoxifen must...
Use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is common in women taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, and others) for breast cancer, both to treat depression and to decrease hot flashes. However, tamoxifen must be metabolized by CYP2D6 to become pharmacologically fully active (MJ Higgins et al. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2009; 7:203), and the SSRIs fluoxetine (Prozac, and others) and paroxetine (Paxil, and others) are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6. Sertraline (Zoloft, and others) inhibits CYP2D6 to a lesser extent. Citalopram (Celexa, and others) and escitalopram (Lexapro), the 2 other SSRIs approved for treatment of depression, are only weak inhibitors of CYP2D6.

Two observational studies presented at a recent meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (45th annual meeting, May 29-June 2, 2009, Orlando, FL abstracts CRA508, CRA509) examined the effect of strong inhibitors of CYP2D6 on the success rate of tamoxifen in preventing recurrence of breast cancer. One found that women who took fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline (or bupropion, duloxetine, terbinafine, quinidine or long-term diphenhydramine) with tamoxifen had a higher 2-year recurrence rate (13.9% vs. 7.5%). The other study found no association between cancer recurrence and use of a CYP2D6 inhibitor.

There is no good evidence that any one SSRI is more effective than any other for treatment of depression. For women who are taking tamoxifen and need to begin treatment with an SSRI to treat depression, citalopram or escitalopram might be the safest choice (Treat Guidel Med Lett 2006; 4:35). Use of an SSRI to treat hot flashes in women taking tamoxifen should probably be reconsidered.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Jun 15;51(1314):45-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Safety of SSRIs in Pregnancy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 17, 2008;  (Issue 1299)
Depression occurs in up to 20% of pregnant women, and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in these women has been increasing. Maternal depression has itself been associated with...
Depression occurs in up to 20% of pregnant women, and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in these women has been increasing. Maternal depression has itself been associated with intrauterine growth problems and low birth weight, so the risks of exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy must be weighed against the risks of untreated depression, which also include self-harm, poor bonding and poor parenting. SSRIs available in the US for treatment of depression include citalopram (Celexa, and others), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, and others), paroxetine (Paxil, and others) and sertraline (Zoloft).

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Nov 17;50(1299):89-91 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Extended-Release Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 30, 2008;  (Issue 1289)
Fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been available for many years in an immediate-release formulation (Luvox, and others) for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder...
Fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been available for many years in an immediate-release formulation (Luvox, and others) for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adults, has now been approved by the FDA in an extended-release formulation (Luvox CR - Jazz Pharmaceuticals) for treatment of OCD and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Jun 30;50(1289):50-1 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Desvenlafaxine for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 19, 2008;  (Issue 1286)
The FDA has approved the marketing of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq - Wyeth), the main active metabolite of venlafaxine (Effexor, and others - Wyeth), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine, a...
The FDA has approved the marketing of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq - Wyeth), the main active metabolite of venlafaxine (Effexor, and others - Wyeth), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine, a norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is available generically as an immediate-release tablet. Venlafaxine extended-release capsules (Effexor XR) are scheduled to go off-patent in 2010.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 May 19;50(1286):37-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2008;  (Issue 68)
Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing...
Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing weight but are associated with high long-term failure rates. Drugs may help some patients, but all currently available drugs for weight reduction have drawbacks. Gastric surgery can produce marked weight loss in the severely obese, but long-term data on safety are limited.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Apr;6(68):23-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2006;  (Issue 46)
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as...
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective or cannot be used.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Jun;4(46):35-46 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 8, 2004;  (Issue 1195)
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. In some cases, a lower drug dose may be as effective as a higher one, with fewer adverse effects. Sometimes tablets are split to achieve an intermediate dose...
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. In some cases, a lower drug dose may be as effective as a higher one, with fewer adverse effects. Sometimes tablets are split to achieve an intermediate dose between marketed strengths. When 2 tablet sizes cost the same, as they often do, splitting the larger size saves money. Is this a reasonable practice?
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Nov 8;46(1195):89-91 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Duloxetine (Cymbalta): A New SNRI for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 11, 2004;  (Issue 1193)
Duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta - Lilly), a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults, and more...
Duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta - Lilly), a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults, and more recently for diabetic peripheral neuropathy as well. The Medical Letter will review its role in diabetic neuropathy in a future issue.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Oct 11;46(1193):81-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Is Effexor More Effective than an SSRI?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 16, 2004;  (Issue 1176)
Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR - Wyeth), an antidepressant that inhibits both norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, was first approved by the FDA in 1993. It has been used mainly as a second-line agent for...
Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR - Wyeth), an antidepressant that inhibits both norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, was first approved by the FDA in 1993. It has been used mainly as a second-line agent for patients who have not responded to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Some Medical Letter consultants have had the clinical impression that venlafaxine is more effective than an SSRI, particularly for patients with severe, classic depression (melancholia), and believe it should be considered a first-line drug (Treatment Guidelines from the Medical Letter 2003, 1:69). Is venlafaxine more effective than an SSRI for treatment of depression?
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Feb 16;46(1176):15-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions with Grapefruit Juice

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 5, 2004;  (Issue 1173)
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice...
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice used to disguise the taste of ethanol resulted in higher than expected serum concentrations of felodipine (DG Bailey et al, Clin Invest Med 1989; 12:357).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Jan 5;46(1173):2-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2003;  (Issue 16)
The latest definitions of overweight and obesity are based on body mass index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). More than half of...
The latest definitions of overweight and obesity are based on body mass index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). More than half of American adults are considered overweight with a BMI of ≥25, and about one third are obese with a BMI of ≥30. All ages seem to be affected; the proportion of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 25 years. There is no lack of effort to treat obesity: drugs, diets and programs to change lifestyle are the basis for a large and flourishing industry. The frequent failure of diet and drug treatment sometimes leads to recommendations for surgery, usually restricted to those with a BMI ≥40.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Dec;1(16):101-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Which SSRI?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 24, 2003;  (Issue 1170)
Five different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are promoted for treatment of depression and a sixth (fluvoxamine) for use in obsessive compulsive disorder. Which one should we prescribe for our...
Five different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are promoted for treatment of depression and a sixth (fluvoxamine) for use in obsessive compulsive disorder. Which one should we prescribe for our patients?
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Nov 24;45(1170):93-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions Correction

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 4, 2003;  (Issue 1162)
In the February 2003 update of the Adverse Drug Interactions Program and in the Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions 2003, the potentially lethal interaction between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors...
In the February 2003 update of the Adverse Drug Interactions Program and in the Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions 2003, the potentially lethal interaction between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) was inadvertently omitted for citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). This interaction could occur with any SSRI.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Aug 4;45(1162):64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Are SSRIs Safe for Children?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 7, 2003;  (Issue 1160)
A "Dear Colleague" letter from the UK's Committee on Safety of Medicines advised physicians, on the basis of unpublished data, not to use paroxetine (Paxil in the US; Seroxat in the UK) to treat children and...
A "Dear Colleague" letter from the UK's Committee on Safety of Medicines advised physicians, on the basis of unpublished data, not to use paroxetine (Paxil in the US; Seroxat in the UK) to treat children and adolescents with depression because of possible increased risk of suicidal behavior. This review describes the efficacy and safety of SSRIs in children.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Jul 7;45(1160):53-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2003;  (Issue 11)
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and...
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Interactions with other drugs can be found in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Jul;1(11):69-76 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2003;  (Issue 1158)
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug...
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug interactions, such as vasodilation caused by both sildenafil (Viagra) and nitrates, can also have adverse effects.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Jun 8;45(1158):46-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 30, 2002;  (Issue 1140)
Escitalopram (Lexapro - Forest), the active S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram (Celexa - Forest), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of depression....
Escitalopram (Lexapro - Forest), the active S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram (Celexa - Forest), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of depression. The manufacturer plans to stop promoting Celexa in favor of Lexapro; Celexa will continue to be available for patients already taking it.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Sep 30;44(1140):83-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fluoxetine Sarafem For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 22, 2001;  (Issue 1096)
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) previously sold only as Prozac, is now also marketed as Sarafem for treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Generic fluoxetine is...
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) previously sold only as Prozac, is now also marketed as Sarafem for treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Generic fluoxetine is expected to be available sometime this year.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Jan 22;43(1096):5-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Depression and Anxiety

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 9, 1999;  (Issue 1050)
The number of drugs marketed for treatment of depression has increased in recent years. Antidepressants are generally also effective for treatment of...
The number of drugs marketed for treatment of depression has increased in recent years. Antidepressants are generally also effective for treatment of anxiety.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Apr 9;41(1050):33-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Citalopram for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 4, 1998;  (Issue 1041)
Citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa - Forest/Parke-Davis), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) available in Europe since 1989, has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for...
Citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa - Forest/Parke-Davis), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) available in Europe since 1989, has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of depression. It is being advertised as having a 'favorable side-effect profile.'
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Dec 4;40(1041):113-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 11, 1997;  (Issue 998)
The number of new drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and...
The number of new drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Interactions with other drugs can be found in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 1997.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Apr 11;39(998):33-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Mirtazapine - A New Antidepressant

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 20, 1996;  (Issue 990)
Mirtazapine (mir taz a peen; Remeron - Organon) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. A tetracyclic piperazinoazepine, it is an analog of mianserin, an...
Mirtazapine (mir taz a peen; Remeron - Organon) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. A tetracyclic piperazinoazepine, it is an analog of mianserin, an antidepressant available in Europe, but is structurally unrelated to antidepressants previously available in the USA.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Dec 20;38(990):113-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Nefazodone for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 14, 1995;  (Issue 946)
Nefazodone (Serzone - Bristol-Myers Squibb) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. A phenylpiperazine, nefazodone is chemically related to trazodone...
Nefazodone (Serzone - Bristol-Myers Squibb) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. A phenylpiperazine, nefazodone is chemically related to trazodone (Desyrel, and others).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Apr 14;37(946):33-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Other Drugs for Treatment of Obesity

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 25, 1994;  (Issue 936)
Recent reports have suggested that some obese patients may benefit from long-term pharmacologic treatment (RL Atkinson and VS Hubbard, Am J Clin Nutr, 60:153, August 1994; DJ Goldstein and JH Potvin, Am J...
Recent reports have suggested that some obese patients may benefit from long-term pharmacologic treatment (RL Atkinson and VS Hubbard, Am J Clin Nutr, 60:153, August 1994; DJ Goldstein and JH Potvin, Am J Clin Nutr, 60:647, November 1994). Fluoxetine (Prozac), widely used for treatment of depression and near approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of bulimia, is also being tried for treatment of obesity.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 Nov 25;36(936):107-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Venlafaxine - A New Antidepressant

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 1994;  (Issue 924)
Venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor - Wyeth-Ayerst) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. An aminomethyl-benzyl- cyclohexanol, it is chemically related to...
Venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor - Wyeth-Ayerst) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. An aminomethyl-benzyl- cyclohexanol, it is chemically related to bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 Jun 10;36(924):49-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 16, 1993;  (Issue 894)
Approaches to treatment of Parkinson's disease have changed in recent years. Previously, the only goal was to treat symptoms with levodopa or other drugs. A new approach is to try to slow progression of the...
Approaches to treatment of Parkinson's disease have changed in recent years. Previously, the only goal was to treat symptoms with levodopa or other drugs. A new approach is to try to slow progression of the disease. (This issue is superseded by 1999 Drugs of Choice.)
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Apr 16;35(894):31-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Atovaquone for Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 2, 1993;  (Issue 893)
Atovaquone (Mepron - Burroughs Wellcome), a hydroxynaphthoquinone, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of mild to moderate Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)...
Atovaquone (Mepron - Burroughs Wellcome), a hydroxynaphthoquinone, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of mild to moderate Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim, and others). PCP is a common opportunistic infection and frequent cause of death in patients with AIDS.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Apr 2;35(893):28-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Alpha-Galactosidase to Prevent Gas

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 2, 1993;  (Issue 893)
The enzyme alpha-galactosidase (Beano - AkPharma), derived from a mold and classified as a food, is sold without presecription in pharmacies and food stores. The manufacturer recommends taking the anzyme to...
The enzyme alpha-galactosidase (Beano - AkPharma), derived from a mold and classified as a food, is sold without presecription in pharmacies and food stores. The manufacturer recommends taking the anzyme to decrease intestinal gas producted by eating the high-fiber diets now widely recommended in the USA.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Apr 2;35(893):29-30 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sertraline For Treatment Of Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 15, 1992;  (Issue 870)
Sertraline (Zoloft - Roerig), a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. Another serotonin reuptake inhibitor,...
Sertraline (Zoloft - Roerig), a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of depression. Another serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (Prozac), is prescribed more frequently in the USA than any other antidepressant (Medical Letter, 32:83, 1990).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 May 15;34(870):47-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction