Matching articles for "SSRIs"

Gepirone (Exxua) for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 24, 2024;  (Issue 1705)
The FDA has approved an oral extended-release formulation of gepirone (Exxua – Fabre-Kramer), a selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Gepirone was...
The FDA has approved an oral extended-release formulation of gepirone (Exxua – Fabre-Kramer), a selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Gepirone was originally developed decades ago for treatment of anxiety and depression, but it was not approved by the FDA for such use. Gepirone is structurally related to buspirone, which is FDA-approved for treatment of anxiety.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Jun 24;66(1705):97-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Bipolar Disorder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2024;  (Issue 1699)
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Recurrences of manic or (more frequently) depressive symptoms are common. About 15-20% of patients with bipolar disorder...
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Recurrences of manic or (more frequently) depressive symptoms are common. About 15-20% of patients with bipolar disorder die by suicide.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Apr 1;66(1699):49-54 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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

Fezolinetant (Veozah) for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2023;  (Issue 1679)
Fezolinetant (Veozah – Astellas), a first-in-class neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. It is...
Fezolinetant (Veozah – Astellas), a first-in-class neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. It is the second nonhormonal treatment to be approved in the US for this indication; a low-dose formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine mesylate (Brisdelle) was approved in 2013.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jun 26;65(1679):97-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Dextromethorphan/Bupropion (Auvelity) for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 26, 2022;  (Issue 1666)
The FDA has approved an extended-release fixed-dose combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion (Auvelity – Axsome) for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in...
The FDA has approved an extended-release fixed-dose combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion (Auvelity – Axsome) for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Dec 26;64(1666):201-3 | 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

Lumateperone (Caplyta) for Bipolar Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 8, 2022;  (Issue 1656)
The oral second-generation antipsychotic drug lumateperone (Caplyta – Intra-Cellular Therapies), which was approved by the FDA in 2020 for treatment of schizophrenia, is now approved for use...
The oral second-generation antipsychotic drug lumateperone (Caplyta – Intra-Cellular Therapies), which was approved by the FDA in 2020 for treatment of schizophrenia, is now approved for use as monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or valproate for treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Aug 8;64(1656):126-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Alcohol Use Disorder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 13, 2021;  (Issue 1639)
Consumption of alcohol has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines alcohol use disorder (AUD; previously called...
Consumption of alcohol has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines alcohol use disorder (AUD; previously called alcohol dependence) as meeting ≥2 of the 11 criteria listed in Table 1 in the past year. The lifetime prevalence of AUD in the US population has been estimated to be about 30%. Despite this high prevalence and the associated morbidity, mortality, and costs, only 3 drugs are FDA-approved for treatment of the disorder.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Dec 13;63(1639):193-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fluvoxamine for COVID-19?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 3, 2021;  (Issue 1623)
A recent article in JAMA and an interview of its senior author on 60 Minutes have heightened interest in off-label use of the oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine (Luvox, and...
A recent article in JAMA and an interview of its senior author on 60 Minutes have heightened interest in off-label use of the oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine (Luvox, and generics) to treat COVID-19.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 May 3;63(1623):69-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 2021;  (Issue 1618)
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...
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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Feb 22;63(1618):25-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Pitolisant (Wakix) for Narcolepsy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 8, 2021;  (Issue 1617)
The FDA has approved pitolisant (Wakix – Harmony), a histamine-3 (H3)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. It is the...
The FDA has approved pitolisant (Wakix – Harmony), a histamine-3 (H3)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. It is the first H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist to become available in the US and the first non-controlled substance to receive FDA approval for these indications. Pitolisant has been available in Europe since 2016.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Feb 8;63(1617):19-21 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Menopausal Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 10, 2020;  (Issue 1604)
The primary symptoms of menopause are genitourinary (genitourinary syndrome of menopause; GSM) and vasomotor (VMS). Vulvovaginal atrophy can cause vaginal burning, irritation and dryness, dyspareunia,...
The primary symptoms of menopause are genitourinary (genitourinary syndrome of menopause; GSM) and vasomotor (VMS). Vulvovaginal atrophy can cause vaginal burning, irritation and dryness, dyspareunia, and dysuria, and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Vasomotor symptoms ("hot flashes") cause daytime discomfort and night sweats that may disrupt sleep. Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for both genitourinary and vasomotor symptoms.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Aug 10;62(1604):124-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 23, 2020;  (Issue 1594)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, often accompanied by bloating.IBS is classified according to the predominant...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, often accompanied by bloating.IBS is classified according to the predominant bowel symptom as IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed type (IBS-M), or unclassified (IBS-U). Alterations in the microbiome, stress responses, sensory and motor function of the gut, and host genetic factors may be contributing factors. Since the exact cause of IBS is unknown, the goal of treatment is symptom control.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Mar 23;62(1594):41-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Table: Safety of Drugs for IBS in Pregnancy and Lactation (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 23, 2020;  (Issue 1594)
...
View the Table: Safety of Drugs for IBS in Pregnancy and Lactation
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Mar 23;62(1594):e48-9 | 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

Brexanolone (Zulresso) for Postpartum Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 6, 2019;  (Issue 1571)
The FDA has approved the GABAA receptor modulator brexanolone (Zulresso – Sage Therapeutics) for IV treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Brexanolone is the first drug to be approved by the FDA for...
The FDA has approved the GABAA receptor modulator brexanolone (Zulresso – Sage Therapeutics) for IV treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Brexanolone is the first drug to be approved by the FDA for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 May 6;61(1571):68-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Oxybutynin for Hot Flashes in Women with Breast Cancer

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 25, 2019;  (Issue 1566)
Interim results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggest that off-label use of the anticholinergic drug oxybutynin may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women with breast...
Interim results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggest that off-label use of the anticholinergic drug oxybutynin may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women with breast cancer. Extended-release oral oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, and generics) has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in healthy menopausal women.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Feb 25;61(1566):30-1 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 20, 2017;  (Issue 1534)
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...
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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Nov 20;59(1534):187-94 | 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 Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2017;  (Issue 1514)
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use...
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use of a triptan early in an attack when pain is still mild to moderate in intensity improves headache response and reduces recurrence rates.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Feb 13;59(1514):27-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Migraine Prevention in Adults (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2017;  (Issue 1514)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Migraine Prevention in Adults
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Feb 13;59(1514):e31-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Menopausal Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 7, 2016;  (Issue 1507)
The primary symptoms of menopause are genitourinary and vasomotor. A thin, dry vaginal lining and thin urethral mucosa can cause vaginal and vulvar burning and irritation, pain during intercourse, and...
The primary symptoms of menopause are genitourinary and vasomotor. A thin, dry vaginal lining and thin urethral mucosa can cause vaginal and vulvar burning and irritation, pain during intercourse, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Vasomotor symptoms ("hot flashes") cause daytime discomfort and night sweats that may disrupt sleep.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Nov 7;58(1507):142-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 26, 2016;  (Issue 1504)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by chronic, intermittent abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. It is subtyped according to the predominant bowel symptom as...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by chronic, intermittent abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. It is subtyped according to the predominant bowel symptom as IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed type (IBS-M), or unclassified (IBS-U). Since the exact cause of IBS is unknown, the goal of treatment is symptom control.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Sep 26;58(1504):121-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Bipolar Disorder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 15, 2016;  (Issue 1501)
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intermittent episodes of mania and/or depression. Even with maintenance treatment, recurrences of manic or (more frequently) depressive episodes are common. Some of the...
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intermittent episodes of mania and/or depression. Even with maintenance treatment, recurrences of manic or (more frequently) depressive episodes are common. Some of the drugs and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA for use in bipolar disorder.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Aug 15;58(1501):103-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 2016;  (Issue 1498)
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of antidepressant therapy; partial response is associated with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement can occur within the first two weeks of drug therapy, but...
Complete remission of symptoms is the goal of antidepressant therapy; partial response is associated with an increased risk of relapse. Improvement can occur within the first two weeks of drug therapy, but it may take 4-8 weeks to achieve a substantial benefit. Fewer than 50% of patients with depression respond to first-line pharmacotherapy, and the rate of response decreases with each subsequent drug trial. Following remission after a first episode of depression, many experts recommend continuing antidepressant treatment at the same dose for at least 6-12 months to consolidate recovery. For patients with recurrent depressive episodes, long-term maintenance therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Jul 4;58(1498):85-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for Schizophrenia and Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 17, 2015;  (Issue 1475)
The FDA has approved the oral, once-daily, second-generation antipsychotic brexpiprazole (Rexulti – Otsuka/Lundbeck) for treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunct to antidepressants for treatment of...
The FDA has approved the oral, once-daily, second-generation antipsychotic brexpiprazole (Rexulti – Otsuka/Lundbeck) for treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunct to antidepressants for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Aripiprazole (Abilify), a structurally similar second-generation antipsychotic also comarketed by Otsuka (with BMS), recently became available generically.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Aug 17;57(1475):116-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Edoxaban (Savaysa) - The Fourth New Oral Anticoagulant

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2015;  (Issue 1465)
The FDA has approved edoxaban (Savaysa – Daiichi Sankyo), a once-daily, oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, for treatment of venous thromoboembolism (VTE) and for prevention of stroke and systemic...
The FDA has approved edoxaban (Savaysa – Daiichi Sankyo), a once-daily, oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, for treatment of venous thromoboembolism (VTE) and for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It is the fourth new oral anticoagulant to be approved for VTE and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Mar 30;57(1465):43-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs, and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 16, 2015;  (Issue 1462)
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese. Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity...
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese. 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 long-term failure rates are high. Several drugs have been approved by the FDA for weight reduction, but adherence is poor, adverse effects are common, and patients usually regain the lost weight when the drug is stopped. Bariatric surgery can produce substantial weight loss and significantly reduce obesity-related comorbidities; long-term data on its safety are encouraging, but still limited. Guidelines for the management of overweight or obese adults have recently been published.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Feb 16;57(1462):21-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Khedezla - A New Brand of Desvenlafaxine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 6, 2014;  (Issue 1433)
The FDA has approved the marketing of another extended-release brand-name formulation of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) desvenlafaxine (Khedezla – Par/Osmotica) for treatment of...
The FDA has approved the marketing of another extended-release brand-name formulation of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) desvenlafaxine (Khedezla – Par/Osmotica) for treatment of depression. It is the third extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine to become available in the US. Khedezla was approved using a 505(b)(2) application, a new drug application (NDA) that relies upon the FDA's findings of safety and/or effectiveness for a previously approved drug.

Khedezla does not appear to offer any advantage over the other extended-release formulations of desvenlafaxine. There is no evidence that any formulation of desvenlafaxine is more effective for treatment of depression than other SNRIs or any SSRI, which are available in less expensive generic formulations.1

1. Drugs for psychiatric disorders. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2013; 11:53.

Download complete U.S. English article

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Jan 6;56(1433):4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Levomilnacipran (Fetzima): A New SNRI for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 23, 2013;  (Issue 1432)
The FDA has approved levomilnacipran (lee" voe mil na' si pran; Fetzima – Forest), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Levomilnacipran is...
The FDA has approved levomilnacipran (lee" voe mil na' si pran; Fetzima – Forest), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Levomilnacipran is the more active enantiomer of milnacipran (Savella), which was approved in 2009 for management of fibromyalgia. Fetzima has not been studied in fibromyalgia.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Dec 23;55(1432):101-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2013;  (Issue 135)
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The non-motor symptoms of the disease are thought to be...
The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The non-motor symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused by degeneration of other neurotransmitter systems.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Nov;11(135):101-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Paroxetine (Brisdelle) for Hot Flashes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 28, 2013;  (Issue 1428)
The FDA has approved a low-dose formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine mesylate (Brisdelle – Noven Therapeutics) for treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms...
The FDA has approved a low-dose formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine mesylate (Brisdelle – Noven Therapeutics) for treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. It is the first non-hormonal therapy to be approved for this indication. Paroxetine mesylate (Pexeva) and paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil, and generics) are marketed in higher doses for treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Oct 28;55(1428):85-6 | 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

Citalopram (Celexa) and QT Interval Prolongation

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 3, 2012;  (Issue 1398)
The FDA has asked the manufacturers of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant citalopram (Celexa, and others) to revise the labeling of the drug to include new warnings about the...
The FDA has asked the manufacturers of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant citalopram (Celexa, and others) to revise the labeling of the drug to include new warnings about the risk of QT interval prolongation.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Sep 3;54(1398):71-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Adjunctive Antipsychotics for Major Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 19, 2011;  (Issue 1373)
Augmentation with a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic is a treatment option for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) whose symptoms persist following antidepressant monotherapy. Aripiprazole...
Augmentation with a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic is a treatment option for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) whose symptoms persist following antidepressant monotherapy. Aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine in a fixed-dose combination with fluoxetine (Symbyax), and extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) have been approved by the FDA for such use.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Sep 19;53(1373):74-5 | 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

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 2, 2011;  (Issue 1363)
Previously approved by the FDA for treatment of depression, general anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, duloxetine (Cymbalta – Lilly) has now also been approved...
Previously approved by the FDA for treatment of depression, general anxiety disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, duloxetine (Cymbalta – Lilly) has now also been approved for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 May 2;53(1363):33-4 | 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 Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2011;  (Issue 102)
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of...
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Feb;9(102):7-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2011;  (Issue 101)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the...
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Jan;9(101):1-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Extended-Release Trazodone (Oleptro) for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 15, 2010;  (Issue 1351)
The FDA has approved the marketing of an extended-release formulation of trazodone (Oleptro – Angelini Labopharm) for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Immediate-release trazodone has been...
The FDA has approved the marketing of an extended-release formulation of trazodone (Oleptro – Angelini Labopharm) for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Immediate-release trazodone has been available for treatment of depression for many years, but is used mostly in low doses for its sedating effects.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Nov 15;52(1351):91-2 | 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

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

Milnacipran (Savella) for Fibromyalgia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 15, 2009;  (Issue 1314)
Milnacipran (Savella - Forest), an oral selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is the third drug approved by the FDA for management of fibromyalgia. The 2 others are pregabalin, a...
Milnacipran (Savella - Forest), an oral selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is the third drug approved by the FDA for management of fibromyalgia. The 2 others are pregabalin, a gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) analog also approved for treatment of diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia and epilepsy, and duloxetine, an SNRI also approved for treatment of depression, diabetic neuropathy and generalized anxiety disorder.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Jun 15;51(1314):45-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 15, 2008;  (Issue 1301)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Dec 15;50(1301):100-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tobacco Dependence

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2008;  (Issue 73)
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. The greater the number of office visits and the longer the counseling time, the higher the smoking...
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. The greater the number of office visits and the longer the counseling time, the higher the smoking cessation rates have been.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Sep;6(73):61-5 | 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

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2007;  (Issue 62)
ParkinsonÆs disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the...
ParkinsonÆs disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the bloodbrain barrier.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Oct;5(62):89-94 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2006;  (Issue 43)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder, occuring in about 15% of the US population; it is 2-3 times more frequent in women than in men. IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder, occuring in about 15% of the US population; it is 2-3 times more frequent in women than in men. IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Mar;4(43):11-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Insomnia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2006;  (Issue 42)
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective and durable than...
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective and durable than treatment with drugs. Hypnotic drugs are generally FDA-approved only for short-term use, but in practice they often are taken much longer.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Feb;4(42):5-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Alprazolam (Xanax, and others) Revisited

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 17, 2005;  (Issue 1200)
Alprazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US. It is approved by the FDA for treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. An extended-release formulation, Xanax XR,...
Alprazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US. It is approved by the FDA for treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. An extended-release formulation, Xanax XR, which can be taken once a day, recently became available for panic disorder.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Jan 17;47(1200):5-7 | 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

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2004;  (Issue 22)
Parkinson's disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat Parkinson's disease because it does not cross the...
Parkinson's disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat Parkinson's disease because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Jun;2(22):41-6 | 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

Zolmitriptan (Zomig) Nasal Spray for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 19, 2004;  (Issue 1174)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig - AstraZeneca) nasal spray was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of migraine. It is the second selective serotonin receptor agonist ("triptan") to become available as a nasal spray;...
Zolmitriptan (Zomig - AstraZeneca) nasal spray was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of migraine. It is the second selective serotonin receptor agonist ("triptan") to become available as a nasal spray; sumatriptan has been available in this form since 1997. Some patients with migraine cannot take tablets because of nausea and vomiting, and nasal sprays are more convenient than subcutaneous injections.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Jan 19;46(1174):7-8 | 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

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

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 8, 2002;  (Issue 1134)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Jul 8;44(1134):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Prozac Weekly

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 2, 2001;  (Issue 1101)
The FDA has approved a new formulation of fluoxetine for once-weekly maintenance treatment of depression in patients who have responded to daily fluoxetine...
The FDA has approved a new formulation of fluoxetine for once-weekly maintenance treatment of depression in patients who have responded to daily fluoxetine (Prozac).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Apr 2;43(1101):27 | 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 that may cause Cognitive Disorders in the Elderly

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 27, 2000;  (Issue 1093)
Older patients are especially susceptible to drug-induced cognitive impairment. They are more likely to be taking multiple drugs, to have higher blood levels of those drugs because of renal or hepatic...
Older patients are especially susceptible to drug-induced cognitive impairment. They are more likely to be taking multiple drugs, to have higher blood levels of those drugs because of renal or hepatic dysfunction, and to have pre-existing cognitive problems that make it difficult to detect the role of drugs causing new symptoms or making old ones worse.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Nov 27;42(1093):111-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions with St. John's Wort

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2000;  (Issue 1081)
Even though its effectiveness has not been established, many patients take St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), an over-the-counter herbal extract, to treat symptoms of depression, often without the...
Even though its effectiveness has not been established, many patients take St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), an over-the-counter herbal extract, to treat symptoms of depression, often without the knowledge of their physicians. Recent reports indicate that St. John's wort interacts adversely with a number of drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Jun 26;42(1081):56 | 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

Sibutramine for Obesity

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 13, 1998;  (Issue 1022)
Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency...
Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a schedule IV controlled substance.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Mar 13;40(1022):32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Zolmitriptan for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 27, 1998;  (Issue 1021)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig - Zeneca), a selective serotonin (5-HT1)-receptor agonist, is now available in the USA for oral treatment of migraine headache. Zomitriptan structurally resembles sumatriptan (Imitrex -...
Zolmitriptan (Zomig - Zeneca), a selective serotonin (5-HT1)-receptor agonist, is now available in the USA for oral treatment of migraine headache. Zomitriptan structurally resembles sumatriptan (Imitrex - Medical Letter 34:91, 1992). Drugs currently used for acute treatment of migraine include injectable, oral and nasal spray formulations of sumaptriptan, injectable dihydroergotamine, dihydroergotamine nasal spray, ergotamine tartrate alone or with caffeine, and various analgesics. Anoterh 5-HT1-receptor agonist, naratriptan (Amerge - Gaxo Wellcome), has been approved by the FDA but has not been marketed yet.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Feb 27;40(1021):27-8 | 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

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