Anti-depressants pregnancy 'risk' Sep 25, 2009
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medicines commonly used for the treatment of depression. In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the SSRI paroxetine because of an increase in birth defects if it was taken during pregnancy. (BBC News -- Health)
UCLA researchers develop biomarker for rapid relief of major depression Sep 11, 2009
Each individual was given a baseline QEEG at the beginning of the trial and then prescribed the antidepressant escitalopram, commonly known as Lexapro, one of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for depression. After one week, a second QEEG was taken. (EurekAlert!)
Gene Called Flower Missing Link In Vesicle Uptake In Neurons Sep 5, 2009
Hence, the vesicles carry the means to activate their own re-uptake in the form of a protein that functions as a calcium channel. A genetic screen identified a novel gene called flower, and Chi-Kuang Yao, a postdoctoral fellow in Bellen's laboratory, mapped the gene and showed that the corresponding protein is present in the membrane of synaptic vesicles. (Science Daily)
Safety Concerns Raised Over Popular Wakefulness Drug Mar 18, 2009
Volkow points out that even without increasing dopamine output, modafinil blocks the re-uptake of more than half the amount the brain naturally releases. "This completely negates the argument that modafinil has no dopaminergenic effect," she says. (Time.com)
Hildreth on Health: Who is depressed and why? Mar 1, 2009
The third group is the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and Prozac. These are the SSRIs and enhance or increase serotonin levels. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
