Tag: Neuroscience

Historically, hallucinogenic plants have been used in religious rituals to induce states of detachment and spiritual visions. Today, the motivations behind the use of hallucinogenics are more varied, as people seek everything from profound personal insights to therapeutic breakthroughs and recreational enjoyment.

Despite the popular belief that prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are 'smart drugs,' scientific studies suggest they may actually decrease productivity in those without a diagnosis. This raises serious questions about **what happens when a non-ADHD person takes stimulants**, revealing a complex interplay of neurochemistry, perceived performance, and significant health risks.

The nonmedical use of prescription stimulants is the second most common form of illicit drug use in college [1.2.1]. The pivotal question remains: **do stimulants improve cognition** or is it a misconception with significant risks?

While commonly viewed as nervous system depressants, research reveals a more complex picture, suggesting that opioids can paradoxically increase sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity through central nervous system pathways. This nuanced relationship means that the effect is not a simple inhibition but a delicate balance dependent on the specific opioid, dosage, and duration of use.

First approved by the FDA in 2017 for tardive dyskinesia, Ingrezza was the first medication developed specifically for this condition. This makes many wonder: What type of med is Ingrezza? It is a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, a class of drugs that regulates dopamine signaling in the brain.

On November 14, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval to eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq (brand name Kebilidi), which was the first brain injected gene therapy approved by the FDA. This milestone marks a new era for treating severe, rare neurological disorders by directly targeting the source of the problem in the central nervous system.

Cognitive impairment, including memory problems, is a common symptom of major depressive disorder. Given this, the question **does antidepressant improve memory?** is a key area of research, with evidence suggesting that effective treatment can lead to significant cognitive improvements by alleviating core symptoms.

An estimated 2–9% of patients with epilepsy also suffer from a psychotic disorder, a comorbidity that makes prescribing antipsychotics complex due to the risk of inducing seizures. Understanding which antipsychotics are most likely to cause seizures is critical for clinicians to minimize risk, especially in vulnerable populations with a history of seizure disorders.

Headaches are a documented side effect for many mood-stabilizing medications, including lithium and certain anticonvulsants, a fact that is well-established in clinical literature. Understanding this potential side effect is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Recent data shows that an estimated 6.0% of U.S. adults, or about 15.5 million people, have a current ADHD diagnosis [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. For many, medication is a key part of treatment, but it begs the question: **Why do ADHD meds feel so good?** The answer lies in their interaction with key brain chemicals.