Tag: Nmda receptor

Originally developed as an antiviral drug for influenza in the 1960s, the discovery of amantadine's neurological effects was serendipitous and has led to its current use for movement disorders. What does amantadine do to the brain? The answer lies in its multi-layered interaction with key neurotransmitter systems.

Originally approved as an antiviral for influenza A, amantadine is primarily known for treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and drug-induced movement issues. While not a conventional analgesic, some physicians and veterinarians use it off-label for chronic and neuropathic pain, leading many to ask: **Is amantadine a pain reliever?**.

Originally developed as an antiviral drug in the 1960s, amantadine is sometimes used off-label by clinicians to help manage the symptoms of ADHD, though it lacks U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for this purpose. This practice is typically reserved for individuals who do not tolerate or respond well to conventional stimulant treatments.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 16.8% of people aged 12 or older in the U.S. used an illicit drug in the past month [1.4.3]. Among these substances are a unique class known as dissociatives. So, **what drugs are dissociatives** and how do they impact the brain and body?

Affecting nearly 1 in 7 people globally, migraine is a leading cause of disability [1.9.5]. While not FDA-approved for this purpose, a growing body of evidence explores the question: **is memantine used for migraines?** This Alzheimer's medication is showing promise as an off-label preventive treatment [1.3.1, 1.3.2].

In 2020, 3.7% of teens reported using over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine containing dextromethorphan to get high [1.5.1]. This raises a critical question for many: **Is dextromethorphan an opioid?** The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

With chronic pain posing a significant clinical challenge, research is exploring safer alternatives to traditional analgesics. One promising candidate is L-lysine, an essential amino acid the body cannot produce on its own. So, what does lysine do for pain? Emerging evidence suggests it influences pain through multiple neurological and anti-inflammatory pathways.

A 2018 study highlighted that D-Cycloserine's inclusion in treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is associated with improved success rates and reduced mortality. So, what are the benefits of D-Cycloserine beyond its primary antibiotic function?

Initially developed as an antiviral for influenza A, amantadine was serendipitously found to have antiparkinsonian effects [1.3.7, 1.3.4]. The central question for its use in movement disorders is: how does amantadine work on dopamine? Its complex pharmacology involves multiple pathways, primarily increasing dopamine levels in the brain [1.3.1, 1.3.2].

Approved by the FDA in 2022, Auvelity represents a significant milestone in antidepressant therapy, offering a novel oral mechanism of action not seen in over 60 years. To understand **how does auvelity work in the brain?**, one must explore the synergistic effects of its two active components, dextromethorphan and bupropion, which target different neurochemical systems for rapid symptom relief.