Matching articles for "electroconvulsive therapy"

In Brief: Adjunctive Pramipexole for Treatment-Resistant Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 2025;  (Issue 1739)
The oral nonergot dopamine agonist pramipexole (Mirapex ER, and generics), which is FDA-approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, has been used off-label in patients...
The oral nonergot dopamine agonist pramipexole (Mirapex ER, and generics), which is FDA-approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, has been used off-label in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pramipexole augmentation in patients with unipolar TRD was recently published.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2025 Oct 13;67(1739):165-6 | 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

Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) – An Oral Drug for Postpartum Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 25, 2023;  (Issue 1692)
The FDA has approved the oral GABAA receptor modulator zuranolone (Zurzuvae – Sage Therapeutics/Biogen) for treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Zuranolone is the second drug to be approved for this...
The FDA has approved the oral GABAA receptor modulator zuranolone (Zurzuvae – Sage Therapeutics/Biogen) for treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Zuranolone is the second drug to be approved for this indication; brexanolone (Zulresso), another GABAA receptor modulator, was approved for IV treatment of PPD in 2019.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Dec 25;65(1692):201-3 | 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 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

Esketamine Nasal Spray (Spravato) for Treatment-Resistant Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 2019;  (Issue 1569)
The FDA has approved esketamine (Spravato – Janssen), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, for intranasal treatment (in conjunction with an oral antidepressant) of adults with...
The FDA has approved esketamine (Spravato – Janssen), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, for intranasal treatment (in conjunction with an oral antidepressant) of adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is the first FDA approval for esketamine, which is the S-enantiomer of the intravenous anesthetic ketamine (Ketalar, and generics). In recent years, IV ketamine has been increasingly used (off-label) for treatment of TRD.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Apr 8;61(1569):54-6 | 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 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 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

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

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

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Medication-Resistant Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 9, 2009;  (Issue 1305)
The FDA has cleared a new device for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) resistant to antidepressant medication. The NeuroStar TMS System (Neuronetics) produces pulsed magnetic fields that can induce...
The FDA has cleared a new device for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) resistant to antidepressant medication. The NeuroStar TMS System (Neuronetics) produces pulsed magnetic fields that can induce electrical currents in the brain. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it does not require anesthesia or induction of seizures. Other similar devices are under development.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Feb 9;51(1305):11-2 | 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 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

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

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

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

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