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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.