Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a “second generation” antidepressant that differs from SSRIs. Bupropion acts as a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor and has a much lower involvement of the serotonin pathway. Therefore, bupropion is frequently used for people who did not respond to or could not tolerate SSRIs. In addition to depression...
How does the Pillcheck pharmacogenetic program make health benefit plans more inclusive, reflecting our true biological diversity? Includes interviews with experts in human genetics and John Papastergiou, a published expert in pharmacogenetics in the pharmacy setting, explaining why doctors might inadvertently ignore our biological diversity. Features results from a...
Untreated depression can affect all facets of life. It can ruin relationships at work and home, disrupt sleep, increase the chance of risky behaviours such as drug or alcohol addiction, make it difficult to overcome physical illnesses. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression. Most people do best with depression...
Pharmacogenetics uses a patient's genetic profile to accurately predict a drug's efficacy, guide dosage and improve the safety of treatments. Depending on your genetic makeup, some medications may work faster or slower, or produce more or fewer side effects. The scientific field of pharmacogenetics, the link between your unique...
People with arthritis take medications to manage pain and stem disease progression. However, long-term use of these drugs poses risks of severe complications including tuberculosis, increased risk of leukemia, heart disease and bleeding. Here we describe how the science of pharmacogenetics can help to improve the safety of treatment...
A growing body of evidence indicates that personalized medicine, or treatment guided by your DNA, improves mental health outcomes. A recent randomized clinical trial confirms that Pillcheck pharmacogenetics-guided medication therapy accelerates recovery for patients with depression and anxiety. Finding the right depression treatment is often challenging Only 30% of people suffering...
For anyone who has suffered multiple epileptic seizures, medications are usually the first line of treatment. There are many different drugs used to control epilepsy symptoms and prevent further episodes. The type of medication prescribed depends on many factors, such as the type of epilepsy and type of seizure,...
When it comes to migraines, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Severe, one-sided throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound are all hallmarks of migraines. Migraines may be preceded by what is known as aura, which includes visual disturbances and dizziness, symptoms which may be confused...
Are benzodiazepines safe? The answer is yes; benzodiazepines are safe when taken as directed over a short period of time. Benzodiazepines are a commonly prescribed type of tranquilizer. They help with moderating insomnia, panic, and anxiety or before minor surgery. How long can you take benzodiazepines safely? Do not plan on...
There are risks and benefits with taking any medication. Women are understandably concerned about the safety of antidepressants and wonder if they should continue taking them during pregnancy. Worries over drugs' impact on the fetus may lead to discontinuation of anxiety or depression medication. Although some antidepressants can affect...
