Astrocytes Identified as Depression Therapy

23rd Jan 2013, Tufts University’s neuroscience researchers, found that the Astrocytes, that is the star shape brain cell, can be helpful to improve the mood in patients who were depressed due to sleep deprivation. It was identified in vivo study that how this astrocytes controls a Neuro- Transmitter related to sleep. The researchers say that this finding can help in developing drug which is fast and effective to cure depression, especially in emergencies.

The drugs that are used to fight depression take weeks to show their effect. But sleep deprivation has proved in 60 percent patients immediately effective in most of depression disorders. However it is not long lasting and uncomfortable for patients.

The research was verified in 1970, that the sleep deprivation is effective against depression. Rapid eye sleep movement deprivation mainly. However the brain mechanism was that was underlying was not known.
We have known more about brains because of neurons, but glia is another cell which is ignored. Glia is thought historically as neurons support cell. Phil Haydon group, Tufts University School of Medicine, showed that Astrocytes, a type of Glia in animal model, affects the behavior.

Haydon group has previously found that astrocytes controls sleep deprivation response by the release of neutral-transmitters which controls the neurons. The sleep wake cycle is affected by this neuron regulation activity. Adenosine receptors in neurons are the one specifically acted. Adenosine is sleep inducing chemical.
The time that we are awake, Adenosine gets accumulated and the urge to sleep increases, this called as sleep pressure. Adenosine receptor antagonists are chemicals like caffeine and they keep us awake. But on the contrary adenosine receptor agonist will make you sleepy.

Dustin Hines, First author, Ph.D., post-doctoral fellow, department of neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine said that, in the study we gave 3 doses of adenosine receptor agonist was given to the mice in a night which was sleep deprivation equivalent. The mice were sleeping normally but the adenosine levels were not reduced sufficiently because of the sleep, this mimicked the sleep deprivation effect.  Just after 12 hours they found that the depressive symptoms were decreased in the mice and adenosine was increased in the brain, this was maintained for 48 hours.

By controlling the astrocytes we could mimic the sleep deprivation effects on symptoms like depression, which can give an improved behavior faster and longer time.

For developing and researching an anti-depressant drug, to understand the astrocytic signal and adenosine role, is vital. The drugs based on this research help can provide fast relief in psychiatric emergency and chronic depression symptoms elevated for longer span, as quoted by Naomi Rosenberg, Ph.D., Dean and Vice Dean for, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine respectively. The next course of action of the team would be to check if there are any other receptors and that too can affect.

Dapagliflozin: FDA Wants More Data for Approval

A drug treatment for Cyctic Fibrosis was approved by FDA. The drug was developed after a gene responsible for causing Cycstic Fibrosis was found. The identification of gene has been acomplished after almost 22 years.

Vertex is producer of the drug named as Kalydeco. Cystic fibrosis is caused because of defective gene responsible for decoding a protein known as Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator. It is found that the gene is behind 4% cases of cystic fibrosis.

Approval of Kalydeco is believed to be of great significance as all other available treatments in market are only capable to treat symptoms of disease. A press note has been published by USA FDA regarding the approval.

The treatment is approved for patients of age above six and with confirmed G551D mutation. Vertex is quite please as approval came earlier than expected.

Considering rareness of the disease, producer company is contemplating to initiate programs to make the drug available at affordable cost or may be for free. Current estimation of drug cost is $294,000 per year which is near to the cost of other treatment for same disease.

Kalydeco is expected to generate millions of dollars in US market alone. There are 200,000 patients of Cystic Fibrosis in USA.

Recent amendment in FDA approval policy is the reason that the drug was approved with priority in review.
Clinical trial included 213 patients with G551D defect. The pill was administered twice a day in all participants. During trial Kalydeco showed some side effects such as stomachache, headache, infection in respiratory system and diarrhea.

Cystic Fibrosis is serious disease as it decreases life of patients because of thick mucus accumulated in digest tract and lungs. Patient suffering from CF lives upto 36-38 years.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Treating Depression

Psychiatrist usually recommends not taking mental disorders lightly. Disorders such as depression should be treated or it may result in severe form.

Depression can ruin one’s life as depressed person cannot concentrate on work or study, feel sorrow, worried without valid reason to worry and no lost interest in activities.

Severe or chronic depression is something one cannot get rid of easily. Depression is like diabetes, patient just can’t drop sugar level by just following steps given in book. Depression requires proper drug treatment along with psychotherapy.

Dr James Barbee, a psychiatrist in New Orleans, is using new method to treat depression. The method is called TMS ot Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

In this therapy, magnetostatic fields of particular intensity or frequency are aimed at prefrontal cortex for 37mins. Prefrontal cortex is part of brain located on left hand side. Dysfunction of that area of brain causes depression, proven in research study. Targeting this area of brain brings changes mood.

This new therapy is proof that depression is not problem of personality, but, is a dysfunction of part of the brain.

Brain image taken after the therapy showed remarkable changes in brain. The part of brain, which regulates concentration; decision and emotions, reported to be more active than before the therapy.

Barbee says at times he’ll ask patients if they’re feeling any better, and they don’t notice a difference.
Relatives found patient jollier and more expressive. Dr Barbee has said he would periodically ask patients whether they feel better and signs of improvement.

Dr Barbee, keeping outcome of therapy in mind, compares new treatment to powerful anti depressant drug, Prozac. depression drugs

Half of the total number of patients who received this therapy from Dr Barbee have experinced significant improvement.

Depomed May Lose Exclusive Rigths on Gralise

Actavis Group has notified Depomed Inc regarding approval from FDA to market generic version of Gralise. Depomed has confirmed the notification. Gralise is once a day pain reliever rx medicine. Depomed possesses exclusive patent rights for Gralise. Approval of Gralise generic version may be trouble for Depomed.

Stock price of Depomed reacted with sharp 3.5% down, though, daily stock price were up by 22%.

However, chief executive of company is confident to retain exclusive marketing rights of popular orphan drug.

As per the law, Depomed now has 45 days to object approval for generic of Gralise. Company can prevent FDA to approve generic version for another 30 months if approval is in violation of patent law.

The company rejected some of the claims by Actavis as invalid or unenforceable when it is about infringement of Gralise patent.

Gralise is pain killer medicine to treat long-lasting pain such as postherpetic neuralgia. Other pain reliever medicine like generic Celebrex can treat short term pain. It works with unique delivery system which relieves pain for longer duration.

Another drug for which Depomed enjoys exclusive rights is Glumetza. It is type 2 diabetes medicine.

Zioptan, FDA Approved Treatment for Glaucoma

WHITHOUSE STATION – Merck commonly called a MSD in United States told that Food and Drug Administration has given green signal to ZIOPTAN(TM). ZIOPATAN is used in to deduce the effects of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with Ocular hypertension. The FDA approved the medication after there was a two year clinical research of almost 905 subjects. The clinical research it was found that ZIOPTAN has IOP lowering effect. Merck has told that ZIOPTAN will be sold to customers till March.

Information about the ZIOPTAN
ZIOPTAN makes alterations in pigmented tissues. The pigmentation has increased in iris pigmentation, periorbital tissue, and eye lashes. The ZIOPTAN should be used with caution with aphakic patients as high risk is involved in it. The further study needs to be done whether pregnant women should be allowed to take ZIOPTAN. The fetus may in any way be in danger due to the use of ZIOPTAN the researchers are dealing with that issue. The pediatric patients are barred to use ZIOPTAN as there is long term implication associated with that kind of patients.

Recommended Usage of ZIOPTAN
The recommended dosage is one drop of ZIOPTAN in conjunctival sac of eye of patients daily in the evening.

Agreement among Merck and Santen It was on 15, April, 2009 that both the pharmacy company collaborated together for Tafluprost. Merck has commercial rights in North America, South Africa, Western Europe, Middle East, Australia and many more area around the world. The Santen handles the market in places like Germany, countries of Asia Pacific, Northern Europe and many more.

Information regarding Merck and Santen
The Merck is a huge world wide healthcare company. The Merck works with more than 140 countries to give them health solutions. The Santen Is a pharmacy company which has its base in Osaka and works in fields ophthalmic, eyesight, and health.

FDA Approves Once a Week Type 2 Diabetes Drug

An application was filed for approval for its weekly diabetes medicine named as Bydureon, a product of Amylin Pharmaceuticals.

Finally FDA has approved the drug. Bydureon is type 2 Diabetes drug to be taken once a week.

Unlike other diabetes drugs such as generic Actos, generic Amaryl and generic Avandia, Bydureon is in injection diabetes medicine. A manufacturing division located at 8814 Trade Port Drive will be producing these injections.

Amylin announced about the approval given on 27th January by FDA. Company has planned to launch the drug in February 2012. Diabetes patients can expect to see the drug in pharmacies in mid February 2012.

Bydureon (exenatide) is receptor agonist for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. Efficacy of Bydureon is said to be best when administered with proper diet and exercise. Diabetes Medicines

Amylin first launched its manufacturing plant in 2009 and for Bydureon it received, along with other companies such as Lilly and Alkemes, response letter from FDA on April 23 2010. By the time US FDA approves the drug, Amylin launched the drug in Europe Commission which got approval in 2011. Bydureon is also in approval queue in Asian countries like Japan.

Industry experts are happy that finally long acting diabetes drug will be available to millions of diabetes patients in USA. Eyes are on how the drug is going to perform in market.

Amylin is however is not planning to hire more staff because of approval as current staff unit is already manufacturing Bydureon for European market. As USA approval was soon expected, company employees already had increased production.

According to company current numbers of employees are ample to meet demand and it is prepared to hire new people if demand increases.

Fast Pain Reliever Method Under Trial

Before any surgery patients are given anesthesia to numb the portion of the body. That is to reduce the pain while performing operation. But for treatments, such as root canal of teeth, cosmetic surgeries, short acting anesthesia is used on patient. Short term anesthesia has couple of shortcomings such as effect last for few hours, impaired eye sight and unable to eat or talk.

A new development has been made by experts to subdue problems caused by short acting anesthetic. Scientists have developed a new molecule which can be used as fast acting pain relievers. The molecule, as demonstrated at Nature, works by getting activated when shed a beam of light on it. Activated molecule silences pain causing neurons. The molecule is then deactivated by light to terminate its effect. This new instant pain reliever is believed to be significant progress and likely to be most favorite pain reliever in general clinics.

General anesthetics bring numbness by blocking electrical signals generated by ending of nerve cells. The endings of nerve cells are medically known as Nociceptors. Nociceptors generate signals when cold, heat or mechanical pressure exceeds threshold limit. These generated signals are due to reach central nervous system which, after following numerous chain reactions, eventually results in feeling of pain.

Most commonly used anesthetic is Xylocaine. It works by blocking nociceptors from generating signals of pain. There are many other local anaesthetics also and all of them work in somewhat similar way. Problem with these current anesthetics is regardless of specific nociceptors they act on all the neurons. The new molecule based pain reliever method is selective in nature. With that being said, the method acts only on desired area of the body.

The development of new molecule known as Ammonium-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium is a result of combined efforts by scientists of California Uni and Ludwig-Maximilians Munich. Dr Richard Kramerof California and Dr Dirk Trauner are lead researcher of their respective group. The molecule changes its shape when exposed to green light and returns to its original shape when exposed to ultraviolet beam of light. The change in shape occurs within hundreds of part of a millisecond. This makes the molecule super fast acting pain reliever.
The trial of the new method has been successful.

Symptoms of Arthritis at a Glance, a Summary

It is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. It is also classified as an autoimmune because certain immune cells malfunction and attack a person’s own body. Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in middle age, but children and young adults can also develop the disease. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints and may cause inflammation of other tissues in the body.

The immune system consists of the cells and proteins in our bodies that fight infections. An autoimmune disease occurs when our immune system doesn’t recognize part of our body and attacks it as if it were an invader such as a bacteria or virus.

People of all races and ethnic backgrounds can develop RA. Symptoms which are commonly associated with this disorder include: Joint pain, Joint Swelling, Joint Stiffness and warmth around the affected joint. Morning Stiffness which lasts for one or more hours. Symmetrical pattern of affected joints, meaning the same joint on both sides of the body is affected (e.g., both knees). Small joints of the hands & feets are characteristically involved, although any joint can be affected. Rheumatoid Nodules (firm lumps under the skin), found on elbows and hands of about one-fifth of rheumatoid arthritis patients Fatigue and noticeable loss of energy.

Flares & remission of disease activity is characteristic of this disease. Most people who develop RA are between the ages of 20 and 60, if you fall outside of this age range it makes the diagnosis less likely. The most common joints to be involved are the fingers, hands, wrists, and feet.

Often, people with this disorder may also complain of general fatigue, weakness, low-grade fever without an obvious source of infection, decreased appetite, weight loss, and/or muscle pain.  People with RA typically will complain of difficulty performing tasks of daily living such as writing, preparing food, grasping a cup, getting dressed, and turning a doorknob.
Oral arthritis drug and celebrex

FDA Safety Warning: Blood Clot Risk with Drospirenone Contraceptives

FDA has issued safty notice for women who are taking drospirenone birth control pills. Keeping latest study results in mind FDA has urged gynecologists and physicians to reckon the risk of Drospirenone while prescribing oral contraceptive pills. FDA has also asked manufacturer of those pills to update drug label.

Oral contraceptive pills that contain Drospirenone have been found to increase blood clotting events. Blood clotting is an essential process in body system. The process helps to heal wounds and stop bleeding by clotting blood at the site of wound.

But, the same process poses threat to life when it occurs in blood carrying veins and capillaries. Unnecessary blood clots in capillaries obstruct blood flow which eventually leads to stroke and heart diseases such as cardiac arrest, heart attack.

Dropirenone is widely used in combination birth control pills. It is synthesized progesterone. Studies, conducted by FDA itself, reported increased risk of blood clotting in people who were taking drospirenone was 3 times greater than those who were taking other contraceptive pills. FDA has revised its drug label and safty information pills that contain drospirenone.

FDA Warning: France T253, Stree Overlord, AfricanBlackAnt

FDA US has issued warning against three products for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women and erectile dysfunction in men. The three products are France T253, Stree Overloard and African Black Ant.

Both France T253 and Stree Overlord contains sildenafil citrate, said FDA in warning. African Black Ant contains Tadalafil, according to FDA. Sildenafil Citrate is main chemical compound used in Viagra and Tadalafil is used in Cialis. Any medicine that contains Sildenafil or Tadalafil is called generic Viagra and generic Cialis respectively. So, France T253 and Stree Overlord are nothing but Viagra.

A websites that promote and sell African Black Ant listed various ingredients except Sildenafil Citrate. Listed ingredients of black ant are caterpillar fungus, saffron, deer penis, lotus, fur seal penis, tibetan yak testis and hippocampus. The promoter of so called "sexual enhancement" did not deliberately mentioned Tadalafil and/or Sildenafil.

Marketing website of Stree Overlord misguided consumers using false story of Japanese figher Stree.

France T253 promoters tried to capitalised desperation of impotence patients by claiming their product not only boost sexual abilities but also has significant effect on kidney, heart, reversing age, blood. But, a cross investigation by FDA found that it is nothing but sildenafil citrate drug.

People are recommended not to use these products anymore. People who have used these three products are advised to go through side effects of Sildenafil and Tadalafil drug to avoid any health problem.

Patients who are taking nitrate drug as a part of treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases must not use those products.
Does France T253 work? Does Stree Overlord Work? Does African Black Ant work? These three products just work like generic Viagra and Cialis.

Study: Drugs from Credentialed Online Pharmacy are of Good Quality

Wall Street Journal has reviewed several documents which indicted two canadian citizens involved in importing fake breast cancer drug in U.S. This event has sparked debate on authenticity of generic drug bought from online pharmacies. Millions of Americans buy prescription generic drugs online to cut drug cost.

A latest research study by Roger Bate concluded that generics from internet pharmacies are of good quality if purchased from credentialed pharmacies. Mr Bate is lead author of the study who also happens to be influential expert on pharmaceutical counterfeiting at American Enterprise Institute.

A research study of 370 brand drugs ordered from online pharmacies concluded that Viagra purchased by Americans were not real Viagra, however, medicines were found to be authentic when credentialed by several organizations.

This led to author believed that such websites are sometimes, if not all the time, selling medicines of good quality.

FDA and pharmaceutical gianst are increasingly concerned on counterfeit drugs, they have warned againts purchasing poor quality drugs from online pharmacy saying that may put one's health at risk. The study result contradicts their concerns.

Groups who oppose online pharmacies cite several reasons to convince consumers not to order from online pharmacies. Some of the reasons are; pharmacies get away with your credit card details, buying without prescription is illegal, they don't ask for prescriptions.

Another study conducted in 2007 found only 6 percent patients buy medicines with prescriptions. But that seems to be another point that patients go for internet pharmacies.

Lipid Lowering Drugs

Lipid lowering drugs

What is lipid?
Lipid is white wax like organic substance made up of sterols, fats, vitamins soluble in fat, diglycerides, monoglycerides and phospholipids. There are eight types of lipids found in human body. Lipids perform many important functions such as membrane formation, storage of energy, carrying signals and dissolve vitamins that are not soluble in water. Triacylglycerols, cholesterol and phospholipids are most common types of lipids found in food.

• Fatty acyls
• Glycerolipids (triglycerides)
• Glycerophospholipids
• Sphingolipids
• Sterol lipids
• Prenol lipids
• Saccharolipids
• Polyketides

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is sterol lipid. It is an essential lipid for human body. Cholesterol maintains permeability of cell membrane i.e. maintains easy flow of molecules to pass through membrane. Body system requires cholesterol to produce steroidal hormones and bile acid. Excess presence of cholesterol is very harmful despite its important functions and necessity. High cholesterol level leads to heart problem such as blockages in coronary arteries and veins. LDL (Low density liporprtien) is strongly associated to critical health conditions while, on the other hand, HDL (high density lipoprotien) is considered to be good cholesterol.
* Statins: Statin drugs are most prescribed drugs class to lower sterol lipid (cholesterol) level in bloodstream. Statin drugs work by preventing HMG-CoA reductase enzyme from getting activated. HMG-CoA reductase decides the rate at which cholesterol is synthesized. Inhibition of these enzymes reduce the cholesterol formation and increase protein (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor) that helps cells to absorb cholesterol-rich LDL.
Statin drugs lowers LDL by 18% to 55% in blood.
Drugs of This Class are....

• Lipitor, Torvast (Atorvastatin)
• Lipobay, Baycol (Cerivastatin)
• Lescol, Lescol XL (Fluvastatin)
• Mevacor, Altocor (Lovastatin)
• Mevastatin
• Livalo, Pitava (Pitavastatin)
• Pravachol (Pravastatin)
• Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
• Zocor (Simvastatin)
• Vytorin (Simvastatin+Ezetimibe)
• Advicor (Lovastatin+Niacin)
• Caduet (Atorvastatin+Amlodipine Besylate)
• Simcor (Simvastatin+Niacin)

* fibrates are used to treat condition known as hypertriglyceridemia, a condition where blood contains high level of triglycerides. Triglycerides is another type of lipid responsible for hardening of arteries. Fibrate works through sticking to receptors of PPAR-α. Activation releases an enzyme that reduces amount of triglycerides and LDL. Fibrate also increases level of the good cholesterol(HDL). Double action of fibrates results in low LDL and high HDL. Fibrates are indicated for prevention of coronary heart disease. Fibrate may cause muscle damage.
Fibrates typically lower triglycerides by 20% to 50%.
Drugs of this class are....
* Bezalip (Bezafibrate)
* Modalim (Ciprofibrate)
* Clofibrate
* Lopid (Gemfibrozil)
* TriCor (Fenofibrate)
Other lipid lowering drug classes are....
* niacin: Lowers LDL by 5-25% and increase HDL by 15-35%. Side effects include liver damage and hyperglycemia.
* bile acid sequestrants
* phytosterols
* Orlistat (Xenical): Xenical works by preventing absorption of fat from food. This drug inhibits an enzyme that is responsible for synthesis of triglycerides. Xenical is also being indicated to treat obesity since its action reduces calories produced from food.

An Introduction to Diabetes Medications

Brief about Diabetes
Human body requires energy to perform daily activities. Energy is also required for internal organs of body for good functionality. Every cell of the body does respiration process to produce energy from the eaten food. A hormone, known as insulin (secreted by pancreas gland), help body cells to use glucose and generate energy out of it. Diabetes is a disease in which body system fails to produce enough insulin. Because of inability of body cells to transform glucose in energy, accumulation of glucose occurs which eventually leads to many diabetes complications.
Types of diabetes: Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2.

Diabetes Drugs

For type 1 diabetes insulin, pramlintide and exenatide are to be administered by injection or inhalation. Range of oral medicines, belong to different drug-class, are available to treat type 2 diabetes.

Types of Drug For Diabetes

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas is class of drug belong to anti-diabetic drugs they are indicated for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas increase insulin release by working on beta cells of pnacrease gland.
Sulfonylureas drugs increase electrical positivity on membrane of beta cells of pancreas gland by preventing polarising of potassium tonic. Increased positivity leads to release more Ca (calcium) which helps stored insulin to release in body.
Drugs that are called sulfonylureas are......

• Acetohexamide
• Tolbutamide
• Chlorpropamide
• Tolazamide

Second generation

• Glipizide

Third generation

• Glimepiride

Working mechanism (Pharmacokinetics) and effect on body (Pharmacodynamics) of these drugs are different, though, their resulting action is same i.e. release of more insulin. With sole purpose of releasing more insulin in body different drugs are formulated with different techniques hence side effects of all drugs are different too.

Meglitinides

Meglitinides are indicated for diabetes type 2. Meglitinides works in same manner as that of sulfonylureas. Like sulfonylureas, meglitinidesin too bind its self but at different place.
Drugs of this class are....
Nepaglinide (Prandin)
Nateglinide (Starlix)
Meglitinide may cause low level of glucose (Hypoglecemia) because of high insulin released. Take it before half an hour of meal.

Biguanides

Biguanides are more effective than sulfonylureas and meglitinide. In stead of increasing insulin level biguanides lowers the process known as Gluconeogenesis that forms glucose. It also helps tissues to absorb glucose.
Metformin belong to this class of diabetes drugs. Metformin is one of the most popular drug being used in combination with other drug for diabetes type 2.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones are also know as glitazones. They acts in two ways to reduce glucose level, reduces natural process of glucose formation; helping cells to utilize glucose. Being greater effective, these drugs shows less side effects.

• Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
• Rezulin (Troglitazone)
• Actos (Pioglitazone)

Thiazodinediones works by sticking itself to receptors called PPARs.

Avandia Not Related To Heart Diseases

Studies and counter studies are being made public regarding long term use of Avandia for treatment of diabetes. Two highly reputed organizations, namely American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) have issued public statement regarding not to get panic over the use of avandia. Given huge success of drug in treating diabetes, these two organizations have declared such data are 'insufficient' to cement choice of Actos over Avandia.

Dr. Steven Nissen claims, with the help of studying 35,531 diabetes patients, that diabetes medications avandia may increase risk of heart failure, heart attack and stroke in those who are taking avandia for longer. Another meta-analysis study, published at New England Journal, also supports that claim.

Furthermore, AHA and the ADA emphasized on the need 'just to inform' patients about the new evidence rather than making them panic.

In response to the controversial report, Dr.Richard G. Bach, a Washington University researcher, refutes the claim with the help of fresh research of careful examination of diabetes patients with coronary heart disease.
Dr Richard de-links relation of cardiovascular disease and use of avandia. Dr Richard categorically states that Avandia usage was not related to increase risk of events such as strokes, heart attack and heart failure.
Health care professionals and patients are waiting for what FDA panel would say on this issue as FDA is reviewing data. FDA is likley to come up with its view or guidelines after meeting of advisory committee which is due to take place mid-july.

Pramipexole: Depression Medication for Parkinson's Disease Patients

A small clinical trial, conducted by Dr Paolo Barone, suggests that dopamine agonist helps to treat depression of Parkinson's patients. Dopamine agonist, such as Pramipexole, may specifically treat depression of patients of parkinson's disease. Conclusion was published on TheLancet Neurology May 10 edition.
Experts believe that depression in parkinson's disease is caused by malfunction path where domaine is being transmitted from one point to another. Although depression symptoms are found in nearly 35% of patients suffering from parkinson's disease, few studies and researches have been made on depression medication to treat it. Dopamine agonist is already being used to treat severe depression. It is learnt from the trial that Pramipexole shows direct antidepressant effects in Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole is drug of class dopamine agonist used to treat parkinson's disease. Pramipexole is also being used to treat sexual problem caused by usage of antidepressants. Pramipexole has shown strong effects in bipolar disorder.

Effect of Pramipexole found to be double-in-action, that is, it independently treats both Motor Disability and depression. The found result of the study, positive effects of single drug on two major diseases, is considered to be very important for further studies.

Pramipexole Works?
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease which affects the part of the brain (substantia nigra) responsible for body movements. The substantia nigra, located around basal ganglia, contains high level nerve cells that release neurotransmitters called dopamine. Dopamine activates its receptors in basal ganglia (a part of brain). In parkinson's disease part of brain that contains dopamine neurones does not produce enough neurones. This causes lack of dopamine signals which results in lost control of brain on movements. Pramipexole works by stimulating the malfunctioning dopamine receptors in the striatum, thereby restoring the dopamine signals needed for proper functioning of the basal ganglia.

Treating Depression Without Depression Medication

Working of brain is largely of transmitting and receiving electric signals carried by neurotransmitters. Specific signals by particular neurotransmitters indicate specific feelings. In regard with this scientists have developed an electric device known as TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation). TMS device is used to provide daily dose of electric signals to certain parts of brain. The device has been approved by FDA, on October 2009, to treat depression.

Even after FDA approval, some experts were doubtful for effectiveness of the device to treat depression. Concerns of skeptics were legitimate as there was no way to fake signals. In order to acquire approval of a drug from FDA, applicants are required to prove effects of drug with series of clinical trials conducted with original-drug and a placebo (placebo = a drug that has no effects). Until now, there was no device which could work similar to real TMS device but produce no effects.

Dr. Mark S. George, head of the study, developed a device which can give sound and sensation similar to real TMS but has no effects. Results and conclusions of the study were published on Archives of General Psychiatry in issue of month May.

Conducted study included 190 patients divided in two groups. Patients of first group were treated with real device and group second with fake device. Patients were subjected to real TMS device for 37.5 minutes and 37.5 minutes to dummy device. All 190 patients were given dose for 3 weeks, once a day.

The trial showed 26 patients recovered from depression while, on the other hand, 9 patients showed recovery signs from their depression with dummy device. Recovery signs of patients with real TMS were four times greater that that of dummy device.Side effects, such as discomfort; headache and eye twitching, were reportedly same in both the groups.

57 patients recovered from depression in second phase trial conducted on all patients treated with real device.

Dr George and his team are now studying effects of antidepressant effexor and effects produced by TMs device.

What causes Depression
Neurotransmitters, responsible for good mood, carry signals to brain. Lack of such transmitters cause lack of signals and lead to depression. Anti depression medication, such as effexor, works by preventing re-absorption of neurotransmitters that regulate good mood. Stopping re-absorption increases level of neurons and thus increases signals of good mood.

TMS device works by resetting electrical imbalance of signals and restores normal mood.
Depression Medication

Singulair Allergy Medicine

Silgulair Allergy Medicine

Is singulair is allergy medicine?

Yes, sigulair is allergy medicine. Sigulair has been approved by FDA for asthma and rhinitis allergy (symptoms of Rhinitis allergy (also known as seasonal allergy) are runny and stuffy nose, red eye watering, excess sneezing, and breathing problem). Singulair is anti allergy medicine of type leukotriene receptor antagonist (Antagonist = a substance that nullifies effects of other substance).

How singulair treats allergy?

Rhinitis allergy occurs when allergens enter into body. Body immune system identifies those allergens as harmful substances and produce leukotrienes and histamines to fight with them to protect body. Actually entered allergens are non-harmful, body system misidentifies them as harmful. Released leukotrienes, with histamines, cause mucos production, inflamed airway and sneezing.

Leukotrienes are needed to get activated in order to perform its tasks. Activations happen when only when they stick to their receptors. Unless they are sticked to their receptors they won't be able to perform their tasks.Singulair prevents activation of leukotrienes. Singulair does that by releasing motelukast which sticks itself to receptors of leukotrienes.

What is singulair medicine?

Singulair is name given to a drug that contains motelukast as active ingredient. Any medicine which contains motelukast as active ingredient would act in similar manner to singulair.

Singulair Dose for Allergy

Adults and children with seosnal allergy symptoms for more than 2 years should take singulair allergy medicine.

10mg singulair allergy medicine once a day is recommended dose for adults and children above 15 years.

For children between 6 years to 14 years recommended singulair medicine dose is one 5 mg tablet once a day.

For kids 2 years-5 years recommended singulair dose is one 4 mg tablet a day.
For kids between 6 to 23 months recommended dose is one packet of 4 mg oral granules in a day.
Effects of Singulair medicine on pregnant and breast feeding women have not been established.

Find more information about singulair

What is Allergy? How Anti Allergy Medicine Works?

Being one of the people allergic to dust particles I have taken antihistamines for long time. Taking drugs for couple of time is not at all matter. But, taking it for long time definitely needs to know more about those drugs. I don't even call allergy sufferers as Patients because allergy is more of malfunctioning of body immune system rather than a disease. There are no permanent remedies to eradicate allergy forever. All you can do is take anti-allergic medicines whenever allergy attack strikes. It just your body says 'I don't like them and i won't let them allow to stay in body'.

Understanding allergy in simple words

When allergens enter into body the immune system releases histamines to fight with them. As a result of that you get disturb and mediate the fight with the help of Anti-histamine drugs. Your body says 'Ok fine, i am calling off my fighters for now but, that doesn't mean I will allow those foreign bodies next time'.

What causes allergy reaction?

Allergens (non harmful substances) get through body system. Mast cell recognizes them as dangerous foreign bodies. To prevent them entering in body releases neuro-transmitters known as histamines. Histamines increases blood flow at the 'attacked' site by widening blood vessels. Histamines also increase mucous production. The combined effect causes runny nose, sneezing, red eyes and headache.

The effect of widened blood capillaries because of histamines may very from person to person. It may cause headache, breathing problem, low or high heart rate or blood pressure increase. Excess mucous production results in nasal congestion. Skin may develop hives.

Role of AntiHistamines/Anti allergic medicine

Anti histamines drugs releases proteins which gets attached to the receptors of histamines and thereby blocks activation of histamines to perform its activities. This results in relief from allergic reactions.

Types of Antihistamines

There are two basic types of anti allergy drugs; H1 receptors antagonist and H2 receptors antagonist. Read more about anti histamine drugs

Allergy Medicine