http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121207094604.htm
In lecture we’ve discussed
various antidepressants and the corresponding neurotransmitters they act on.
Recently, researchers have developed a new antidepressant that acts much faster
and exhibits a prolonged therapeutic effect by targeting brain receptors
responsible for learning and memory. I found this article exceedingly
interesting as it exemplifies the interconnectedness of the brain, as well as
two topics we’ve focused on in class.
The article states that this drug
has proven helpful for individuals who did not have success with other
traditional antidepressants and that they experienced symptom relief within
hours. Further, participants are said to have reacted very positively and
continued to display these beneficial effects for up to a week with a single
dosage. It works by modulating the NMDA receptors in the brain, which we discussed
is a process involved in long-term potentiation. Researchers assert that the
side effects are mild to moderate and may be psychological since they seem to
be similar to those observed in patients taking a placebo.
What’s even more surprising, and
exciting, is that the article claims that the drug may alleviate other mental
and neurological conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety,
and Alzheimer’s disease.
Rightfully so, the article cautions
that these findings require much research before they are sufficiently
substantiated. Do you think that this drug is revolutionary or is it perhaps
too good to be true? And if it does prove to be as effective and benign as the
article suggests, how widely available should this drug be?
As someone who has suffered from depression before, if what they are saying about this drug is true, this could be groundbreaking. This drug could potentially save thousands of lives because of its fast-acting qualities. Instead of waiting 6-8 weeks for antidepressants to work, someone who is suicidal only has to wait a matter of days. For sufferers with Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia, two diseases that currently have no cures, it would be life-changing.
ReplyDeleteDue to the fact that this drug is still in the beginning stages of development and testing, I think it would be wise to not let one get their hopes up. It is possible that there are still undiscovered side effects that may outweigh the benefits.