If you or a loved one suffer from depression, there are some new medications for depression that you should be aware of.
Vilazodone (Viibryd)
- approved by FDA in 2011
- sometimes called a “SPARI” which stands for “serotonin partial agonist/reuptake inhibitor”
- may show response within 1-2 weeks, but generally need 6 weeks for remission
- no clear evidence to show decreased sexual side effect rate
- may be more effective for depressed patients who also have anxiety
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
- approved by FDA in 2013
- is an “SNRI” which stands for “serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor – more selective for norepineephrine
Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
- approved by FDA in 2013
- sometimes called “multimodal agent” because acts as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor, agonist of 5HT-1A receptors,
- partial agonist at 5-HT1B receptors, antagonist at 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors
- has shown some improvement on cognitive testing, but has not been FDA approved for cognitive dysfunction in Major Depressive Disorder
Ketamine
- not FDA approved for depression, but is approved as preoperative general anesthesia
- is an antagonist of the NMDA receptor, does not work on serotonin or norepinephrine
- can be given intravenously, or compounded to oral, sublingual, intranasal forms
- use is considered experimental at this time
- may be helpful for rapid but short-lived relief of depression
I hope this information is helpful. If you think you or a loved one is suffering from depression, we are here to help! Please call us at 919-636-5240 for a consultation.
Live Mentally Healthy,
Dr. Jennie Byrne