Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
January 2, 2021
Amna Majeed, Jiaqi Xiong, Kayla M Teopiz et al.
48 citations
A review of preclinical and clinical studies indicates that dextromethorphan (DXM) is well tolerated and shows clinically significant antidepressant effects; DXM combined with bupropion has demonstrated replicated and relatively rapid onset efficacy in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Preliminary reports also suggest efficacy in adults with bipolar depression. The combination represents a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic synergy that may account for its rapid action. The authors consider DXM/bupropion a safe, well tolerated, and efficacious treatment option for adults with MDD, and highlight the relevance of glutamate as a treatment target. Priority questions include whether it is uniquely effective across discrete domains of psychopathology and whether it can improve patient-reported outcomes.
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
September 1, 2024
Sophie Köhne, Thomas Hillemacher, Alexander Glahn et al.
16 citations
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a major global health problem with limited effective pharmacotherapy. This review covers approved drugs like disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, and acamprosate, alongside compounds in phase II and III trials, including baclofen, sodium oxybate, doxazosin, varenicline, zonisamide, gabapentin, apremilast, ibudilast, ivermectin, tolcapone, mifepristone, suvorexant, ketamine, psilocybin, semaglutide, oxytocin, and cannabidiol. Most of these drugs lack sufficient evidence for efficacy, but several promising options are under investigation. Future research should target specific AUD phenotypes and subgroups, and explore combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to use available medications to support existing therapeutic regimens.
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
October 2, 2023
Katarzyna Śladowska, Paweł Kawalec, Tomasz Brzostek et al.
4 citations
Psilocybin shows promise in early clinical trials for treating major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, with effects appearing relatively quickly after administration. However, large phase III trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy and safety before it can be approved and accepted by physicians and patients.
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
June 1, 2025
Maria-Alejandra Umbacia, Marta Ximena Leon, Jose-Manuel Quintero et al.
Psilocybin, a psychedelic drug, is being studied for medicinal use, particularly in adult psychiatry and palliative care. Clinical trials show it may benefit patients with treatment-resistant depression and those in palliative care, often in specialist centers. It acts rapidly by targeting the 5HT2A receptor. Its psychoactive effects are well documented, but their clinical importance is debated. Many questions remain about its efficacy for other conditions and its role in psychotherapy.