Psychopharmacology Bulletin
August 12, 2025
Alan F. Schatzberg, D Charles
15 citations
Several innovative psychiatric drugs have recently been approved or are nearing approval. Auvelity (bupropion/dextromethorphan) speeds antidepressant response and remission more than bupropion alone. Zuranolone, a 14-day oral treatment for postpartum depression, improves symptoms at day 15 and through day 45. Gepirone, a 5HT1a partial agonist, was approved for major depression based on positive trials and a favorable side effect profile. Cariprazine was approved as an adjunctive treatment for resistant major depression at 1.5 mg daily. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD led to over 70% of subjects no longer meeting PTSD criteria, compared to 46% with psychotherapy and placebo. Xenomeline/tropsium (KarXT), a muscarinic M1M4 agonist, effectively treats positive and negative schizophrenia symptoms without dopamine antagonism. Lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody targeting beta-amyloid, slowed cognitive decline by 27% in early Alzheimer's disease.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
August 12, 2025
Dustin Latimer, Michael D. Stocker, Kia Sayers et al.
10 citations
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among U.S. veterans. Standard treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapies and antidepressant medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs. MDMA, a psychoactive compound classified as a Schedule I controlled substance since the 1980s, has reemerged as a potential therapy. Before prohibition, psychotherapists used it for various psychiatric conditions. Recent randomized, controlled trials support MDMA as an effective pharmacological adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
August 12, 2025
Anna Mori-Kreiner, Arpit Aggarwal, Meelie Bordoloi
1 citation
Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is rare in adolescents. A 16-year-old male with major depressive disorder and polysubstance use (LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, cannabis, benzodiazepines) experienced auditory hallucinations and heightened hearing between MDMA use for eight months, plus auditory and visual hallucinations during a five-day inpatient stay. Treatment with aripiprazole 5 mg led to gradual symptom improvement, though symptoms did not fully resolve. Literature review indicates first-line treatments include clonidine and benzodiazepines; second-generation antipsychotics are generally less effective except aripiprazole. Diagnosis was complicated by polysubstance use, requiring distinction from non-substance-induced psychotic disorders.