Nimodipine
[CA CHANNEL BLOCKER] for mania [3], rapid cycling bipolar, and tremor, (may help bp-anxiety).
Major Depression
Pindolol
Speeds up antidepressants [3] when started with an SSRI (doesn’t augment later after starting SSRI). Augments in OCD/panic [3]
Buspirone-melatonin combo
Low doses of both treated depression in one trial.
Buspirone-melatonin combo Read More »
Vortioxetine
[$ Trintellix] Improves cognition. First-line for depression (lacks weight gain, sexual, fatigue SEs; lack of WS). Well studied in elderly.
Vilazodone
[Viibryd] Only benefit is lack of sexual side effects. Otherwise, not evidence in anxiety and not a stand-out antidepressant.
Bupropion
[Wellbutrin] First-line for depression (lacks weight-gain, sexual, cognitive, fatigue SEs; lack of WD). Safest antidepressant in bipolar. Treats nicotine but not as well as varenicline. Treats ADHD a little; RLS.
Lamotrigine
[Lamictal] Best tolerated mood stabilizer, treats and prevents bp-depression; does not treat mania so avoid as monotherapy in bipolar I.
Minocycline
[Minocin] Antibiotic/anti-inflammatory with possible benefits in bipolar and unipolar depression; also treats lithium-acne.
Cycloserine
Augments exposure therapy and TMS in low dose, may work for TRD in high dose, but have to get from specialty pharmacy.
Amantadine
Similar to ketamine. Treats TD [2] and irritability in TBI [1]. Last-line secret-weapon for bipolar/unipolar depression, OCD, cognition, DMDD, autism, weight-loss, fatigue.