>> The annual COVID shot: one dose or two?
>> Measuring an antidepressant’s effect
>> Death from tainted opiates
The Med & Mic™ 01.24.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
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Annual COVID Shots
This week, an FDA advisory panel will be considering a proposal for an annual COVID shot updated to match current variants, much like the annual flu shots aim to match circulating strains. Older and immunocompromised people would get two annual doses. The FDA usually follows the advice of its committee, but in some recent decisions, the agency went against the recommendations and approved pharmaceuticals in a more permissive way. (Source: STAT News, M. Herper, 1.23.23)
A Study of Antidepressant Effectiveness
Researchers at Stanford are recruiting study participants to see if a medical test could determine if an antidepressant is working. They will use MRI scans to assess the brain’s reward system while the study participant is doing computer tasks. The researchers will compare performance before and after eight weeks of one of two types of antidepressant. Currently, finding the right medicine and dosage can be a matter of trial and error and could take months. (Source: STAT News, T. Gaffney, 1.24.23)
Animal Tranquilizer in Synthetic Opioids
An animal tranquilizer called xylazine has shown up in synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. Most jurisdictions do not routinely test for xylazine, but the DEA estimates the drug was involved in nearly 1,300 overdose deaths in the Northeast and 1,400 in the South in 2021. Xylazine is typically used to sedate animals, such as cattle, during procedures and is not FDA approved for use in humans. One of its side effects is the spontaneous development of open wounds and death of tissue leading to amputation. Xylazine is not an opioid but has similar effects, including sedation, slowed respiratory rate and slowed heart rate. Humans are 20 to 30 times more sensitive to its effects. Because it is not an opioid, it cannot be reversed by Narcan. (Source: USA Today, A. Rodriguez, 1.24.23)
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.