Placebos

Re-analysis calls into question efficacy of anti-nausea pregnancy drug

Researchers have re-analysed individual-level data from a randomised controlled trial of doxylamine-pyridoxine.…

Cannabinoid treatment shows potential in obstructive sleep apnoea

The cannabinoid dronabinol has been shown to significantly reduce apnoea/hypopnoea index scores, but further trials are needed.…

Neurostimulator device could provide non-pharmacological dry-eye relief

An intranasal neurostimulator device has been shown to significantly increase tear production in a one-day crossover study of 48 patients with dry eye.…

First trial of Huntington’s disease drug a success

The first human trial of a drug for Huntington’s disease has shown it to be safe, well-tolerated and successful in lowering the level of huntingtin protein in the nervous system. The phase I/IIa trial comprised 46 patients with early Huntington’s disease at nine study centres in th…

Antihistamine shows potential to repair neuron damage in multiple sclerosis

Research shows an over-the-counter antihistamine could act as a remyelinating agent in multiple sclerosis…

Delayed-release ADHD medication provides all-day symptom control

Researchers tested a delayed-release formulation of extended-release methylphenidate that can be taken in the evening but does not begin releasing drug until 8–10 hours after administration.…

Antidepressants have different adverse effect profiles when used for chronic pain

Researchers say that better knowledge of the side effects of low-dose antidepressants is needed to aid the selection of drugs for patients…

Trial begins to investigate efficacy of monoclonal antibody against schizophrenia

A two-year trial has begun to analyse the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody drug, currently used to treat multiple sclerosis, as a treatment for schizophrenia.…

SSRIs and SNRIs for paediatric psychiatric disorders yield only small benefit over placebo

The placebo effect played a significant role in the efficacy of antidepressants, which are known to be associated with an increased risk of severe adverse events.…

Off-label use of sildenafil in valvular heart disease should be avoided

A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress reported the effects of sildenafil in patients with valvular heart disease.…