New Medications

difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion

topical ophthalmic corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery

This study shows that Durezol is a potent steroid that can be used effectively four times a day to reduce inflammation in patients with moderate to severe uveitis. Compared to 8 times per day for Pred Forte.

Difluorinated prednisolone derivative to increase the potentency of anti-inflammatory activity

F - prednisolone - F

viral diseases/bacteria/fungal infections of the cornea/conjunctiva

Lurasidone

atypical antipsychotic

1) unlike many other antipsychotics, lurasidone does not block the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, an action well-known to impair learning and memory

2) lurasidone has prominent activity at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT7, and α2C-adrenergic receptors, all of which have been implicated in enhancement of cognitive function if modulated properly

3) due to its low liability for extrapyramidal symptoms, lurasidone is unlikely to require coadministration of anticholinergics, which impair cognition in their own right

Vilazodone

serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist

Partial agonism of the 5-HT1A receptor is a relatively novel mechanism of action and is also shared by the anxiolytic buspirone (Buspar), and the atypical antipsychotic / antidepressant aripiprazole (Abilify)

When sexual dysfunction is a concern

Specifically the incidence of orgasmic dysfunction in women and ejaculatory delay or dysfunction in men was less than 3% and very near the rates with placebo

• Other antidepressants have a rate
• >15%

1) higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects than most of the SSRIs

2) generic SSRIs are available

This will probably be a secondary agent for those who have sexual side effects from other antidepressants