Content about Treatment of bipolar disorder

DENVER — Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, or PUFAs, found in seafood may reduce arterial stiffness and improve heart function in chronic heart failure, according to new research released Wednesday.

"The consumption of nearly 1 g of omega-3s per day may improve the elasticity of the arteries, especially in individuals at high risk of heart disease," PUFA Newsletter editor Joyce Nettleton said. "Measurement of arterial stiffness is a powerful predictor of future heart events and the risk of dementia and death."

Positioned as the first all-natural line made with certified organic hemp seed oil is the North American Hemp line of personal products. The collection includes bath, body and hair care products all made with certified organic hemp seed oil. According to the manufacturer, hemp has excellent healing and moisturizing properties, and hemp seed oil in hair care products provides rich omega-3, -6, and -9 essential fatty acids. Hemp seed oil also benefits skin.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for epilepsy made by Mylan.

Mylan said Monday that the FDA had approved its divalproex sodium capsules in the 125-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of Abbott’s Depakote Sprinkle capsules and is used to treat certain types of epileptic seizures.

Divalproex sodium capsules had sales of about $89 million during the 12-month period ended in March, according to IMS Health.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Thursday issued a statement regarding the growing controversy surrounding Lazy Cakes — a brownie containing melatonin, an ingredient that helps establish more normal sleeping patterns — that has been cited in a New York Times article as having “flagrantly mimic[ked] the soothing effects of hash brownies.”

Other published reports suggested the Arizona Department of Health issued a mandatory recall of Lazy Cakes following the report of an adverse event.

TORONTO — Canadian drug maker Intellipharmaceutics International is seeking approval for a generic version of a treatment for mental disorders.

Intellipharmaceutics announced Monday that it had filed an application with the Food and Drug Administration for quetiapine fumarate extended-release tablets, a generic version of AstraZeneca’s Seroquel XR.

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a psychiatric drug for treating bipolar disorder when used in combination with one of two other drugs.

The FDA approved Abilify (aripiprazole), made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical, as an adjunct to lithium or valproate for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder.

MIAMI — The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology on Wednesday presented a new analysis of the effects of omega-3 essential fatty acids as potential treatment options for depression.

Two critical omega-3 essential fatty acids available from certain food or nutritional supplements but not manufactured by the body — eicosapentenoic acid and docosahexaenoic — play a role in optimal brain functioning and have antidepressant benefits that have not been fully recognized, the professional society stated during its annual meeting in Miami.

PITTSBURGH The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Mylan generic drug for Parkinson’s disease, Mylan said Thursday.

The drug maker announced the approval of pramipexole dihydrochloride tablets in the 0.125-mg, 0.25-mg, 0.5-mg, 1-mg and 1.5-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Mirapex.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Merck's supplemental drug applications for its atypical antipsychotic received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the drug maker said.

Saphris now is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, as monotherapy for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults, and as adjunctive therapy with either lithium or valproate for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults, Merck said.