The present invention relates to combinations of a H3 antagonist and an antidepressant, which exhibit a synergistic wake promoting activity.

A transdermal delivery system for systemic delivery of donepezil is described, where the system comprises an adhesive matrix drug reservoir layer comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid/vinyl acetate, triethyl citrate, and donepezil base generated in situ by reaction of donepezil HCl and an alkaline salt. The system is provided for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and achieves transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent at steady state that is bioequivalent to administration of the therapeutic agent orally.

The present invention provides a medicament that exerts a psychotropic action through selective sensory nerve stimulation. A prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a psychiatric disorder, containing, as an active ingredient, at least one kind selected from a heterocyclic compound represented by the formula (I)

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol is as described in the specification, or a salt thereof, and an isothiocyanate compound represented by the formula S═C═N—R.sup.5 (II) wherein each symbol is as described in the specification.

The present invention provides a medicament that exerts a psychotropic action through selective sensory nerve stimulation. A prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a psychiatric disorder, containing, as an active ingredient, at least one kind selected from a heterocyclic compound represented by the formula (I)

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol is as described in the specification, or a salt thereof, and an isothiocyanate compound represented by the formula S═C═N—R.sup.5 (II) wherein each symbol is as described in the specification.

Disclosed herein is, among other things, a soft gel vaginal pharmaceutical composition and dosage form containing solubilized estradiol for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

The present invention provides a mitochondrial function-improving agent containing a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus farciminis or Pediococcus acidilactici, a culture of the lactic acid bacterium, or a culture supernatant of the lactic acid bacterium.

The present invention relates to a transdermal device including porous microparticles capable of containing an active principle, in particular nicotine, and to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for tobacco cessation. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a transdermal device including porous microparticles filled with an active principle.

Dosing regimens and methods are disclosed for upregulating protein kinase C (PKC) while reducing subsequent downregulation, com-prising administering a PKC activator once a week for three consecutive weeks followed by cessation of administration or dosing for three consecut-ive weeks. Also described are methods for improving or enhancing cognitive ability, preventing or treating cognitive impairment, preventing or treating a neurodegenerative disease or condition, and/or preventing or treating a dis-ease or condition associated with neuronal or synaptic loss according to the disclosed regimens.

Dosing regimens and methods are disclosed for upregulating protein kinase C (PKC) while reducing subsequent downregulation, com-prising administering a PKC activator once a week for three consecutive weeks followed by cessation of administration or dosing for three consecut-ive weeks. Also described are methods for improving or enhancing cognitive ability, preventing or treating cognitive impairment, preventing or treating a neurodegenerative disease or condition, and/or preventing or treating a dis-ease or condition associated with neuronal or synaptic loss according to the disclosed regimens.

Described herein are neuro-active steroids of the Formula (I): (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.a, G, X, Y, Z, and n are as defined herein. Such compounds are envisioned, in certain embodiments, to behave as GABA modulators. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound described herein and methods of use and treatment, e.g., such for inducing sedation and/or anesthesia.

##STR00001##