What is vortioxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vortioxetine (Trintellix) is an antidepressant used for treating a certain type of depression known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Vortioxetine decreases the reuptake of serotonin just like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It also stimulates various serotonin receptors in the brain. The exact mechanism …
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What is desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desvenlafaxine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI); a class that also contains venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). (Desvenlafaxine is an active metabolite of venlafaxine, that is, it is …
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Dilaudid vs. morphine Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and morphine are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Both Dilaudid and morphine are available as generic drugs. Dilaudid is a brand name for hydromorphone. Brand names of morphine include Astramorph, Duramorph, Infumorph, and Avinza. Side effects of both Dilaudid and morphine are similar and include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, drowsiness, and dizziness. Dialudid may …
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What are oral anabolic steroids, and how do they work? Anabolic steroids are orally-ingested, synthetic (man-made) drugs that act like testosterone. They cause growth and development of male sexual organs, secondary sex characteristics, and increases in muscle size and strength. What are the uses for these drugs? This class of drugs are used for the treatment of: Delayed puberty in …
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What is atenolol? How is atenolol used? Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic chemicals, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, released by nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. One of the important function of beta-adrenergic nerves is to stimulate the heart muscle to beat more rapidly. By blocking the stimulation by these nerves, atenolol reduces …
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What is etodolac? What is etodolac used for? Etodolac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and numerous others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing …
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What is simethicone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simethicone is an anti-gas (anti-flatulence) medication. It acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling their breakdown and the formation of larger bubbles. In this way it is believed that gas can be eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. Simethicone …
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Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) vs. Lortab (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) review Percocet and Lortab are combination prescription medications used to manage moderate to severe pain. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone (a narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-narcotic pain reliever and fever reducer). Lortab is a combination of hydrocodone (a narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen used to relieve mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation, …
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What is indomethacin? How is indomethacin used? Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fever, pain and inflammation. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Indomethacin works by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that the body produces and which cause the fever and pain that are associated with inflammation. Indomethacin blocks the …
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Zoloft (sertraline) vs. Paxil (paroxetine): What’s the difference? Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type antidepressants used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft is also used to treat panic disorder. Side effects of Zoloft and Paxil that are similar include drowsiness/sleepiness, sleep …
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