mental health

Oxazepam (Serax) Use, Side Effects & Dosage

What is oxazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxazepam (Serax, Zaxopam) is a member of a class of anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines. Other members of the benzodiazepine class include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clobazam (Onfi), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (Prosom), flurazepam (Dalmane), midazolam (Versed), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion). It helps …

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methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Dosage & Side Effects

What is methylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor activities. …

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Buspirone (Buspar) Side Effects & Dosage

What is buspirone (Buspar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Buspirone is a medication that is used for the treatment of anxiety. Its mechanism of action is not clearly understood but may involve effects on neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. Serotonin and dopamine are two of these neurotransmitters. Buspirone may work by stimulating serotonin …

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Haldol (haloperidol) Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Haldol (haloperidol)? Haldol (haloperidol) is an antipsychotic medication. It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are part of Tourette’s syndrome. Is Haldol (haloperidol) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Haldol (haloperidol)? Yes Why is Haldol (haloperidol) prescribed to patients? Haldol is used for treating schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and …

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temazepam (Restoril): Benzodiazepines Side Effects & Dosage

What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Temazepam is a drug that is used for treating anxiety. It is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) …

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clonazepam (Klonopin) Side Effect, Dosage & Withdrawal Symptoms

What is clonazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clonazepam is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells …

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Factitious Disorders Questions, Symptoms & Treatment Guidelines

What should you know about factitious disorders (Munchausen syndrome)? What is the medical definition of factitious disorder? Facticious disorder (previously called "Munchausen syndrome") is characterized by feigning or intentionally producing physical or emotional symptoms in another person in order to place that person in the sick role. What are the symptoms of factitious disorders? Symptoms a victim of factitious disorders …

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Vyvanse vs. Strattera: ADHD Medication Side Effects & Dosage

Vyvanse vs. Strattera comparison Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Strattera (atomoxetine) are both used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the both work by affecting levels of certain neurotransmitters. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves and nerve cells to communicate with one another). Lisdexamfetamine is in the same drug class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants as drugs like Adderall (amphetamine …

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Ativan vs. Xanax: Side Effects, Withdrawal & Addiction Info

Ativan vs. Xanax review Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both members of the benzodiazepine family of drugs used mainly to treat anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Researchers believe both Ativan and Xanax – like other benzodiazepines – work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter that helps inhibit excess brain activity. Excessive activity of nerves in the brain may …

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Adderall vs. Ritalin: Differences in Side Effects & Dosage

Adderall vs. Ritalin quick comparison of differences Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are central nervous system stimulants. Both medications are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Both drugs have the potential to cause addiction, and patients may have withdrawal effects if they stop taking the drugs suddenly. Both Ritalin and Adderall have some common side …

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