mental health

What is risperidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify) and paliperidone (Invega). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree …

Adderall vs. Concerta comparison Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate) are stimulants used for treatment of narcolepsy and adult and childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Adderall contains amphetamines that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, producing a calming effect in adults and children with ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that acts in a similar manner, but …

What is Antabuse, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Disulfiram is an oral drug used for treating alcoholism. Alcohol is converted in the body into acetaldehyde by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Another enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase then converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid. Disulfiram prevents acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid, leading to a buildup of …

Munchausen syndrome facts Munchausen syndrome, referred to as a factitious disorder, is a mental illness that involves the sufferers causing or pretending to have physical or psychological symptoms in themselves. Adults aged 20-40 years are most likely to develop Munchausen syndrome. Women with knowledge of health care and men with few family relationships are particularly vulnerable to developing this disorder. …

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

What is lorazepam (Ativan)? How does it work? Lorazepam (Ativan) is thought that excessive activity of nerves in the brain may cause anxiety and other psychological disorders. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves in the brain use to send messages to one another that reduces the activity of nerves in the brain. It is thought that …

What Is the Difference Between Beta Blockers and Valium? Beta blockers and Valium (diazepam) are used to treat anxiety. A difference is beta blockers are usually used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Valium belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines that are often prescribed for anxiety. Taking a beta-blocker …

What’s the Difference Between Baclofen vs. Clonazepam? Baclofen (Lioresol, Gablofen) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both used as muscle relaxants. Clonazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs that is typically used to treat anxiety. Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. The brand name for clonazepam is Klonopin. Side effects of baclofen and clonazepam that are similar include weakness, …

Baclofen vs. lorazepam Baclofen and lorazepam are both used as muscle relaxants. Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs that is typically used to treat anxiety. Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. The brand name for lorazepam is Ativan. Side effects of baclofen and lorazepam that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, and trouble sleeping (insomnia). …

Beta blockers vs. SSRIs Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure, to prevent kidney failure in patients with high blood pressure or diabetes, to reduce the risk of stroke, abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain (angina), tremors, pheochromocytoma, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, and to prevent migraines. SSRIs (elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a type of antidepressant …