What is Savella (milnacipran)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Milnacipran affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to …
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What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate-powder? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin taken orally that is used to reduce high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate removes potassium by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. The majority of this cation exchange seems to take place in …
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What is Lyrica (pregabalin)? Lyrica (pregabalin) is an oral medication that is chemically related to gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin). It is used for treating pain caused by neurologic diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia as well as seizures. It also is used for treating fibromyalgia. Is Lyrica (pregabalin) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Lyrica (pregabalin)? …
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What is penicillamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Penicillamine is classified as a metal binding (chelating) agent. Penicillamine is a genetic disease that causes excessive copper to accumulate in the body. The mechanism of action of penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but it may be related to reduction of collagen formation. (Collagen is a type of …
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What is Xanax? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam), is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine drug family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical …
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What is loratadine/pseudoephedrine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine/pseudoephedrine is a combination of two drugs, an antihistamine (loratadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that blocks the actions of histamine that causes some of the symptoms of allergic reactions. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors …
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What is syphilis? Illustration of a syphilis bacterium. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by an infection with bacteria known as Treponema pallidum. Like other STDs, syphilis can be spread by any type of sexual contact. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy or to the baby at the time of …
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Spinal Cord Injury Facts Paramedics stabilize a patient’s spinal cord injury to prevent further damage. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma. Spinal cord injury is most common in young, white men. Spinal cord injury can be either complete or incomplete. In complete injuries there is no function below the level of injury. In incomplete injuries there …
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Uterine fibroids definition and facts What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). It is also called an Uterina myoma. It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the …
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Medical marijuana facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Marijuana or cannabis flowers contain the most cannabinoids and have the most therapeutic potential.. Medical marijuana is a plant-based medicine from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica species with three major active compounds: THC, CBD, and CBN. Medical marijuana is used for pain, nausea, muscle spasms, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, low appetite, …
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