What should I know about myasthenia gravis?* *This myasthenia gravis section written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD What is the medical definition of myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The thymus may give incorrect instructions to …
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Coumadin vs. Plavix quick comparison of differences Coumadin (warfarin) and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) are anticoagulant medications used to prevent blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Coumadin and Plavix also may be prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) because AFib increases the chance of blood clots that can cause a stroke. Side effects of Coumadin and Plavix …
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Lexapro vs. Effexor Lexapro (escitalopram) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are antidepressants used for treatment of major depression. Lexapro is also used to treat anxiety in adults. The brand name Effexor has been discontinued in the U.S. It is available in generic form. Lexapro belongs to the drug class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) while Effexor is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine …
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What is zolpidem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure medications), and reduce anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant and anti-seizure …
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Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Cymbalta (duloxetine) Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Cymbalta is also used to treat depression and anxiety disorder. Lyrica and Cymbalta belong to different drug classes. …
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Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) Lyrica (pregabalin) and Norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) are both used to treat different types of pain. Lyrica is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Norco is used to …
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Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Topamax (topiramate) similarities and differences Lyrica (pregabalin) and Topamax (topiramate) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) used to prevent epileptic seizures. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Side effects of Lyrica and Topamax that are similar include dizziness, nausea, …
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Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Savella (milnacipran) differences and similarities Lyrica (pregabalin) and Savella (milnacipran) are used to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and it us used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Lyrica and Savella belong to different drug …
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What is estradiol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Estrogen is one of the major female hormones, the other one being progesterone. Estrogens occur in nature in several chemical forms. In women with active menstrual cycles, the ovaries produce between 70 and 500 micrograms of estradiol daily. This is converted to estrone and to a lesser extent estriol. …
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What is doxazosin mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Doxazosin is an oral drug used for treating high blood pressure and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. Other drugs in this class include alfuzosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax), …
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