What is Valium (diazepam)? Diazepam is an oral medication that is used to treat anxiety. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family of drugs, the same family that includes: alprazolam (Xanax) clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) flurazepam (Dalmane) What brand names are available for Valium (diazepam)? Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol are the brand names …
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Phenothiazine Antipsychotic Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
What are phenothiazine antipsychotics? Phenothiazine antipsychotics are medications used to treat schizophrenia and manifestations of psychotic disorders. Some phenothiazine antipsychotics, like prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine, are used for nausea, vomiting, and hiccups. Although, the exact mechanism of phenothiazine antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work by blocking the action of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical) …
Read More »dexmethylphenidate (Focalin): ADHD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is dexmethylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dexmethylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is chemically similar to methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. It stimulates the brain by …
Read More »lurasidone hydrochloride (Latuda): Antipsychotic Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is lurasidone hydrochloride (Latuda)? What is Latuda used for? Lurasidone (Latuda) belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). Atypical antipsychotics like lurasidone are considered the standard of care for treating schizophrenia. Additionally, in clinical studies lurasidone was shown to be effective …
Read More »Seroquel (quetiapine): Antipsychotic Side Effects & Dosage
What is quetiapine (Seroquel)? What is quietiapine used for? Quetiapine is an oral atypical antipsychotic drug. What brand names are available for quetiapine? Seroquel and Seroquel XR are the brand names available for quetiapine in the US. Is quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)? Yes Why …
Read More »Stimulants for ADHD Side Effects, Examples, Types & List of Names
What are stimulants? Stimulants are medications or other compounds (including caffeine, cocaine and nicotine) that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) in most individuals. Stimulants can be addictive and often are abused. Stimulants have similar effects as amphetamine. They stimulate the brain by increasing the level and effect of the natural neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain (neurotransmitters are …
Read More »amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, Adderall: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)? What are the uses of Adderall? Adderall contains amphetamine salts (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and is used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by nerves that are released and attach to other nearby …
Read More »Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for ADHD: Side Effects & Dosage
What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used for the treatment of: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Common side effects of Vyvanse include: upper abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, weight loss, trouble sleeping, irritability, …
Read More »Guanfacine (Intuniv for ADHD, Tenex for Hypertension) Dosage & Side Effects
What is guanfacine? What is guanfacine used for? Guanfacine is an oral, centrally-acting alpha 2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It is available in two different formulations, Tenex immediate release tablets and Intuniv extended release tablets. Tenex is used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Guanfacine reduces blood pressure by reducing the resistance …
Read More »Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Schizophrenia Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is olanzapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olanzapine is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). The exact mechanism of action …
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