Tag Archives: mental health

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 …

Read More »

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 …

Read More »

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 …

Read More »

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 …

Read More »

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 …

Read More »

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 …

Read More »

risperidone (Risperdal): Anti-psychotic Drug Side Effects & Dosage

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 of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects …

Read More »

Adderall vs. Concerta: ADHD Drug Uses, Side Effects & Interactions

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 …

Read More »

Disulfiram (Antabuse) Side Effects, Dosage & Reaction to Alcohol

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 …

Read More »

Munchausen Syndrome & by Proxy: Causes & Facts

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. …

Read More »