Tag Archives: mental health

What is naloxone (Narcan)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Naloxone is a man-made opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of opioid medications such as morphine and related drugs. Naloxone works by binding to mu-receptors in the brain that opioids use to produce their effect on pain and other symptoms. By …

What is Cylert (pemoline), and how does it work? Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The brand name Cylert is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available. Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant. Pemoline is structurally dissimilar to the amphetamines and methylphenidate. It is …

What is methylphenidate patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and …

What is dextroamphetamine-oral capsule, tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dextroamphetamine is a medication used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ADHD is a common disorder among children and teenagers that affects social, academic, and occupational functioning. Narcolepsy also is known as excessive daytime sleepiness, which is more common in adults. Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine …

What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters …

Mania vs. hypomania facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Mania is a set of mood symptoms that includes euphoria or irritability lasting at least a week and is required to qualify for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Hypomania is considered to be a less severe version of mania. The suicide rate for people who have had a manic episode …

Introduction Psychotherapy is often the first form of treatment recommended for depression. Called “therapy” for short, the word psychotherapy actually involves a variety of treatment techniques. During psychotherapy, a person with depression talks to a licensed and trained mental health care professional who helps him or her identify and work through the factors that may be causing their depression. Sometimes …

Mental illness is any disease or condition that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or relates to others and to his or her surroundings. Although the symptoms of mental illness can range from mild to severe and are different depending on the type of mental illness, a person with an untreated mental illness often is unable to cope …

Nightmares and PTSD Nightmares are dreams that are threatening and scary. Nearly everyone has had a nightmare from time to time. For trauma survivors, though, nightmares are a common problem. Along with flashbacks and unwanted memories, nightmares are one of the ways in which a trauma survivor may relive the trauma for months or years after the event. How common …

What is Khat and what are the street names for Khat? Street terms for Khat: (pronounced Cot) Abyssinian tea, African salad, oat, kat, chat, and catha. Also referred to as qat in Yemen, tschat in Ethiopia, and miraa in Kenya. What does Khat look like? Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat …