Articles Archive for 14 September 2008
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Stimulants »
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
How does Ritalin work? What will it do for me?
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable need to sleep) in children over 6 years old and adults. It helps to increase attention and decrease restlessness in children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Other measures (e.g., psychological, educational, and social therapies) are used along with methylphenidate as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD. This medication also helps to stimulate …
Antimanic Agents »
TEGRETOL Novartis
Carbamazepine
Use:
Anticonvulsant, antimanic agent. Epilepsy: Adults and children > 12 years – initially, 100-200 mg once or twice a day; increased in divided doses until best response obtained. Optimal daily dosage: 800-1200 mg. Rarely, some adults may require 1600 mg/day. As soon as disappearance of seizures has been obtained and maintained, reduce dosage very gradually to minimum effective dose. Children 6-12 years: Initially, 100 mg in divided doses on first day; increased by 100mg/day until best response obtained. Maximum daily dosage: 1000mg.
Trigeminal neuralgia: Initially, 100 mg twice daily; increased …
Antianxiety »
Ativan: Generic Name: lorazepam (oral) (lor A ze pam)
What is Ativan?
Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders.
Ativan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Ativan
Do not use Ativan if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). This medication can cause birth defects in an …
Antipsychotics »
What Is ZYPREXA® (olanzapine)?
ZYPREXA is a brand name for a prescription medicine that is approved by the FDA for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia, acute mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder and for maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder.
Important Safety Information
Facts About ZYPREXA
ZYPREXA has been prescribed to nearly 24 million people in 84 countries since its approval in 1996
ZYPREXA was the first of a newer generation of antipsychotic medications (called atypical antipsychotics) approved for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia
ZYPREXA was the first atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
Paroxetine – Brand Name: Paxil
Overview
Paxil is the brand name for Paroxetine, a phenylpiperidine derivative. Paxil is an SSRI – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to normal.
Paxil’s effects can usually be felt within one to four weeks.
Why is this drug prescribed?
Paxil is used primarily to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)
Paxil is also used to treat:
depression
panic disorder / panic attacks
diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy)
chronic tension headaches
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
premature ejaculation
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Warnings
The safety and effectiveness of Paxil in children …
Antipsychotics, Featured »
Antidepressants, Headline »
Definition
Antidepressant drugs are medicines that relieve symptoms of depressive disorders.
Purpose
Depressive disorders may either be unipolar (depression alone) or bipolar (depression alternating with periods of extreme excitation). The formal diagnosis requires a cluster of symptoms, lasting at least two weeks.
These symptoms include, but are not limited to, mood changes, insomnia or hypersomnia, and diminished interest in daily activities.
The symptoms are not caused by any medical condition, drug side effect, or adverse life event. The condition is severe enough to cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important …

