Tag: anxiety

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Alprazolam – Benzodiazepine – A Calming Sedative

IntroductionAlprazolam, often sold under the brand names of Xanax, Alp, Neuxam, Praz and others, is a short-acting tranquilizer that belongs to the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which consists of benzodiazepines (BZDs) fused with a triazole ring. It’s most typically used to treat anxiety disorders in the short term, such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Class of MedicineAlprazolam is a benzodiazepine (a medicine that has a relaxing, tranquil effect). It works by reducing aberrant brain excitation.
Mode of ActionAlprazolam works by attaching to a specific location on the central nervous system’s gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor. The receptor’s affinity for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA is increased as a result of this binding action. GABA activity is increased, which inhibits the transmission of neuronal signals in the brain that cause anxiety and panic.
Medical UsesAlprazolam is primarily used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), panic disorders, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Alprazolam may also be prescribed for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and anxiety disorders that are accompanied by depression. The FDA recommends that the physician evaluate the drug’s usefulness on a regular basis.
Avaiability & UsageAlprazolam is available in tablet form.
Alprazolam can be taken on a daily basis at set times or as needed (“PRN”). Your healthcare practitioner will usually limit the amount of dosages you can take in a single day. Alprazolam is a potent benzodiazepine that should only be used for six weeks at a time.
Side EffectsCommeon side effects includes:
Sleepiness
Depression
Headaches
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Memory issues
Some of the sedation and exhaustion may subside after a few days.
Important WarningDon’t take alprazolam without consulting your physician.
When used with other drugs, alprazolam can cause significant or life-threatening respiratory issues, drowsiness, or coma. So inform your physician about the medication you already taking.
Available BrandsXanax
Alp
Neuxam
Praz

 

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Pregablin – An Anticonvulsant

IntroductionPregabalin, available under brand names Gabica, Zeegap, Pregalax, Gablin and others, is an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medicine used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder, among other conditions. It is used as an add-on therapy for partial seizures in epilepsy. It decreases pain but causes more drowsiness and visual abnormalities when administered before surgery.
Class of MedicinePregabalin belongs to the anticonvulsant class of drugs. It works by reducing the number of pain impulses given out by the body’s injured nerves.
Mode of ActionPregabalin inhibits synaptic release of many neurotransmitters by binding to alpha2-delta subunits, which could explain its actions in vivo in reducing neuronal excitability and seizures. Several investigations, including structure-activity assessments of substances binding to alpha2-delta subunits and pharmacology in animals lacking in alpha2-delta Type 1 protein binding, suggest that pregabalin’s pharmacology is dependent on binding to alpha2-delta subunits. Preclinical data so far point to a mechanism involving reduced neurotransmitter release and a reduction in aberrant neuronal excitability. The focus of this review is on preclinical pharmacology.
Medical UsesPregabalin is a drug that is used to treat anxiety and epilepsy.
It’s also used to relieve nerve discomfort. Nerve pain can result from a variety of conditions, including diabetes and shingles, as well as an injury.
Pregabalin acts in a variety of ways:
With nerve pain, it reduces seizures in epilepsy by lowering aberrant electrical activity in the brain.
It reduces pain by interfering with pain messages as they go through the brain and down the spine, and it reduces anxiety by preventing your brain from generating the chemicals that cause anxiety.
Avaiability & UsagePregabalin is available as a capsule, an oral solution, and an extended-release tablet for oral administration. Pregabalin pills and oral solution are commonly taken two or three times a day, with or without food. Pregabalin extended-release tablets are typically used once a day, after dinner. Pregabalin should be taken at the same time(s) every day.
Side EffectsMore than 1 in 100 people may have these typical adverse effects. They are normally moderate and disappear on their own. Continue to take the medication, but let your doctor know if they irritate you or don’t go away:

Headaches
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
Diarrhoea
Mood changes
Feeling sick
Swollen hands, arms, legs and feet
Blurred vision
For men, difficulties with getting an erection
Weight gain – because pregabalin can make you feel hungry
Memory problems

Important WarningOnly a small percentage of persons who take pregabalin develop major side effects.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right once.Suicidal thoughts – a tiny proportion of patients taking pregabalin have experienced suicidal thoughts, which can occur after only a week of treatment. Problems breathing
Extreme dizziness or passing out hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
Issues with going to the bathroom, such as blood in your pee, the urge to urinate more frequently, or constipation
Available BrandsGabica
Zeegap
Pregalax
Gablin

 

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Escilatopram – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Introduction
 Escitalopram is an antidepressant and anxiety medication, available in oral tablet or liquid form under the brand names of Cipralex, Citanew, Es-Pramcit, Excita. It works by assisting in the restoration of a natural substance (serotonin) equilibrium in the brain.

Class of Medicine
Escitalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRI). It may increase your energy and emotions of well-being while also reducing anxiousness.

Mode of Action
By preventing the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, escitalopram raises intrasynaptic levels of the neurotransmitter. In comparison to less-selective SSRIs, escitalopram has the highest selectivity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) compared to the norepinephrine transporter (NET). As a result, the side-effect profile is quite modest.
Because escitalopram is a P-glycoprotein substrate, P-glycoprotein inhibitors like verapamil and quinidine may help it cross the blood-brain barrier. Escitalopram’s antidepressant-like effects were enhanced in a preclinical research in rats when it was combined with a P-glycoprotein inhibitor.

How should this medicine be used?
Escitalopram is available as a tablet and a liquid solution to be taken by mouth. It’s taken once a day, with or without food. Take escitalopram at the same time every day, either in the morning or in the evening, to help you remember to take it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and if there is anything you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you. Take escitalopram exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has suggested.

Common Side Effects
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
drowsiness
increased sweating
dizziness
heartburn
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dry mouth
decreased appetite
weight loss
flu-like symptoms
runny nose
sneezing

Important Warning
When you take this drug, you could develop a dangerous illness called serotonin syndrome. It happens when there are dangerously high quantities of a natural brain chemical. It happens when your levels of serotonin, a natural brain chemical, are dangerously high. It’s most likely to happen if you combine this medication with other serotonin-boosting medications. Irritability, agitation, disorientation, hallucinations, tight muscles, tremors, and seizures are all signs of serotonin syndrome. If you have this, get immediate medical attention.

Irritability, agitation, anxiety, high or low mood, restlessness, changes in sleep habits, headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness, electric shock-like feelings, shaking, and confusion are all possible withdrawal side effects if you stop using this drug too soon. Do not discontinue taking escitalopram without first consulting your doctor. To avoid these withdrawal symptoms, he or she will gradually reduce your dose.

If you take aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), warfarin, or other anticoagulants, escitalopram can increase your risk of bleeding. If you see any bleeding or unusual bruising, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Cipralex
Citanew
Es-Pramcit
Excita