Although they have been used for over 30 years, benzodiazepines are still widely prescribed in the treatment of anxiety disorders and other medical conditions. These drugs are classified as sedative-hypnotic agents, which depress or slow down the body.…

The antidepressants are used to relieve the symptoms of depression, which may include feelings of sadness, helplessness, loss of interest in usual activities, insomnia, loss of energy, problems concentrating, weight loss or gain, and decreased desire…

The introduction of the benzodiazepines represented a significant advance in the treatment of panic disorder. In contrast to MAOIs and TCAs, the benzodiazepines begin to provide relief the very first day of treatment, and many patients experience a…

There are currently three nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics available in the United States: zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox), zaleplon (Sonata), and eszopiclone (Lunesta). All three display an identical mechanism of action by binding to the omega-1 receptor…

Shortly after their introduction in the 1960s, benzodiazepines emerged as the treatment of choice for those experiencing generalized anxiety, though syndromal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) would not be identifi ed in the psychiatric nosology for…

At one time or another, almost every teen may appear to be depressed. Usually, the depression is slight and goes away with time. But some kinds of depression need medical intervention. With such an intervention, writing a prescription for Prozac (fluoxetine)

Diazepam is a widely used sedative anti-anxiety medication. Trade names are: Ansiolin, Apaurin, Apozepam, Atilen, Bensedin, Diapam, Diazepam, Eridan, Lembrol, Pacitrian, Quetinil, Relanium, Saromet, Seduxen, Serenamin, Serensin, Sonacon, Stesolin, Ushamir,…

Depressants generally have the opposite effect of stimulants. Many depressants are used as sedatives or tranquilizers, terms often used as if they mean the same thing even though some experts would dispute such interchangeable usage of the terms sedative…

Hundreds of substances have been developed that produce central nervous system (CNS) depression. These drugs have been referred to as downers, sedatives, hypnotics, minor tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and antianxiety medications. Unlike most other classes…

Recreational users should limit use of benzodiazepines to once a week or less to minimize problems. Every day use is discouraged because addiction and tolerance can become an issue (editor). The main actions of benzodiazepines (hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant,…

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear that seems to arise from an unknown source or is out of proportion to any apparent cause. It is also a common symptom in several different types of disorders, such as phobias, panic disorder,…

Anxiolytics are widely prescribed in primary and secondary mental health services despite the NICE guidelines highlighting that the preferred treatments for anxiety are psychosocial treatment or self-help approaches based on CBT principles.

There is a wide range of drugs used to treat the variety of symptoms that can present with dementia. For example, psychotic symptoms may develop and be treated with antipsychotics although olanzapine and risperidone should not be used as they increase…

Benzodiazepines comprise the most frequently prescribed subclass of antianxiety agents. These agents, first introduced in the early 1960s, quickly replaced the use of barbiturates as the pharmacological approach to anxiety.

For the past two years our increasing knowledge of migraine’s biogenesis has been paralleled by an explosion of new therapies unprecedented in their biologic selectivity and clinical effectiveness. While these medications provide us with a potent arsenal…

$515 Million Criminal Fine Is Largest Individual Corporate Criminal Fine in History; Civil Settlement up to $800 Million. American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company today agreed to plead guilty and pay $1.415 billion for promoting its drug Zyprexa…

What is the difference between Xanax and Xanax Retard? Is it important for a patient taking 1.0 mg before going to sleep? Action of Xanax comes into force in 1-2 hours and lasts during 16 hours. Xanax Retard as a rule is taken by 1mg in 24 hours.

Anti-anxiety drugs, or “anxiolytics”, are powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressants that can slow normal brain function. They are often prescribed to reduce feelings of tension and anxiety, and/or to bring about sleep. Anti-anxiety medications…

Depression is a brain disorder. It can affect your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior, and physical health. Unfortunately, many people still think it is “all in your head” and that if the person would only try harder, he or she could snap out of…

Since 1987 when zopiclone (Somnosan, Zimovane, Imovane, Rhovane, Ximovan) was introduced into clinical practice, extensive evaluations have shown that some rebound changes can be detected in healthy individuals. In patients with insomnia more than 20…