Health | Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Drug Association

Lorazepam Prescription Drug Guide

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Lorazepam is also known as Ativan and is an oral medication belonging to the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines. The purpose of Lorazepam is to affect the chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety when they become unbalanced. When these chemicals become unbalanced, the result is nervous tension, and Lorazepam can reduce this nervous tension. Lorazepam is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety or types of anxiety that are associated with depression. Lorazepam can also be used for other purposes as well depending on the treatment plan and the physician.

You should absolutely never take Lorazepam if you are allergic to it or any other types of benzodiazepines including Xanax, Librium, Tranxene, Valium or Serax. If you are pregnant you should not take Lorazepam because it can cause harm to your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, talk to your physician and avoid taking Lorazepam.

Before you take Lorazepam, you need to tell your physician if you have glaucoma, breathing difficulties, kidney disease, liver disease, depression, suicidal feelings or an addition to alcohol or drugs. You should never drink alcohol while you are taking Lorazepam. Lorazepam is capable of increasing the effects of the alcohol. While you are taking Lorazepam, you should avoid taking any medications that make you feel sleepy. These can add to the sleepiness that is already caused by the Lorazepam.

Lorazepam does have habit-forming capabilities, and so you should only use it for the purpose for which it is prescribed. You should never share your Lorazepam prescription with another people, especially if they have a history of alcohol abuse or drug use. Store your Lorazepam in a safe place where it cannot be accessed by other people. Do not buy samples of Lorazepam from the internet because they can contain Haloperidol, which has dangerous side effects when mixed with Lorazepam.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Addiction, Alprazolam, Diazepam, Haloperidol, Health, Lorazepam, Valium, Xanax

Lyrica Prescription Drug Guide

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Lyrica is the brand name for a drug called pregabalin. Lyrica is known as an anti-epileptic drug, and it is also referred to as an anticonvulsant. The way that Lyrica works is by slowing down the brain’s impulses that are normally responsible for causing seizure. Lyrica is also capable of affecting the chemicals in the brain that typically send pain signals across your nervous system. Lyrica is primarily used for two different purposes. The first purpose is to treat seizures and the second reason is to treat fibromyalgia. Lyrica can also be used in order to treat the pain that is caused by nerve damage in people that are suffering from diabetes, a condition that is known as diabetic neuropathy, and some physicians even prescribe Lyrica for herpes zoster, which is post-herpetic neuralgia.

When you take Lyrica, you may find that you are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Your physician is going to need to check you out at various visits to make sure that you are not experiencing side effects from taking the drug. You must make all of your scheduled appointments, because missing a scheduled appointment can cause serious harm to you if you are having a reaction to the drug.

You should call your physician immediately if you have any new symptoms or if you have any worsening symptoms. These may include behavior changes, mood changes, depression, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, hostility, hyperactivity both physically or mentally or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are taking this drug for the prevention of seizures, then you should continue to take the medication even if you feel like you are fine. You may experience an increase in your seizures if you suddenly stop taking the drug.

You should not change the dosage of Lyrica that you are taking unless your physician specifically tells you do. If your medication does not appear to be working, tell your physician so that changes can be made.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Drug, Health, Herpes zoster, Lyrica, Pfizer, Physician, Postherpetic neuralgia, Pregabalin

Seroquel Prescription Drug Guide

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Seroquel is also known as Seroquel XR and Quetiapine. Seroquel is a type of antipsychotic medication that works by altering the actions of the chemicals in your brain. Seroquel is primarily used for the treatment of schizophrenia in children over the age of 13 and in adults. Seroquel is also widely used for the treatment of manic depression and bipolar disorder in both adults and children that are over the age of 10. Seroquel is also often combined with antidepressant medications that adults use for the treatment of major depressive disorder. There are both extended-release and short-release forms of Seroquel that can be administered depending on personal need.

The extended-release form of Seroquel is known as Seroquel XR and it should only be used by adults. This form of Seroquel should never be administered to anyone under the age of 18. Seroquel is not intended for use in psychotic conditions that are related to another condition known as dementia. Seroquelis capable of causing heart failure, pneumonia and sudden death in older adults that have a dementia-related condition.

If you have any of the following symptoms you should stop taking Seroquel and contact your physician immediately: Rigid muscles, sweating, high fever, fast heartbeat, uneven heartbeat, confusion, uncontrolled movement of your muscles, light-headedness, blurry vision, pain in the eyes, increased urination, increased thirst, increased or excessive hunger, weakness, fruity breath, vomiting or nausea.

There are certain conditions that may prevent you from being able to take Seroquel. If you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke, history of heart attack, thyroid disorder, cataracts, seizures, epilepsy, trouble swallowing, history of diabetes or white blood cell count issues then you need to let your doctor know immediately. You may require a dosage adjustment or a special test to make sure that you can take Seroquel safely.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Antidepressant, Antipsychotic, AstraZeneca, Bipolar disorder, Health, Major depressive disorder, Quetiapine, Time Release Technology (medicine)

Tramadol Prescription Drug Guide

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Tramadol is a generic name for a prescription medication that is also known as Ultram, Ryzolt and Rybix ODT. Tramadol is a pain reliever that is narcotic-like but not actually narcotic. It is primarily used for the treatment of moderate and severe pain. There are both standard-release and extended-release forms of Tramadol. The extended release type of Tramadol is used for the treatment of moderateor severe chronic pain, primarily when treatment is needed on an around-the-clock basis. Tramadol can also be used for other purposes as well, depending on the prescribing physician’s preference.

If you are addicted to drugs or to alcohol, you should not take Tramadol. Some people that take Tramadol may experience convulsions or seizures. You might be more likely to experience such a seizure if you have a history of having seizures or a metabolic disorder, antidepressant use or history of head injury. If you are taking antidepressants, medicine for nausea, medicine for vomiting or muscle relaxers you should talk to your physician prior to taking Tramadol, because these medications may cause seizures in conjunction with Tramadol.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you have taken too much of Tramadol. Overdosing on Tramadol is capable of being fatal. There are a number of symptoms that are associated with an overdose of Tramadol including shallow breathing, drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold skin, clammy skin, extreme weakness, light-headed feelings, coma or fainting. Tramadol also has habit-forming characteristics that you need to be aware of.

If you do not believe that the Tramadol is working as well as it should in relieving the pain, then you should talk to your physician first and foremost. Do not share your Tramadol prescription with anyone else, especially someone that has a history of drug use or alcoholism. If you have any questions, speak to your physician immediately.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Chronic pain, Health, Pharmacy, phentermine, Prescription drug, Tramadol, Ultram, United States

Klonopin Prescription Drug Guide

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Klonopin is also known as Clonazepam and belongs to the Benzodiazepines group of medications. There are chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety issues when they become unbalanced. Klonopin and other benzodiazepines affect these chemicals in the brain. Klonopin is used not only to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but also to treat seizure disorders as well. There are other reasons for why a physician may prescribe Klonopin other than those listed.

There are a number of instances when you should not use Klonopin. First and foremost, you should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzodiazepine medications like alprazolam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, lorazepam or oxazepam. This medication is capable of causing harm to unborn babies, so you should not take it if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. It can also cause feeding problems and breathing problems in newborn babies. You should not start taking this medication while you are pregnant unless your physician tells you to.

If you have a liver or kidney disease, breathing problems, glaucoma or a history of depression or drug and alcohol addiction, tell your doctor before you begin taking Klonopin. You should not drink any alcohol while you are taking this medication. Klonopin does have habit forming characteristics, and so you should only use this medication if it is prescribed to you by a physician.

It is necessary for you to only take Klonopin as directed or prescribed. Do not take this medication in a larger or smaller amount than the dosage that was prescribed to you. You also should not take Klonopin for any longer than prescribed. Make sure that you understand all directions on the label for your prescription so that you can follow them closely. Swallow your Klonopin tablet in one whole piece and drink an entire glass of water along with it.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Alprazolam, Anxiety, Clonazepam, Health, Klonopin, Mental health, Panic disorder, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Percocet Prescription Drug Guide

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Percocet is also known as Endocet, Narvox, Magnacet, Percoset, Tylox, Roxicet, Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. Percocet falls into a group of medications that are known as narcotic pain relievers. Percocet is used primarily for the treatment of moderate and severe pain, though it may also be used for other purposes as well. There are certain considerations to make before or while taking Percocet. If you think that you drink more than 3 alcohol beverages in a day, or if you have cirrhosis of the liver or alcoholic liver disease then you may not be able to take Percocet, because it contains acetaminophen.

Percocet has habit-forming properties, and so you should only use it if it was prescribed to you. You should not alter the dosage of Percocet that you take unless your physician instructs you to. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to Tylenol or oxycodone. You should never share your Percocet prescription with anyone else.

Certain conditions make it a bad idea to take Percocet unless a dosage adjustment or special tests are conducted. Before you begin taking Percocet, you should speak to your physician if you have asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, COPD, breathing disorders, sleep apnea, epilepsy, seizure disorders, head injury, brain tumor, stomach disorders, pancreatic disorders, underactive thyroid, low blood pressure, enlarged prostate, spine curvature, urination problems, mental illness, intestinal difficulties, drug addiction history, alcohol addiction history, adrenal gland disorders or Addison’s disease. If any of these diseases or disorders apply to you, then you may require a dosage adjustment or you may have to undergo specific tests to make sure that you are healthy enough to take Percocet.

Make sure that you are taking Percocet in the exact way that it is prescribed to you. You should not take it in smaller or larger amounts or for a period that is longer than how your doctor instructed.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Alcoholic liver disease, Health, Oxycodone, Paracetamol, Percocet, Prescription drug, Tylenol, Vicodin

Morphine Prescription Drug Guide

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Morphine is also known as Roxanol, Oramorph SR, MSIR, MS Contin, Kadian and Avinza and belongs to the group of drugs known as narcotic pain relievers. This Morphine is primarily used for the treatment of moderate and severe forms of pain. The way that it works is by dulling your pain perception center which is located in your brain. There are both short-acting formulations and extended-release formulations. The short acting forms are taken only as they are needed for pain. The extended release versions are used in situations where pain relief is required around the clock. Morphine is not used for treating pain related to surgery unless the patient was already taking the Morphine prior to the operation. There are other purposes that Morphine may be prescribed for depending on the condition, the patient and the prescribing physician.

You cannot take or use Morphine in most cases unless you have taken a similar pain medication in the past and your body has become tolerant to it. If you aren’t sure whether or not you are tolerant to opioids then you should ask your physician for advice. Morphine has habit-forming capabilities, and so only the person with the prescription should actually use it. You should never transfer your Morphine pills to anyone else, especially if they have a history of either any drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Make sure that you keep your prescription drugs in a secure area where other people cannot access them. While you are using this medication you should never drink alcohol because alcohol combined with morphine can cause a number of dangerous side effects including death. Make sure to check all medicine and food labels to ensure that nothing you take contains alcohol.

You should never take any more than the dosage of Morphine that was prescribed to you. If the medicine does not appear to be working to relieve your pain, talk to your physician immediately.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Analgesic, Health, Medicine, Morphine, Pain, Pain management, Prescription drug, Substance dependence

Ativan Prescription Drug Guide

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Ativan is the brand name for a drug called lorazepam. Ativan belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines which are responsible for altering chemicals in the brain. When certain chemicals in the brain become unbalanced, the result is feelings of anxiety. Benzodiazepines like Ativan are designed to treat a variety of different anxiety disorders. There are other instances where a physician may prescribe Ativan in addition to those listed in this prescription drug guide.

You should not use Ativan if you are allergic to benzodiazepines like lorazepam. This also includes diazepam, oxazepam, clorazepate, chloridazepoxide and alprazolam. If you are pregnant, Ativan can cause birth defects. You should ask your physician if you have glaucoma, breathing difficulties, kidney disease, liver disease, addiction to alcohol or drugs or a history of depression. You should not drink any alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase the effects of the alcohol.

It is important that you take Ativan only as directed by your physician and as prescribed to you. You should not take this medication in larger or smaller dosages, nor should you take it for a period longer than what is recommended by your physician. Make sure that you consistently follow the directions as outlined on the prescription label. Over time, your physician may decide to change your dose. This is typically to ensure that you get the best possible results from the use of this medication. Ativan is a medication that you should only use for a short period of time. You should never use Ativan for a period of more than four months unless your physician suggests that you should.

You shouldn’t stop taking Ativan without first consulting your physician. In most situations you will need to wean yourself off of the medication over time rather than stopping all at once. Your symptoms may come back if you stop using Ativan at the wrong time or without physician supervision.

Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With: Anxiety disorder, Benzodiazepine, Health, Lorazepam, Pharmaceutical drug, Pharmacy, Physician, Prescription drug

A Prescription for Responsibility

While it is your doctor’s responsibility to ask you important questions regarding your health and daily-life before writing your prescription, you are also responsible for knowing that what you are taking is safe. Despite the doctor’s best intentions, errors do happen and they happen often. You don’t want to discover that mistake by suffering the effects of bad medicine. So here are some tips for you to help keep yourself safe when being prescribed something new.

You should try to stay informed as to what you are already taking. Tell your doctor about medications you are on currently and be thorough. Whenever you are prescribed a new medicine, write down the name, dosage, and why you were prescribed the medicine as this will help you remember for later. Write down the ‘over-the-counter’ medicines you’d typically take as well, like Advil or Nyquil, and ask if it’s ok to still take them while on your new medication. Telling your doctor these things can save you the misery of a potentially painful conflict and it will help you inform any new doctors or nurses before they make any decisions about you. Make sure to write down your allergies as well, both food and medication. This information is extremely important as an allergic reaction to a prescription drugs can be fatal.

There is also the potential mix-up of taking the wrong medication at the wrong time. If you are being given your medication by a nurse or someone helping you at home, make sure you are receiving what you should be taking. Either have the nurse check your identity or read the bottle’s label every time. It may seem rude to constantly check, but it’s your health and the consequences of taking something that isn’t yours can be severe.

In summary, you should do your best to stay informed. Your doctor has many patients and a lot on his mind. So in order to minimize mistakes and keep yourself healthy, keep a good eye on your medicines because you always know yourself best.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: Health, Pharmacy, Prescription drug

The Side-Effects of Good Medicine

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I’m pretty sure that if you own a television, you’ve been subjected to ads meant to sell prescription medication. Over a third of the twenty billion dollars spent on advertising pharmaceuticals goes into about ten drugs, according to a 2009 Congressional Budget study. And because of that, these commercials are all pretty much the same. First they show you a person who is grey and miserable, then the medicine they are selling comes into the picture often accompanied by a burst of color and a cheery tone of voice, and then it shows the person living the life he has always wanted, now free of depression, asthma, and erectile dysfunction.

But something else I’m sure you’ve noticed are the side-effects tacked on at the end. Medication-related side-effects have two common themes. First, they list nausea, headache, and dizziness as common side effects. Second, they then begin to list possible side-effects which are much, much worse than the actual ailment this medicine was meant to cure. For example, Zyrtec, an antihistamine, has the potential side-effects of vomiting, stomach pain, and difficulty with breathing. Those sound much more serious than the ‘sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat’ combination that you are treating, right?

The explanation for these two occurrences is not very reassuring. In order to get adequate results for testing side-effects, you have to give the medicine and a placebo to a group of people who don’t know which they’ve taken and then ask them how they feel after a certain amount of time. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are par for the course in all our lives. So when both the placebo-takers and real experimental groups list these common ailments, they’ll show up in over 90% of listed side-effects. The more serious stuff are things that I’m sure the company isn’t happy to divulge. After all, we don’t want to take a medicine that will lower our ability to fight infections or increase the risk of heart attack. But strict laws now force companies to list anything that they observe during testing, no matter how remote.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Health Tagged With: Erectile dysfunction, Health, Pharmaceutical drug