What is venlafaxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating depression. Other drugs in this class include milnacipran (Savella), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Venlafaxine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to communicate...
What is vortioxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vortioxetine (Trintellix) is an antidepressant used for treating a certain type of depression known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Vortioxetine decreases the reuptake of serotonin just like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It also stimulates various serotonin receptors in the brain. The exact mechanism...
Cymbalta (duloxetine) vs. Effexor (venlafaxine), what is the difference? Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. Cymbalta also is used for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta and Effexor XR have similar side...
What is bupropion extended release, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. (Forfivo XL is an extended release form of bupropion hydrochloride.) Chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that depression is...
Celexa (citalopram) vs. Cymbalta (duloxetine) quick comparison of differences Celexa (citalopram) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Celexa and Cymbalta are not the same type of antidepressant (they do not have the same mechanism of action). Celexa belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and...
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. sertraline (Zoloft): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and Sertraline are used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Sertraline is also used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for sertraline is Zoloft....
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. temazepam (Restoril): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and temazepam are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic attacks. Temazepam is also used to treat insomnia. Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for temazepam is Restoril. Side effects of alprazolam and temazepam that...
What is doxepin? What is doxepin used for? Doxepin belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that are used primarily to treat depression and anxiety. Other examples of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), desipramine (Norpramin), and several others. Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. In some patients with...
What happens when you have a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown is an intense set of emotions a person experiences in a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, stress disorder, and anxiety. A nervous or mental breakdown is a general term used to describe a period of overwhelming mental distress. This term is usually used...
What is depression? Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression. Depression is a type of mood disorder and serious medical illness. It negatively affects the thought and the behavioral process of life. If an individual is suffering from depression for more than two weeks, it is called a major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Depression...