Efexor/Venlafaxine is a serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI) it lacks the sedative and antimuscarinic effects of the tricyclic antidepressants and is a relatively new antidepressant used primarily for the treatment of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder (a form of chronic anxiety), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in adults. However, because Venlafaxine has a shorter half-life it is associated with a higher risk of with-drawal problems compared with other antidepressants. It combines the therapeutic [...]

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar depression (where you may feel sad all the time or you may find that you feel depressed, feel guilty, lack energy, lose your appetite or can’t sleep), mania (where you may feel very excited, elated, enthusiastic or hyperactive or have poor judgement including being aggressive or disruptive) and used off-label for a variety of other purposes, including insomnia and anxiety disorders. It [...]

Promazine has been around for quite some time. Introduced in the 1950s promazine belongs to a group of drugs known as phenothiazines antipsychotic. Promazine an older medication is still prescribed, alongside newer agents such as olanzapine and quetiapine. This medication acts upon the brain to regulate abnormal behaviour. This is done by blocking receptors in the brain. Particularly dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation may result in psychotic illness. Sparine [...]

Chlordiazepoxide was introduced in the late 1960′s so it has been around for many years. It belongs to a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). It is used to help alleviate nervousness and tension, as well as helping to relax muscles and encourage sleep. Chlordiazepoxide works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Although it is mainly used to [...]

Propranolol goes all the way back to 1965 when it was first widely available in the UK as a beta blocker. It is often used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) angina (chest pain caused be a blockages in the arteries to the heart) and abnormal heart rhythms, but it is also helpful in controlling a fast heart rate and other symptoms of an over active thyroid gland. Propranolol can also help in preventing additional [...]

Diazepam is another drug that’s been around for quite some time and is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is one of the more widely known anti-anxiety drugs, not only by the medical profession, but the general public at large. It belongs to the group of drugs known as Benzodiazepine and has a wide range of uses. It also helps to relieve nervousness, tension and promote sleep. May [...]