Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. carisoprodol (Soma): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are muscle relaxants used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid. A brand name for carisoprodol is Soma. Side effects of cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol that are similar include...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. naproxen (Aleve): Side Effects, Dosage
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. naproxen (Aleve): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and naproxen are used to treat different types of pain in different ways. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Naproxen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever from...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. amitriptyline (Elavil): Side Effects, Dosage
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. amitriptyline (Elavil): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline are used to treat different types of pain from different causes. Cyclobenzaprine is used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Amitriptyline may be used to treat nerve pain, but it is primarily used to treat depression....
Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen)
Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco: What’s the Difference? Cyclobenzaprine and Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen) are used to treat pain. Cyclobenzaprine is mainly used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Norco is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain of various causes. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid....
Phentermine (Adipex-P) Weight Loss Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is phentermine? Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Why is phentermine prescribed to patients? Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for heart disease. Phentermine should not...
tizanidine (Zanaflex) Side Effects, Dosage & Abuse
What is tizanidine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works on alpha2 receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and blocks nerve impulses from reaching muscles which produces muscle relaxation. The FDA approved tizanidine in November 1996. What brand names are available for tizanidine-oral? Zanaflex Is tizanidine-oral available...
oxytocin (Pitocin) Risks, Side Effects & Dosage
What is oxytocin-injectable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxytocin is a protein produced by the pituitary gland of mammals including man. Pitocin is a man-made version of oxytocin used for stimulating contraction of the uterus. Oxytocin works by increasing the concentration of calcium inside muscle cells that control contraction of the uterus. Increased calcium increases contraction of...
Nicotine Patch (Nicoderm CQ, Habitrol) Uses & Side Effects
What is the nicotine patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nicotine patches are used for smoking cessation. Nicotine is released from the patches and absorbed through the skin. Released nicotine binds to nicotine receptors in the body, reducing nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. The FDA approved the grit nicotine patch in November 1991....
lidocaine injection (Xylocaine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lidocaine injection? Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic agent (affects heart rhythm) as well as a local anesthetic (amide type). Why is lidocaine injection prescribed to patients? Lidocaine is prescribed for local or regional anesthesia (loss of sensation) during surgical procedures as well as for control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with heart attack or cardiac surgery. Do I need a...
Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide Diuretic) Side Effects & Dosage
Why is hydrochlorothiazide prescribed to patients? Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. It also is used alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure lowering medications to treat high blood pressure. Although hydrochlorothiazide is approved for treating edema in...