Tag Archive

How Does Ambien Work? Ambien is a brand name for the drug zolpidem. It is indicated for use in the short-term to help induce sleep and is the most commonly prescribed medication for insomnia.1  Ambien belongs to a group of medications known as “z-drugs” because of the spelling/pronunciation of their chemical names (the other two […]

How Do These Drugs Work? Lyrica vs Gabapentin Lyrica is the brand name for the drug pregabalin, and gabapentin is the name of the medication that is used in drugs such as Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant. All of these drugs are prescribed as anticonvulsant or antiepileptic medications. Pregabalin and gabapentin are structurally similar to the […]

What Is Gabapentin? Gabapentin (marketed under the trade names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat partial seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and other types of neuropathic pain. The Horizant extended-release formulation is approved for the treatment of restless leg syndrome.1 Though gabapentin abuse is relatively uncommon, studies have documented its misuse. Gabapentin […]

What Is GHB? Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is found naturally – in small amounts – in human cells. It is a neurotransmitter and also affects other neurotransmitters, including GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and dopamine. At low doses, GHB inhibits dopamine release, but at high doses, it promotes dopamine release. It also increases serotonin turnover and inhibits the release […]

GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system depressant drug that is often used at parties or in clubs. It comes in the form of a colorless liquid or white powder and is ingested orally. Known as a date rape drug, GHB is often dissolved in alcoholic drinks and given to people without them knowing. […]

The term insomnia is a descriptive word as opposed to a formal medical term that is used to describe problems with sleep. Insomnia can be used to describe difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night at some point and being unable to go back to sleep, and significant issues with fatigue and sleepiness after […]

You may be familiar with baclofen as its brand name Lioresal. This drug is a central nervous system depressant, most often used as a skeletal muscle relaxant to treat conditions like spasticity. This drug may seem like an odd choice for someone chasing a high, as research has shown that it produces no euphoric feeling, […]

Combining prescription medications with alcohol can have serious side effects. This is especially the case if the drug used and alcohol have similar effects. One example of a medication abused along with alcohol is clonidine. What Is Clonidine? Clonidine isn’t a scheduled substance because it’s primary purpose is to treat hypertension, and it’s not abused […]

Carisoprodol, also known by the brand name Soma, is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant. It is typically prescribed to relieve pain caused by muscle injuries like strains and sprains. This drug comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth, often several times a day when treating an injury. This medication is typically combined with […]

For people who struggle with insomnia, Lunesta can be a helpful short-term tool to get to and stay asleep. However, Lunesta is only intended to be used for a short time. Additionally, Lunesta can cause serious side effects, especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. The medication can be habit-forming and […]