Matching articles for "Valium"
Drugs for Anxiety Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 7, 2023; (Issue 1682)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various
phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric
illness. They can be treated effectively with...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various
phobias) are the most common form of psychiatric
illness. They can be treated effectively with cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy.
In Brief: New Benzodiazepine Warnings
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 2020; (Issue 1610)
The FDA now requires boxed warnings in the package
inserts of benzodiazepines describing the potential for
these drugs to be abused and misused and to cause
addiction and physical dependence....
The FDA now requires boxed warnings in the package
inserts of benzodiazepines describing the potential for
these drugs to be abused and misused and to cause
addiction and physical dependence. Benzodiazepine
labels have contained a boxed warning about a risk of
serious drug interactions with opioids since 2016.
Drugs for Anxiety Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 12, 2019; (Issue 1578)
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias)
are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They
can be treated effectively with cognitive...
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobias)
are the most common form of psychiatric illness. They
can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. Obsessive-compulsive
disorder and posttraumatic stress
disorder are now considered separate entities in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5); they can also be treated with CBT and many
of the same drugs.
Drugs for Helicobacter pylori Infection
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 17, 2017; (Issue 1525)
About 50% of the world’s population is infected with
Helicobacter pylori. These gastric bacteria can cause
chronic inflammation and have been associated with
development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease,...
About 50% of the world’s population is infected with
Helicobacter pylori. These gastric bacteria can cause
chronic inflammation and have been associated with
development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric
adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosa-associated
lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Eradication of H.
pylori can promote gastric healing, prevent recurrence
of duodenal and gastric ulcers, and reduce the
incidence of gastric cancer. Guidelines for treatment
of H. pylori infection were updated recently.
Suvorexant (Belsomra) for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 2, 2015; (Issue 1463)
The FDA has approved suvorexant (Belsomra –
Merck), the first orexin receptor antagonist to become
available in the US, for treatment of sleep-onset and/or
sleep-maintenance...
The FDA has approved suvorexant (Belsomra –
Merck), the first orexin receptor antagonist to become
available in the US, for treatment of sleep-onset and/or
sleep-maintenance insomnia.
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2012; (Issue 119)
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes prescription
drugs, non-prescription medications and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral changes are often
needed as...
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia includes prescription
drugs, non-prescription medications and
"natural" remedies. Behavioral changes are often
needed as well.
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2009; (Issue 79)
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or...
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment of Peptic Ulcers and GERD
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2008; (Issue 72)
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. Most duodenal and other gastric ulcers are caused by the gram-negative bacillus Helicobacter...
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. Most duodenal and other gastric ulcers are caused by the gram-negative bacillus Helicobacter pylori. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. Drugs that suppress gastric acid production are the primary treatment for GERD and peptic ulcers.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2006; (Issue 46)
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as...
Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective or cannot be used.
Drugs for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2006; (Issue 42)
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective and durable than...
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective and durable than treatment with drugs. Hypnotic drugs are generally FDA-approved only for short-term use, but in practice they often are taken much longer.
Drugs in the Elderly
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 16, 2006; (Issue 1226)
The physiologic changes that occur with aging can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, increasing the likelihood of adverse...
The physiologic changes that occur with aging can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
AmpliChip CYP450 Test
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 15, 2005; (Issue 1215)
The FDA recently cleared the AmpliChip CYP450 Test (Roche), which analyzes blood-derived DNA to detect genetic variations in the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 and determines the...
The FDA recently cleared the AmpliChip CYP450 Test (Roche), which analyzes blood-derived DNA to detect genetic variations in the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 and determines the metabolizer status of the patient. The test is intended to help guide clinicians in prescribing individualized drug therapy. About 25% of all drugs, including many antidepressants and antipsychotics, are substrates of either CYP2D6 or CYP2C19. The test is being promoted initially to psychiatrists.
New Indications for Modafinil (Provigil)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 26, 2004; (Issue 1181)
Modafinil (Provigil - Cephalon; Alertec - Draxis in Canada), first approved by the FDA in 1999 for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy (Medical Letter 1999; 41:30), has now also...
Modafinil (Provigil - Cephalon; Alertec - Draxis in Canada), first approved by the FDA in 1999 for treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy (Medical Letter 1999; 41:30), has now also been approved for treatment of patients with excessive sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) or shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) (DSM-IV, text revision, Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000, page 622).
Drugs for Peptic Ulcers
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2004; (Issue 18)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related ulcers are gastric. H. pylori infection causes both duodenal and gastric ulcers. Eradication of H. pylori promotes healing and markedly decreases recurrence of both duodenal and gastric ulcers (A Shiotamni and DY Graham, Med Clin North Am 2002; 86:1447; FKL Chan and WK Leung, Lancet 2002; 360:933). The first step in the management of peptic ulcers is the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2003; (Issue 11)
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and...
The number of drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Interactions with other drugs can be found in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Drug Interactions
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2003; (Issue 1158)
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug...
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug interactions, such as vasodilation caused by both sildenafil (Viagra) and nitrates, can also have adverse effects.
Acute Reactions to Drugs of Abuse
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 4, 2002; (Issue 1125)
Acute toxic reactions to drugs of abuse continue to be important problems. Some patients may have mixed intoxications with complex combinations of signs and...
Acute toxic reactions to drugs of abuse continue to be important problems. Some patients may have mixed intoxications with complex combinations of signs and symptoms.
Prevention and Treatment of Injury from Chemical Warfare Agents
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 7, 2002; (Issue 1121)
The recent terrorist attacks on the US have led to many questions about the clinical effects, prevention and treatment of injury caused by chemical warfare...
The recent terrorist attacks on the US have led to many questions about the clinical effects, prevention and treatment of injury caused by chemical warfare agents.
Rivastigmine (Exelon) For Alzheimer's Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 2, 2000; (Issue 1089)
Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon - Novartis), a carbamate-based cholinesterase inhibitor, is now being marketed for treatment of patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's...
Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon - Novartis), a carbamate-based cholinesterase inhibitor, is now being marketed for treatment of patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Hypnotic Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 7, 2000; (Issue 1084)
Superseded by Drugs of Choice HandbookMany drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be...
Superseded by Drugs of Choice Handbook
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective than drugs.
Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective than drugs.
Pantroprazole (Protonix)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 24, 2000; (Issue 1083)
Pantoprazole, the fourth benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor to become available in the United States, has been marketed for short-term oral treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease...
Pantoprazole, the fourth benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor to become available in the United States, has been marketed for short-term oral treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Rabeprazole
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 19, 1999; (Issue 1066)
Rabeprazole, a benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor similar to omeprazole and lansoprazole, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of duodenal ulcers, healing and maintenance treatment of erosive or...
Rabeprazole, a benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor similar to omeprazole and lansoprazole, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of duodenal ulcers, healing and maintenance treatment of erosive or ulcerative gastroesophageal reflux disease, and for long-term treatment of chronic hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Zaleplon for Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 8, 1999; (Issue 1063)
Zaleplon, a pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic, was recently approved by the FDA for short-term treatment of insomia. Zaleplon, like zolpidem, is a non-benzodiazepine that binds to benzodiazepine...
Zaleplon, a pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic, was recently approved by the FDA for short-term treatment of insomia. Zaleplon, like zolpidem, is a non-benzodiazepine that binds to benzodiazepine receptors.
Drugs for Depression and Anxiety
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 9, 1999; (Issue 1050)
The number of drugs marketed for treatment of depression has increased in recent years. Antidepressants are generally also effective for treatment of...
The number of drugs marketed for treatment of depression has increased in recent years. Antidepressants are generally also effective for treatment of anxiety.
Tizanidine for Spasticity
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 1997; (Issue 1004)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex - Athena Neurosciences) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral treatment of increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. It has been available in Europe...
Tizanidine (Zanaflex - Athena Neurosciences) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral treatment of increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. It has been available in Europe and Japan for 12 years as a short-term muscle relaxant.
Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 11, 1997; (Issue 998)
The number of new drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and...
The number of new drugs marketed for psychiatric indications has increased sharply in recent years. The recommendations in this article are based on the results of controlled trials and on the experience and opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Interactions with other drugs can be found in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 1997.
Drugs for Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 3, 1997; (Issue 991)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related ulcers are gastric. H. pylori have been associated with both duodenal and gastric ulcers. Eradication of H. pylori promotes healing and markedly decreases recurrence of both duodenal and gastric ulcers (AH Soll, JAMA, 275:622, 1996).
Hypnotic Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 5, 1996; (Issue 978)
Superseded by Drugs of Choice HandbookInsomnia is a commom complaint, particularly among the elderly. Many drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of insomnia, including...
Superseded by Drugs of Choice Handbook
Insomnia is a commom complaint, particularly among the elderly. Many drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of insomnia, including five benzodiazepines and zolpidem (Ambien), a non-benzodiazepine that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Some drugs marketed for other indications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and antipsychotics, are also used as hypnotics. For many patients, nonpharmacological treatment of insomnia may be more effective than drugs, especially in the long term (CM Morin et al, Am J Psychiatry, 151:1172, 1994).
Insomnia is a commom complaint, particularly among the elderly. Many drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of insomnia, including five benzodiazepines and zolpidem (Ambien), a non-benzodiazepine that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Some drugs marketed for other indications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and antipsychotics, are also used as hypnotics. For many patients, nonpharmacological treatment of insomnia may be more effective than drugs, especially in the long term (CM Morin et al, Am J Psychiatry, 151:1172, 1994).
Acute Reactions to Drugs of Abuse
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 10, 1996; (Issue 974)
Acute toxic reactions to drugs of abuse continue to be important problems. Since the last Medical Letter article on this subject (volume 32, page 92, 1990), new reactions and new approaches to treating them...
Acute toxic reactions to drugs of abuse continue to be important problems. Since the last Medical Letter article on this subject (volume 32, page 92, 1990), new reactions and new approaches to treating them have been reported.
Treatment of Nerve Gas Poisoning
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 12, 1995; (Issue 948)
The recent attack in the Tokyo subway has led to many questions about the clinical effects, treatment and prevention of nerve gas...
The recent attack in the Tokyo subway has led to many questions about the clinical effects, treatment and prevention of nerve gas poisoning.
Valproate for Bipolar Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 19, 1994; (Issue 929)
Although lithium (Eskalith, and others) is the standard treatment for bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, 20% to 40% of patients do not respond adequately or cannot tolerate its adverse effects (Medical...
Although lithium (Eskalith, and others) is the standard treatment for bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, 20% to 40% of patients do not respond adequately or cannot tolerate its adverse effects (Medical Letter, 33:43, 1991). Results of recent studies suggest that valproate (Depakene - valproic acid; Depakote - divalproex sodium), a widely used anticonvulsant (Medical Letter, 31:1, 1989), might be an effective alternative. Other anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine (Tegretol, and others), have also been used as second-line drugs for treatment of mania and other psychiatric disorders (C Van Valkenburg et al, Drugs, 44:326, 1992; PE Keck, Jr et al, J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci, 4:395, 1992).
Drugs for Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 22, 1994; (Issue 927)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori (NIH...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori (NIH Consensus Development Panel, JAMA, 272:65, July 6, 1994). NSAID-related ulcers are usually gastric. H. pylori have been associated with both duodenal and gastric ulcers.
Loratadine - A New Antihistamine
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 6, 1993; (Issue 902)
Loratadine (Claritin - Schering), a new H 1 -receptor antagonist, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients more than 12 years old. It...
Loratadine (Claritin - Schering), a new H 1 -receptor antagonist, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients more than 12 years old. It will compete with older, relatively sedating drugs such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, and others) and clemastine (Tavist - Medical Letter, 35:9, 1993) and with newer relatively non-sedating agents such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal).
Zolpidem For Insomnia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 30, 1993; (Issue 895)
Zolpidem (Ambien - Searle), an imidazopyridine hypnotic available in Europe for several years, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for short-term treatment of...
Zolpidem (Ambien - Searle), an imidazopyridine hypnotic available in Europe for several years, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for short-term treatment of insomnia.
Flumazenil
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 10, 1992; (Issue 874)
Flumazenil (Mazicon - Roche), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines after anesthesia, sedation for...
Flumazenil (Mazicon - Roche), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines after anesthesia, sedation for brief surgical or diagnostic procedures, or after benzodiazepine overdosage. The drug does not antagonize opioids, non-benzodiazepine sedatives, or anesthetic drugs.
Drugs For Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 29, 1991; (Issue 858)
Drugs that accelerate healing and prevent relapse or reurrence of peptic ulcers act either by decreasing gastric acidity or by enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms. Risk factors that may cause breakdown of...
Drugs that accelerate healing and prevent relapse or reurrence of peptic ulcers act either by decreasing gastric acidity or by enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms. Risk factors that may cause breakdown of mucosal defenses include the use of aspirinor other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacterial in the gastric antrum (AH Soll, Engl J Med, 322:909, 1990; WL Peterson, N Engl J Med, 324:1043, 1991).
Prevention and Treatment of Nerve Gas Poisoning
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 16, 1990; (Issue 831)
With the possibility that chemical weapons may be used against United States armed forces in the Persian Gulf, the military has taken steps to protect our troops against poison gas, particularly ''nerve...
With the possibility that chemical weapons may be used against United States armed forces in the Persian Gulf, the military has taken steps to protect our troops against poison gas, particularly ''nerve agents';'; (MA Dunn and FR Sidell, JAMA, 262:649, 1989).
Acute Reactions to Drugs of Abuse
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 5, 1990; (Issue 828)
...
Balloon Dilatation Of The Prostate
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 29, 1990; (Issue 821)
To avoid the morbidity and occasional mortality of transurethral resection or open prostatectomy, some urologists are now using balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra to treat benign prostatic...
To avoid the morbidity and occasional mortality of transurethral resection or open prostatectomy, some urologists are now using balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Oral Hypnotic Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 10, 1989; (Issue 787)
Three benzodiazepines and 16 other compounds are marketed in the USA for treatment of insomnia. Many authorities believe that insomnia is overdiagnosed and overtreated (MK Erman, ed, Sleep Disorders,...
Three benzodiazepines and 16 other compounds are marketed in the USA for treatment of insomnia. Many authorities believe that insomnia is overdiagnosed and overtreated (MK Erman, ed, Sleep Disorders, Psychiatr Clin North Am, Volume 10, Dec 1987).
Choice of Benzodiazepines
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 26, 1988; (Issue 760)
Since The Medical Letter last reviewed the choice of benzodiazepines (Volume 23, page 41, 1981), several new drugs have been marketed and some old ones are now available generically. Most of the...
Since The Medical Letter last reviewed the choice of benzodiazepines (Volume 23, page 41, 1981), several new drugs have been marketed and some old ones are now available generically. Most of the benzodiazepines available for oral use in the USA are listed in the table on page 28.