Imitrex® (Sumatriptan)
- Used for acute migraine and acute cluster headache
- Available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, 4mg and 6mg injections and a 6mg per 0.5ml vials Subcutaneous and as a nasal spray
- Can cause coronary vasospasm, MI, Severe HTN, Stroke, blindness, seizures
- Subcutaneous form can cause injection site reaction, fatigue, throat pain, dizziness, weakness
- Caution advised during pregnancy, may be used during lactation
Inderal LA® (Propranolol)
- Used for migraine headache prophylaxis (and a beta blocker for HTN)
- Available in 60mg, 80mg, 120mg and 160mg extended release capsules
- Can be used in children >60kg
- Contraindicated for use with thioridazine
- Serious reactions include CHF, severe bradycardia, heart block, bronchospasm, severe rash
- Can cause fatigue, dizziness, constipation, bradycardia, hypotension, depression, insomnia, nausea
- Caution advised in pregnancy and probably safe in lactation
Indocin® (Indomethacin)
- An NSAID used as a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory
- Available as 25mg and 50mg capsules, 75mg extended release capsules, 50mg suppository, 25mg/5mL suspension and various injectable forms
- Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute bursitis/tendinitis, mild to moderate pain, dysmenorrhea and used for patent ductus arteriosus in newborn infants
- Can also be used for shoulder pain from tendinitis or bursitis
- Extended release version should be swallowed whole
- Avoid taking aspirin while on Indocin
- Taking during the last three months of pregnancy can harm the fetus.
Intuniv® (Guanfacine)
- Used to treat ADHD/ADD, opioid withdrawal, migraine headache prophylaxis, Tourette's syndrome and high blood pressure
- Available as 1mg and 2mg tablets
- Can be given to adults and children from the age of 6
- Generally taken once daily and is a long lasting medication
- Do not break, crush or chew an Intuniv tablet
- Stopping suddenly can worsen the condition and also lead to unpleasant symptoms
- Do not drink alcohol as it can increase side effects.
Keppra® (Levitiracetam)
- Used to treat partial onset seizures
- Available in 250mg, 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg tablets, 100mg/mL solution and various forms of injection, also available as a 500mg and 750mg Extended Release tablet
- Can be used for ages one month and up
- Can be used to treat tonic-clonic seizures for ages 6 and up
- Can also treat myoclonic seizures for ages 12 and up
- Usually taken once every 12 to 24 hours
- Do not suddenly stop using this medication as it may cause increased seizures.
Lamictal® (Lamotrigine)
- Used to treat Epilepsy, but can be used as a mood stabilizer and used to treat mania in cases of bipolar
- Available as 25mg 100mg, 150mg and 200mg immediate release tablets, 25mg, 50mg 100mg and 200mg Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 2mg, 5mg and 25mg chewable tablets
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Available as convenience packs:
- Blue 5 wk tablet starter pack - 25mg tabs (35)
- Blue 5 wk ODT starter pack - 25mg ODT (21) and 50mg ODT (7)
- Green 5 wk tablet starter pack - 25mg tabs (84) and 100mg tabs (14)
- Green 5 wk ODT starter pack - 50mg ODT (42) and 100mg tabs (7)
- Orange 5 wk tablet starter pack - 25mg tabs (42) and 100mg tabs (7)
- Orange 5 wk ODT starter pack - 25mg ODT (14) and 50mg ODT (14) and 100mg ODT (7)
- Immediate release can be given as young as age 2 and the extended release starting from age 13
- Birth control pills may make the medication less effective and seizures may result
- There is risk for a life threatening skin rash to occur so any unusual skin condition should be paid attention to
Lemtrada® (Alemtuzumab)
- Used to treat relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in adults
Lexapro® (Escitalopram)
- An antidepressant used to treat anxiety for adults and children down to age 6 - including social anxiety disorder with special indications for autism in children
- Available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets - 5mg/mL solution
- If you suddenly stop taking the medication you may cause a relapse to occur
- Can cause lung complications to a fetus when taken during pregnancy
- Can be taken with or without food and ideally should be taken at the same time each day
- May take up to 4 weeks to see improvement with this medication.
Lidoderm patch® (Lidocaine Patch)
- Used to treat nerve pain after shingles
- Available as a 5% patch
- Helps reduce pain that is sharp aching and/or burning for post herpetic neuralgic
- Works as a local anesthetic so that the body becomes numb to the pain.
- Patch is usually applied once or twice a day and worn up to 12 hours at a time
- Do not use more than 3 patches in 24 hours and do not leave a patch on for longer than 12 hours
- Avoid getting the patch wet as it may not stick properly if exposed to liquid
Lithium
- Used to treat mania or bipolar disorder - can be used as a mood stabilizer
- Available in 150mg, 300mg and 600mg immediate release capsules, 300mg immediate release tablets, 300mg and 450mg Extended release tablets and 300mg/5mL solution
- It can help with symptoms like anger, rushed speech, lack of sleep and poor judgment
- Important to be on birth control while on this medication and to inform you doctor immediately if you become pregnant
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration while on this medicine
- Do not break, crush or chew this medication tablet
- Lithium is also available in liquid form
Lodine XL® (Etodolac XL)
- An NSAID used to treat symptoms of arthritis
- Available in 400mg, 500mg and 600mg extended release tablets (also available in 400mg and 500mg immediate release tablets and 200mg and 300mg immediate release capsules)
- Common uses include swelling, stiffness, inflammation and joint pain
- Capsules and tablets can be given to adults above the age of 18, and the extended release medication for age 6 and up
- Usually works within a week, but it may even take two weeks to see improvement
- Extended release tablet should not be crushed, broken or chewed
- Best not to take more than 1000 mg per day.
Lorzone® (Chlorzoxazone)
- Used to treat skeletal muscle conditions like pain or injury
- Available in 375mg, 500mg and 750mg tablets
- Generally used alongside rest and physical therapy
- Important to let your doctor know if you have liver disease before taking this medication
- Generally taken 3-4 times per day
- Approved for use for ages 18 and up
- Drinking alcohol while on this medication can cause side effects.
Luvox® (Fluvoxamine)
- Used to treat OCD and Social anxiety disorder
- Available in 100mg and 150mg extended release tablets and 25mg, 50mg and 100mg regular tablets
- Do not stop taking this medicine without discussing it first with your doctor
- An antidepressant that can lead to suicidal thoughts, so take note of any mood changes
- Taking late in pregnancy can cause lung problems in the fetus
- Approved for use for age 18 and up
- Generally taken at night and it should be swallowed whole
Lyrica® (Pregabalin)
- Used to treat seizures and nerve pain
- Available as 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg 200mg, 225mg and 300mg tablets and 20mg/mL solution
- Common nerve pain conditions that can be treated with Lyrica include fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and spinal cord injury
- If taking this to prevent seizures, it should be taken even when you feel good
- May impact fertility in males
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Maxalt® (Rizatriptan)
- Used to treat migraines
- Available as 5mg and 10mg tablets
- Can help to relieve pain as well as symptoms like vomiting, nausea, sensitivities to light and sound
- Does not prevent migraines or lessen the frequency of migraines
- May work best on an empty stomach
- Should be taken when a migraine starts, and then repeated two hours later if symptoms persist
- Children can take up to 5 mg and adults up to 30 mg in 24 hours.
Metadate® (Methylphenidate)
- Used to treat ADHD
- Available as 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg and 60mg ER CAP (30% IR/70% ER)
- A stimulant medication that can help with organizing, focusing, attention, behavior and more
- Taken orally 2-3 times per day
- Preferable to take 30-45 minutes before mealtime
- Do not crush or chew the medication as it will negate the extended release
- May be split in half if your doctor advises you to do so.
Methylin® (Methylphenidate)
- Used to treat ADHD
- Available as 5mg/5mL or 10mg/5mL solution
- Stimulant medication that can help behavioral issues, focusing and paying attention
- Taken orally, usually two or three times per day
- Best to take it 30-45 minutes before a meal
- Taking late in the day can cause insomnia
- Can cause withdrawal reactions so going off the medication should be done gradually.
Midrin® (Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen)
- Used to treat migraine and tension headaches
- Available as 65mg/100mg/325mg tablet
- Works by constricting the widened blood vessels, relieving pain and promoting relaxation
- Should be taken orally with or without food
- For migraine, 2 capsules should be taken at the beginning of the migraine and another one every hour until the headache is relieved
- Do not take more than 5 capsules in a 12 hour period for migraines
- For tension headaches Midrin is usually taken once every 4 hours, no more than 8 in 24 hours.
Migranal® (Dihydroergotamine Nasal)
- Used to treat migraine headaches
- 0.5mg per actuation as a spray
- Can relieve symptoms like sensitivity to light and noise and it can limit pain
- Won't prevent migraines from starting though
- Provided as a nasal spray to be sprayed into the nostrils
- Each vial has enough medication for one migraine attack, but up to 4 sprays can be used during one migraine if needed
- Spray once into each nostril at the beginning of an attack and then wait 15 minutes, repeat then if symptoms persist.
Mirapex® (Pramipexole)
- Used to treat Parkinson's disease
- Available in 0.125mg, 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 0.75mg, 1mg and 1.5mg tablets
- Can also be used for restless leg syndrome
- Taken orally, with or without food
- Dose amount may be raised slowly until the right amount is reached
- Can take a few weeks until full benefit of the medication is realized
- Can cause withdrawal reactions like confusion, stiffness and fever.
Mobic® (Meloxicam)
- Used to treat arthritis
- Available in 7.5mg and 15mg tablets
- An NSAID that works to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Taken orally once a day
- Best to take Mobic with a full glass of water
- Remain in an upright position for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication
- Can take 2 weeks of taking the medication before experiencing pain relief with Mobic.
Mysoline® (Primidone)
- Used for seizures
- Available in 50mg and 250mg tablets
- Taken orally, with or without food, 3-4 times per day
- Helps seizures from becoming more frequent and limits the risk of harm during a seizure
- May take several weeks to tweak the dose until it's at the right amount
- Can cause withdrawal symptoms when going off of it
- Stopping this drug suddenly may cause a seizure to occur.
Namenda® (Memantine)
- Used to treat dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- 5mg and 10mg tabs and 2mg/mL solution
- Be careful when driving as Namenda can impair thinking and reactions
- Can be taken with or without food
- Extended release capsule should not be broken, crushed or chewed
- Also an oral solution that should be taken without mixing with any other liquids
- Should be stored at room temperature, removed from heat and moisture.
Namzaric® (Memantine/Donepezil)
- Used to treat dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Available in 7mg ER/10mg IR, 14mg ER/10mg IR, 21mg ER/10mg IR and 28 mg ER/10mg IR capsules
- Not a cure for the disease and the disease will still progress even while taking the medication
- Generally taken at bedtime
- Should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food
- If necessary the capsule can be opened and the medication can be sprinkled over applesauce to take right away
- Suddenly stopping this medication can cause the disease to worsen.
Naprosyn® (Naproxen)
- An NSAID used to relieve inflammation and pain
- Available in 250mg, 375mg and 500mg tablets, 375mg and 500mg delayed release tablets and 125mg/5mL suspension
- A delayed release option that is used to treat chronic pain as well
- Can help rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and menstrual cramps, among other conditions
- Can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines
- Medication is approved for age 2 and up
- Available in liquid and tablet form.
Neupro® (Rotigotine Transdermal)
- Used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome
- Available in 1mg/24 hour, 2mg/24 hour, 3mg/24 hour, 4mg/24 hour, 6mg/24 hour and 8mg/24 hour
- Dispensed as a skin patch
- Pushed on for 30 seconds and then left in place for 24 hours at a time
- Helps alleviate tremors, poor muscle control, spasms and stiffness
- Can cause people to fall asleep during regular activities
- Suddenly stopping this medication can cause unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal.
Neurontin® (Gabapentin)
- Used to treat seizures.
Novantrone® (Mitoxantrone)
- A cancer medication that is also used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Can have long lasting impact on the heart's function
- Use birth control while on this medication and tell a doctor if you become pregnant
- Novantrone is given via IV as an infusion
- Avoid being around people who are sick or have infections
- Stay away from activities that can lead to injury or bleeding.
Norflex® (Orphenadrine)
- A muscle relaxant used to treat pain or injury, generally along with rest and physical therapy
- Available as 100mg Extended Release tablets or 30mg per mL injection
- Approved for adults ages 18 and up
- May become addictive and it's illegal to sell it or give it away
- Usually taken 2 times per day, once in the morning and once in the evening
- Do not break, crush or chew the extended release tablet.
Nuedexta® (Dextromethorphan/Quinidine)
- Medication is for laughing attacks and crying outbursts, the pseudobulbar affect can be caused by ALS, stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Comes in 20mg/10mg capsules
- Taken orally with a full glass of water
- Usually taken once every 12 hours
- Advisable not to lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication
- Better not to have grapefruit while on this medication.
Nuvigil® (Armodafinil)
- Can reduce sleepiness and help you stay awake
- Does not take the place of getting enough sleep though
- Taken once a day orally, usually in the morning or at the beginning of the waking part of ones day
- Suddenly stopping medication can cause withdrawal symptoms
- If taken for sleep apnea you should still continue other devices like the CPAP machine unless your doctor tells you otherwise
- Can cause addiction so tell your doctor if you have a problem with addiction or substance abuse.
Ocrevus® (Ocrelizumab)
- Disease modifying therapy used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Given as 300mg IV x 1, then 300mg again IV 2 weeks later, then 600mg IV every 6 months
- Injected into a vein with an IV
- Taken with other medications simultaneously to prevent side effects
- Each infusion takes about 3 and a half hours
- After the infusion you will be monitored for an hour to watch for any allergic reactions
- You may need to have blood tests to check your liver while taking Ocrevus
Orap® (Pimozide)
- Anti-psychotic Medication but also used to treat tics associated with Tourette's disorder
- Available in 1mg and 2mg tablets
- Stay away from grapefruit while on this medication
- Does not interact well with many other medications, let your doctor know what other medications you are taking
- Drinking alcohol can increase side effects
- Can take a few weeks before symptoms improve.
Pamelor® (Nortriptyline)
- Medication is an antidepressant used to treat depression but can also be used for pain management including headache prevention
- Available in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules
- Should not take this medication if you had a heart attack recently
- Medication is not approved for use by children
- Taken orally 1-4 times per day
- Available in liquid and tablet form
- May take up to 4 weeks to see an improvement while on the medication.
Parcopa® (Carbidopa/Levodopa)
- Used to treat Parkinson's disease
- 10mg/100mg, 25mg/100mg and 25mg/250mg Oral Disintegrating Tablet
- Taken orally with or without food, 3-4 times per day
- Taking this medication with food may prevent or decrease nausea
- Iron can reduce this medications ability to be effective, try to separate taking iron by as many hours as possible from taking Parcopa
- You can not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma
- Medication is taken as a dissolving tablet.
Parlodel® (Bromocriptine)
- Used to treat Parkinson's disease
- Available in 5mg capsules and 2.5mg tablets
- Used to treat high levels of prolactin hormones and growth hormones
- Should be taken orally with food
- Usually taken once or twice a day
- Should not be used by someone who has uncontrolled high blood pressure
- May need to take blood tests while on this medication.
Paxil® (Paroxetine)
- An antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety and other disorders
- Available in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg tablets and 10mg/5mL suspension
- Some people have suicidal thoughts when taking this kind of medication
- Approved for ages 18 and up
- Can cause heart defects, lung problems and other complications to a fetus during pregnancy
- Available as a liquid or tablet; do not chew crush or break the extended release tablet
- May take up to 4 weeks to see an improvement while on the medication.
Periactin® (Cyproheptadine)
- Used to stimulate appetite
- Available in 4mg tablets and 2mg/5mL solution
- Taken orally, 2 or 3 times a day, with or without food
- Should not be taken by preemies or newborns
- Severe side effects include seizures, trouble breathing, dizziness, and swelling, but are very uncommon
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication
- Can make you sleepy, so be careful when driving or operating equipment
Phenobarbital
- Medication slows brain activity and is used to treat and prevent seizures
- Available in 15mg, 16.2mg, 30mg, 32.4mg, 60mg, 97.2mg, 100mg tabs and 20mg/5ML solution and various injectable forms
- Can also be used short term as a sedative to induce relaxation
- Can make hormonal birth control less effective
- Can be addictive, selling it or giving it away is illegal
- Even when you feel good you should keep taking Phenobarbital
- Medication should be stored at room temperature.
Plavix® (Clopidogrel)
- Helps prevents blood clots and is used after a heart attack or stroke
- Available in 75mg and 300mg tablets
- Works by preventing platelets from sticking to each other, and allowing the blood to flow smoothly
- Taken once daily, with or without food
- Some people are prescribed this medication for many years
- Stay away from grapefruit while on this medication
- Increases the risk of bleeding, so if you have bleeding that won't stop or if you find blood in unusual places bring this to your doctors attention.
Plegridy® (Peginterferon Beta 1a)
- Used as disease modifying therapy to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Comes as 125mcg auto injector or 125 mcg/0.5mL pre-filled syringe
- Won't cure the disease but it can decrease the number of relapses
- Comes as a pen injector
- Before injecting, remove the medication from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
- To reduce side effects you may be started at a lower dose and work up to the appropriate dosing amount
- Usually given once every two weeks.
Pristiq® (Desvenlafaxine)
- - This medication is an anti-depressant used to treat depression.
Provigil® (Modafinil)
- Helps reduce extreme sleepiness and it also helps people stay awake for night jobs that are not according to a normal sleep pattern
- 100mg and 200mg tablets
- Not meant to replace sleep, and it may not get rid of all sleepiness
- Generally taken in the morning once a day or when the work day starts
- May not be as effective when taken over long periods of time
- Side effects can include severe skin reactions, and impaired thinking
- May become addictive, take it as prescribed to minimize the risk.
Prozac® (Fluoxetine)
- Used for depression, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, depression, and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
- Available as 10mg, 20mg and 40mg capsules
- Often used in tandem with this medication to treat bipolar disorder
- Can develop suicidal thoughts when taking an anti-depressants so be alert to any mood changes or side effects
- During pregnancy can cause lung problems and other complications
- Only stop this medication with guidance from your doctor.
Quillivant XR® (Methylphenidate)
- Stimulant used to treat ADHD and sleep disorders
- Available in 25mg/5mL Extended Release Suspension
- Can help increase attention while decreasing impulsiveness and hyperactivity
- Taken by orally once in the morning, with or without food
- May not be as effective after being used for a long period of time
- Can become addictive, and if you have a history of past addiction let your doctor know before beginning this medication
- Comes as a powder and water is added before dispensing the medication
