Razadyne® (Galantamine)
- Used to treat Alzheimer's and dementia
- Comes as a short acting tablet, liquid and extended release capsule 4mg, 8mg or 12mg tabs, 4mg/mL solution or 8mg, 16mg or 24mg Extended Release Capsules
- Short acting tablet and liquid can be taken twice a day while the extended release capsule is taken once in the morning
- Best to take this medication by mealtime
- Medication helps awareness, memory and increases the ability to perform daily tasks
- Can take 4 weeks until you see if the medication is effective
Rebif® (Interferon Beta 1a)
- Disease modifying therapy used to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Given as as subcutaneous injection
- Given as a 22mcg or 44mcg auto injector or as 22mcg per 0.5mL or 44 mcg per 0.5mL prefilled syringe
- Not a cure for MS but it can help prevent the condition from worsening and help contain flare-ups of the disease
- Best left at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting for increased comfort
- Usually given three times a week on the same time each day
- May be harmful during pregnancy and may cause a miscarriage
Reglan® (Metoclopramide)
- Can be used to treat nausea in migraine (and at times migraine directly)
- Used to treat reflux and other stomach issues
- Availabvel in 5mg and 10mg tablets
- Can cause serious adverse effect of tardive dyskinesia, at times an irreversible movement disorder (more risk in elderly and longer use)
- Can be used from 4-12 weeks at a time
- Not recommended for children
- High doses or long term use can cause serious side effects
- Usually taken 30 minutes before meal times around 4 times a day.
- Available as a tablet, in liquid form, and also as a disintegrating tablet.
Relafen® (Nabumetone)
- NSAID that helps reduce pain and inflammation
- Has category risk of thrombotic events including MI or stroke and risk of GI bleed
- Available in 500mg and 750mg forms
- Primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Do not drink alcohol while on this medication
- May not be safe to take Relafen during the last 3 months of pregnancy
- May be taken with or without water
- Can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Relpax® (Eletriptan)
- Used to treat migraine headaches
- Available in 20mg and 40mg tablets
- Can also help manage migraine symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and pain
- Does not prevent headaches but once a headache has begun it can help relieve pain
- Should not be taken within 24 hours of using another migraine headache medication
- To be taken orally, with or without food
- Do not take more than 80 mg in 24 hours.
Requip® (Ropinarole)
- Used to treat Parkinson's and restless leg syndrome
- Available in 0.25mg 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg and 5mg tablets
- May induce sleepiness during regular wake time and activity
- Recommended to take this medication without food to prevent nausea
- Usually taken 3 times per day and for restless leg syndrome it is generally taken once daily closer to bedtime
- May take several weeks before seeing an improvement in symptoms
- May be prescribed in gradual increments, slowly increasing or slowly decreasing if tapering off.
Ritalin LA® (Methylphenidate)
- Stimulant drug used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD
- Extended release cap is 50% immediate release and 50% delayed release
- 10mg, 20mg, 30mg 40mg and 60mg ER Capsules
- Can help with paying attention, staying focused and it may also help behavior issues
- Generally taken orally once a day before or with breakfast
- The capsule should be swallowed whole and you should not break, crush or chew the medication
- Best to take this medication regularly at the same time each day, for it to perform optimally
- Medication may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if it has been used for a long time or with high doses.
Risperdal® (Risperidone)
- An antipsychotic, and used to treat bipolar and schizophrenia
- Used for irritability in autistic children ages 5 and up
- Not approved for psychotic cases related to dementia
- Drinking alcohol can increase side effects
- Can be problematic to take this medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy
- Do not stop taking this medication without the advice of your doctor.
Robaxin® (Methocarbamol)
- A muscle relaxant
- Used to treat pain or injury, in combination with rest and physical therapy
- Usually taken 3-4 times per day
- Drinking alcohol can increase side effects of this medication
- FDA category C for pregnancy and it's unknown if the medication is harmful to a fetus
- Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking this medication because it can cause unusual test results
Savella® (Milnacipran)
- Used to treat pain caused by fibromyalgia
- Advisable to take the medication with food, and it generally is taken twice a day
- If used for a while, there may be withdrawal symptoms if it suddenly is stopped
- Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the likelihood of liver damage
- Only approved for ages 18 and up.
Seroquel® (Quetiapine)
- An antipsychotic used to treat bipolor, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder
- Extended release form is only for adults over the age of 18
- Taking this medication in higher doses than prescribed or for longer than prescribed can cause a movement disorder that can be irreversible
- Not approved for use in psychotic cases related to dementia.
- Taking during the last 3 months of pregnancy can be problematic.
- Do not stop taking the medication without a doctors approval.
Serzone® (Nefazodone)
- Medication is an antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression
- Some common treatment reasons include sadness, guilt, loss of interest in normal routine, insomnia, suicidal thoughts and more
- Can cause problems with the liver, inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms such as dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, or any other strange symptom
- Generally taken twice daily
- Can take several weeks until this medication starts having an effect
- Avoid alcohol during medication treatment.
Sinemet® (Carbidopa/Levodopa)
- Used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Available in 10mg/100mg, 25mg/100mg or 25mg/250mg forms
- Can help tremors, spasms, muscle stiffness, and poor muscle control
- Can also be used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication
- Should not use this medication if you have narrow angle glaucoma
- Should be taken 2-3 times per day, 4 to 8 hours apart each time during waking hours
- Advisable to take this medication with food.
Skelaxin® (Metaxalone)
- Medication is a muscle relaxant and it blocks pain messages to the brain
- Should not take if you have anemia, kidney or liver disease.
- Should be taken orally, approximately 3-4 times per day
- May be best to take the medication with a light meal or on an empty stomach
- May also need to do physical therapy and rest the injury or painful area along with taking the medication
- Medication should be stored at room temperature away from heat or moisture.
Stalevo® (Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone)
- Medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease
- Works by preventing the breakdown of chemicals to help reduce muscle stiffness, tremors, spasms and weak muscle control
- You should not take this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
- Medication is taken orally and it's best not to take it with a high fat meal
- Generally taken 3-4 times per day
- Best to avoid a high protein diet during the duration of the use of Stalevo.
Symmetrel® (Amantadine)
- Can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease by helping improve muscle control and reduce stiffness
- 100mg capsules, 100mg tablets and 50mg/5mL solution
- Medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood
- Improvement in the symptoms of Parkinson's usually occurs within 2 days
- The nasal flu vaccine should not be given in the 2 week time-frame before taking this medication, nor in the following 48 hours.
Tecfidera® (Dimethyl Fumarate)
- Oral twice daily disease modifying therapy used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Available in 120mg or 240mg delayed release capsules to be taken twice daily
- Can cause a serious life threatening viral infection so notify your doctor immediately of any unusual changes.
- Tell your doctor is you have any infection or a low blood cell count before beginning this medication
- Taking the medicine with food may help prevent flushing, a warmth, burning or itching sensation.
- Avoid contact with people who have received live vaccinations while on this medication
Tegretol® (Carbamezapine)
- Medication is used to prevent seizures and to treat nerve pain
- Available in 200mg tablets, 100mg chewable tablets or 100mg/5mL suspension
- Can cause serious dermatological reactions and possible aplastic anemia
- Important to tell your doctor what other medications you take as some medicines interact negatively with Tegretol
- Should be taken with food, orally 3-4 times a day as directed by a doctor
- Can make birth control or implants less effective
- Medication comes in a tablet, liquid and chewable form
- Can take up to 4 weeks for symptoms to improve
Tenex® (Guanfacine)
- Medication is used to treat high blood pressure and ADHD
- Used for children and adults ages 6 and up
- Works by relaxing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
- Medication is category B for pregnancy and is not expected to harm an unborn baby
- Medication should be swallowed whole
- Generally taken once daily at bedtime
- Can take several weeks for the medication to build up in your system and for you to derive maximum benefit.
Topamax® (Topiramate)
- Medication is used to treat seizures and migraines
- Availably as 15mg or 25mg sprinkle caps, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg or 200mg tablets
- Children with seizures can take this starting from age 2 and children with migraines can take Topamax from age 12
- Do not stop taking Topamax without talking to your doctor, you may need to decrease gradually.
- Be aware of any changes in vision or pain around the eyes, it may be a sign of a serious side effect and should be brought to your doctors attention
- Taking this medication during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight and cleft lip/palate.
- Take this tablet by swallowing it whole without crushing, breaking or chewing it.
Treximet® (Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium)
- Medication is a combination of naproxen and sumitriptan
- Used to relieve migraine headaches
- Not used to prevent a migraine but it can help once a headache has begun
- To be taken at the first sign of a migraine, with a full glass of water
- Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication
- Can take a second dose after two hours from the first dose but no more than 2 doses in total over 24 hours
- Not be combined with any other triptans (such as Imitrex, Zomig, Frova, Amerge or Maxalt)
- Should not be used to treat cluster headaches or any headache that causes one-sided loss of movement
- As with Imitrex, should not be used with a history of stroke or severe heart problems
Trileptal® (Oxcarbezapine)
- Used to treat partial seizures
- Can be used alone for children as young as 4 years old and from age 2 when prescribed with other medications
- Should not suddenly stop using Trileptal
- Can lower the efficacy of birth control pills
- May be taken with or without food
- May need frequent blood tests while on this medication
Trintellix® (Vortioxetine)
- An antidepressant that helps balance the brain's chemicals
- Used to treat depression for adults
- Not approved for children
- May be taken with or without food
- To reduce side effects your doctor may have you begin the medication at a low dose and gradually raise the dosing
- Ask your doctor before stopping the medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Trokendi XR® (Topiramate)
- Used to control seizures and for migraine relief
- Available in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg or 200mg ER capsules
- Taken orally, with or without food, generally once a day
- Important to drink a lot of fluid while on this medication to prevent kidney stones
- Do not drink alcohol six hours before or after taking this medication
- Children and older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of Trokendi
- Better not to take this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding
Tysabri® (Natalizumab)
- Used as a disease modifying medication to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
- Given by a health care professional as an IV infusion monthly
- Use can lead to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and risk increases over time and with development of anti-JCV antibodies - (this can be tested for by a test referred to as Stratify JCV offered at Quest Labs free of charge with results enabling stratification of risks in taking ongoing Tysabri)
- Any unusual symptoms need to be brought to the attention of you doctor between infusions
- Prolonged use for years and + JCV antibody status both require more careful and frequent monitoring
Vimovo® (Naproxen/Esomprazole)
- Medication is a combination of naproxen and esomeprazole, that's a combination of an NSAID and a proton pump inhibitor
- Can treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis
- Not meant for sudden pain as the coating causes a delayed release and the pain relief does not kick in right away
- Intended for those at risk of stomach ulcers who can't take regular NSAID's
- Increases the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Medication should be taken with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before a meal.
Vimpat® (Lacosamide)
- Anticonvulsant used to treat partial onset seizures
- Comes in 50mg, 100mg, 150mg and 200mg tabs, 10mg/mL solution and an injected form
- Can be used in children and adults ages 4 and up
- If you feel faint, have a fast heartbeat, feel dizzy or short of breath get in touch with your doctor right away
- Generally taken twice a day, with or without food
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, doing so may cause increased seizures
- Best to take this drug at evenly spaced times so that the drug is always balanced internally as it works at optimum levels in this way.
Voltaren® (Diclofenac)
- Medication is an NSAID whose active ingredient is Diclofenac
- Used for mild to moderate pain, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Should be taken with a full glass of water, you should then remain upright for at least 10 minutes
- Should be swallowed whole, it should not be chewed, broken or crushed
- Under some circumstances it can take as long as two weeks for benefit to be seen from the medication
- If you are not taking the medication regularly you should take it as soon as you begin to feel pain for it to work best.
Voltaren Gel® (Diclofenac Gel)
- An NSAID used to treat pain for osteoarthritis
- Usual NSAID risk of thrombotic events including MI or Stroke and possible GI bleed risk
- Available in 25mg, 50mg or 75mg delayed release tablets or 100mg extended release tablets
- Commonly used for pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles or feet
- Wash your hands after applying, unless you are applying it to your hands
- Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing and one hour before bathing after applying the gel.
- Do not apply to an open skin wound, infection, burn or rash.
- Do not expose treated area to a bandage or to heat while the gel is on the area.
Voltaren Patch® (Diclofenac Patch)
- An NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation
- Should not use if you have a history of an allergic reaction to an NSAID or to aspirin
- Voltaren can increase your risk for fatal heart attack or stroke
- Not recommended to take Voltaren during the last three months of pregnancy
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Voltaren
- If you take an antidepressant ask your doctor before taking Voltaren as well.
Vyvance® (Lisdexamfetamine)
- A stimulant which affects brain chemicals that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control
- Indicated for ADHD, ADD, binge eating disorder (moderate to severe)
- Is available as a capsule, tablet, and a chewable
- Available as 10mg, 20mg 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg and 70mg caps and 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg 50mg and 60mg chewable tablets
- Can be used from age six and up
- Can be habit forming and is prone to abuse, tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Can be taken with or without food and should be taken first thing in the morning
Wellbutrin XL® (Bupropion Hydrochloride)
- Used to treat major depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder
- Do not take this medication if you have seizures or an eating disorder
- Approved for use for ages 18 and up
- May cause withdrawal symptoms when going off the medication or when changing the dose
- Overdose can be fatal, if you have overdosed seek medical attention immediately
- Can interact negatively with many drugs, so speak to your doctor about any other medication you may be taking
Zarontin® (Ethosuximide)
- Anticonvulsant medication used to treat absence seizures (also known as petit-mal seizures)
- Avaialble as 250mg caps, 250mg/5mL solution
- Be alert to mood changes and symptom changes as this may cause suicidal thoughts
- Blood tests are recommended while taking the medication and kidney function may also need to be watched
- Suddenly stopping the medication may cause increased seizures so medication should only be stopped under a doctors care
- It's important to wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card while taking Zarontin
- Avoid alcohol, be careful while driving or in situations where you need to be alert and stay away from people who have infections while on Zarontin
Zinbryta® (Daclizumab)
- Used to treat relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Available as a 150mg auto injector and a 150mg/mL pre filled syringe for injection
- Can cause hepatic injury, serious skin reactions, immune reactions
- Usually prescribed only after two medications have been tried and failed
- Can cause dangerous side effects to the liver
- Will need to take monthly blood tests while on this medication and for six months afterwards to monitor liver function
- Approved for ages 18 and up
- Given once monthly as a subcutaneous injection
- Needs to be stored in a refrigerator
Zofran® (Ondansetron)
- Primarily to treat nausea and vomiting
- Available as 4mg and 8mg tabvs, 4mg/5mL solution and 2mg/mL injection
- Often prescribed in cases of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment
- Side effects can include blurred vision, trouble breathing, shivering, etc. and let your doctor know right away if you experience anything unusual
- May be taken from age 4 and up
- Available both as a regular tablet and as a dissolving oral tablet, as well as in liquid form
- Can impair thinking and reactions so if driving pay extra careful attention to the road
- Might be okay to take during pregnancy but discuss with your doctor before doing so
Zoloft® (Sertaline)
- An antidepressant belonging to a drug class called SSRI, Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitor
- Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tabs and 20mg/mL solution
- Often used for anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Antidepressants can lead to thoughts of suicide, so it's important to pay attention to mood changes and discuss with your doctor - usual category risk of suicide risk
- Can be taken with or without food and should be taken the same time every day
- Can cause a false positive drug screening so tell the lab staff that you are taking Zoloft
- Certain medications can interact negatively with this drug, so it's important that your doctor is familiar with any other medications you are taking, as well as any herbal products
- Can cause lung problems and other complications to a fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy, discuss with your doctor first though before stopping the medication.
Zomig® (Zolmitriptan)
- Medication is generally prescribed for headaches and helps reduce headache triggers
- Available in 2.5mg and 5mg tablets
- Meant to be taken once a headache has started, it won't prevent headaches or reduce the amount of headaches experienced
- Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any other medications for migraine headaches as not all can be taken simultaneously with Zomig
- Certain heart issues are problematic when taking Zomig. If you or your loved one suffers from a heart condition inform your doctor at the time of the visit
- Zomig can be taken again after two hours if more pain relief is required, and up to 10 mg can be taken in a 24 hour time-frame
- The regular tablet of Zomig should be taken whole with a cup of water; the dissolving tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate without chewing, and then swallowed.
Zonegran® (Zonisamide)
- Primarily used to treat partial seizures
- Approved for use for adults, ages 18 and up
- Be careful when driving due to possible impaired thinking and reactions while taking the medication
- Pregnancy not advised while on this medication
- Medication should be taken whole, and can be taken with or without food
- Do not stop using the medication unless under the guidance of a doctor, as it may cause seizures upon sudden withdrawal
Zostrix Cream® (Capsaicin Topical Cream)
- Active ingredient is capsaicin, same as found in hot peppers and can reduce pain in the body
- Available in 25mg and 100mg capsule form
- Used to relieve muscle and joint pain, such as sprains, arthritis, neuralgia and backaches
- Can cause a burning sensation to the skin where the cream has been applied
- If gets inside eyes, nose mouth or other internal body areas rinse well with water
- Can be used up to 4 times daily as needed
- Can take 2 weeks of regular use before experiencing pain relief
Zyprexa® (Olanzapine)
- Antipsychotic medication used for bipolor, and schizophrenia and in general to help with anxious and agitated behavior
- Must watch out for dementia related psychosis
- Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg forms in addition to 5mg/mL injection
- Used for adults and children above the age of 13
- Can impair thinking and reactions, need to be careful while driving and avoid alcohol
- Can be problematic for those with dementia
- Ask your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medication (and generally avoided with pregnancy)
- Usually taken once a day
- Can be taken with or without food