A pill for this - a pill for that

Capricorn Sister's Compendium of Capsules: A Chemical Cheat-Sheet

Insomnia is characterized by complaints of difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings. The following information is intended to guide you in the safe use of medicine for pain. It is not meant to take the place of your doctor's instructions. Some people have chronic sleep problems that may require prolonged use of sleep medicine. However, you should not use these and pain medicines for long periods without taking with your doctor about the risks and benefits of prolonged use.

Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class and is available in 5 mg and 10 mg strength tablets for oral administration. It’s non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines it has some risk of dependency.
http://www.ambien.com

Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate extended-release) is available in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg strength tablets for oral administration. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. When taken with food or immediately after a meal, it may take you longer to fall asleep.
http://www.ambiencr.com

Lunesta (eszopiclone) tablets are supplied in 1 mg, 2 mg and 3 mg strengths. Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that is a pyrrolopyrazine derivative of the cyclopyrrolone class with a chemical structure unrelated to pyrazolopyrimidines, imidazopyridines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other drugs with known hypnotic properties. Lunesta is sometimes used to treat sleep disorders. The effects of Lunesta on sleep onset may be reduced if it is taken with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal.
http://www.lunesta.com/

Sonata (zaleplon) is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic from the pyrazolopyrimidine class. Sonata is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Hypnotics should generally be limited to 7 to 10 days of use. Taken orally, zaleplon reaches full concentration in approximately one hour.
http://www.sonata.com/

Restoril (temazepam) is an hypnotic agent. Temazepam belongs to a group of medicines known as "benzodiazepines". Restoril capsules are supplied in 7.5 mg 15 mg and 30 mg capsules for oral administration. Temazepam is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7-10 days). Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to temazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
http://www.restoril.com/

Skelaxin (metaxalone) is sometimes used to relieve pain and relax muscles. Metaxalone is available as 400 mg and 800 mg tablets.
http://www.skelaxin.com/

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) is supplied as a 5 mg and 10 mg tablet for oral administration. Flexeril is sometimes used to treat sciatica and relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function.
http://www.flexeril5mg.com/

Soma (carisoprodol) is sometimes used to treat sciatica, lower back pain and for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful, musculoskeletal conditions. Soma is available as 350 mg tablets and may have sedative properties.
Desyrel or Deprax (trazodone hydrochloride) is sometimes used to treat anxiety and depression. Trazodone hydrochloride is available in 150 mg 300 mg tablets for oral administration.

Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) is a short-acting muscle relaxant drug for oral administration. The 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg capsules are not interchangeable with tizanidine or the Zanaflex tablet formulation.
http://www.zanaflexcapsules.com/

Parafon Forte DSC or Paraflex (chlorzoxazone) is indicated for the relief of discomfort, associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. Available in 500 mg caplets, chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxant with sedative properties. It is used in combination with rest and physical therapy to relieve acute, painful muscles, like those caused by sprains, strains or other injuries.

Xanax (alprazolam) is sometimes used to treat anxiety. Xanax is a triazolo analog of the 1, 4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds. Each Xanax tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of alprazolam.
http://www.xanax.com/

Klonopin (clonazepam) a benzodiazepine, is sometimes used to treat seizures (epilepsy) and panic attacks. Clonazepam is available as tablets containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg. It is also used to relieve anxiety.

Ativan (lorazepam) is sometimes used to treat nervousness and depression with sedative effects. Each Ativan tablet, a benzodiazepine, is to be taken orally, and contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg lorazepam. Ativan is a prescription drug that helps with general anxiety disorder and sleeping problems. One can become physically and psychologically dependent on lorazepam.

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine derivative and is sometimes used for relief of acute anxiety and as pre-medication in patients undergoing surgical procedures. Valium is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Diazepam is a useful adjunct for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm to local pathology (such as inflammation of the muscles or joints or secondary to trauma). Valium is sometimes used to treat stress and is available for oral administration as tablets containing 2 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg diazepam.
http://www.rocheusa.com/products/valium/

Neurontin (gabapentin) is sometimes used to treat neuropathy and is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Patients should be informed that, should they break the scored 600 mg or 800 mg tablet in order to administer a half-tablet, they should take the unused half-tablet as the next dose. Half-tablets not used within several days of breaking the scored tablet should be discarded. Tablets are supplied with 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg of gabapentin.
http://www.neurontin.com/

Ultram or Tramal (tramadol hydrochloride) is indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Tramal 50 mg to 100 mg is an analgesic.
http://www.ultram-er.com/

Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is sometimes used to treat anxiety and depression. Celexa is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to that of other SSRI's or of tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents. Citalopram is available for oral administration as tablets containing 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg.
http://www.celexa.com/

Topamax (topiramate) is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide anticonvulsant drug. Topiramate tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg tablets for oral administration. Topiramate is indicated for adults for the prophylaxis of migraine headache and epilepsy.
http://topamax.com/

This list is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

Elavil (amitriptyline hydrochloride) a tricyclic antidepressant drug, is sometimes used to treat fibromyalgia. It may be prescribed for other conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, postherpetic neuralgia (persistent pain following a shingles attack), interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome and as a preventative (prophylaxis) for patients with frequent migraines. Elavil is supplied as 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tablets for the relief of symptoms of depression. A sedative effect may be apparent before the antidepressant effect is noted, but an adequate therapeutic effect may take as long as 30 days to develop.
http://www.elavil.com/

Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is unrelated chemically to the phenothiazines, reserpine, meprobamate, or the benzodiazepines. Supplied in 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg tablets - it is used for the symptomatic relief of anxiety. It is also useful in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions and as a sedative when used as pre-medication and following general anesthesia. Hyroxyzine HCl has an antiemetic effect for symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested. Hydroxyzine belongs to the class of medications called antihistamines which reduce itching, swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes and throat.

Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system) contains a high concentration of a potent Schedule II opioid agonist, fentanyl. Schedule II opioid substances which include fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone have the highest potential for abuse and associated risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression. Fentanyl is indicated for management of persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain that: requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid administration for an extended period of time and cannot be managed by other means such as non-steroidal analgesics, opioid combination products, or immediate-release opioids. Duragesic is ONLY for use in patients who are already tolerant to opioid therapy of comparable potency. Duragesic patches are intended for transdermal use on intact skin only.
http://www.duragesic.com/

Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) is sometimes used to treat anxiety. Duloxetine hydrochloride is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) for oral administration. Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Duloxetine hydrochloride delayed-release capsules are available in 20 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg strengths.
http://www.cymbalta.com/

Ultracet (tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen) tablets combines two analgesics - tramadol 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg. Ultracet is sometimes used to treat pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic agent for oral administration. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol or other narcotic pain medications such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine, codeine (or medications that contain codeine such as Tylenol with Codeine), hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), propoxyphene (e.g., Darvon, Darvon N), any other medications, or corn. Tramadol, a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic, can be habit-forming.

Lidoderm (lidocaine patch, 5%) is comprised of an adhesive material containing 5% lidocaine, which is applied to a non-woven polyester felt backing and covered with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film release liner. The release liner is removed prior to application to the skin. The size of the patch is 10 cm x 14 cm. Lidoderm is indicated for relief of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. It should be applied only to intact skin.
http://www.lidoderm.com/

Lyrica (pregabalin) is indicated for management of pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes (neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy) and shingles (herpes zoster) infection (postherpetic neuralgia). It is also used with other medications and is indicated as adjunctive therapy for adult patients with partial onset seizures. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Advise your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.
http://www.lyrica.com/

Dolobid (diflunisal) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from various conditions. It also reduces swelling and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Diflunisal is available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets for oral administration. Dolobid is a non-steroidal drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It is a peripherally-acting, non-narcotic drug.

Codalgin or Fludeten or Panadeine Forte (paracetamol 500 mg & codeine 30 mg) This combination of two, fast acting ingredients is used to relieve mild to moderately severe pain, migraine headaches, back pain, arthritis, tension headache, rheumatic muscle pain, neuralgia, toothache, sore throats and period pain. Codeine can be habit-forming. Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen.

Vicodin or Norco or Lorcet or Zydone (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) is supplied in tablet form for oral administration. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may cause constipation. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid analgesic, antitussive and is habit forming.
Mobic (meloxicam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated to help relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Tablets contain 7.5 mg and 15 mg of meloxicam.
http://www.mobictablet.com

Propox or Darvon (propoxyphene hydrochloride) is a centrally acting narcotic analgesic agent. Propoxyphene is structurally related to methadone. The potency of propoxyphene hydrochloride is from two-thirds to equal that of codeine. One can build up tolerance to and become dependent on this drug if you take them in higher than recommended doses over long periods of time.

Celebrex (celecoxib) capsules can be used to treat osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Capsules, for oral administration, contain either 100 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg of celecoxib. Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activities.
http://www.celebrex.com/

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor or other known antidepressant agents. Tablets are supplied for oral administration as 150 mg and 300 mg bupropion hydrochloride. At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
http://www.wellbutrin-xl.com/

Paxil CR (paroxetine hydrochloride controlled-release tablets) is an orally administered psychotropic drug with a chemical structure unrelated to other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant or antipanic agents. Paxil is indicated for the treatment of major depressive, panic and social anxiety disorders.
http://www.paxilcr.com/

Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is an extended-release capsule for oral administration. Effexor XR is a structurally novel antidepressant for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. It is known as an SNRI, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Each 75 mg or 150 mg capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed or placed in water. It may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce.
http://www.effexorxr.com/

Esgic or Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen caffeine tablets) is a short to intermediate-acting barbiturate. Acetaminophen is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Avoid sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches.

Relpax (eletriptan hydrobromide) is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, in adults. It is in a class of drugs called serotonin receptor agonists. They are believed to work by causing vasoconstriction (narrowing) of arteries and veins that supply blood to the head. Before taking Relpax, tell your doctor if you are taking Inderal, Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil or Zoloft. Relpax comes in 20 mg and 40 mg tablets.
http://www.relpax.com/

Zomig-ZMT (zolmitriptan) is indicated in the acute treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura, in adults. Available for oral administration as 2.55 mg and 5 mg tablets - an alternative delivery system is Zomig Nasal Spray, if you experience nausea or vomiting with the migraine. Zolmitriptan, 2.5 mg orally dissolving tablets, is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Before taking zolmitriptan, tell your doctor if you are taking Inderal or a SSRI such as Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft or Celexa.
http://www.zomig.com

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an antiepileptic drug of the phenyltriazine class and is chemically unrelated to existing antiepileptic drugs. Tablets are supplied for oral administration as 25 mg , 100 mg , 150 mg and 200 mg. Chewable dispersible tablets are supplied for oral administration and contain 2 mg , 5 mg or 25 mg of lamotrigine. Lamictal is indicated as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults and pediatric patients. Lamotrigine is indicated for the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes (depression, mania, hypomania, mixed episodes) in patients treated for acute mood episodes with standard therapy. The effectiveness of Lamictal in the acute treatment of mood episodes has not been established.
http://www.lamictal.com/

This is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs or following any treatment or regiment. Only your doctor can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.