Antiepileptics:
Antiepileptics either increase the inhibition of neurons, or decrease their excitation. This contributes to controlling abnormal electrical signals.
Indications:
It is a family of drugs used to treat and prevent epilepsy or cerebral convulsions.
Usage recommendations:
- Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness until you observe the effects of the medication.
- Do not discontinue this medication all at once, as this may cause seizures. If your seizures are more different than usual, see your doctor.
Antidepressants:
Depression is caused by an imbalance of serotonin, dopamine, and other hormones in the brain.
Indications:
These medications relieve mood disorders and lessen the severity of depression by regulating imbalanced hormones in the brain.
Usage recommendations:
- Avoid driving or performing tasks that require you to be alert until you observe the effects of the medication.
- Do not discontinue this medication all at once, as this could lead to Discontinuation Syndrome.
- Most medications take several weeks to work, so it is recommended not to rush into discontinuing them.
* These medications increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. If you start having suicidal thoughts, do not panic and immediately discuss the side effect with your doctor.
Diuretics:
Diuretics remove excess water and salts (sodium) from the body through urine.
Indications:
These medications are used to get rid of excess fluid and treat high blood pressure.
Usage recommendations:
- It is recommended to take diuretics early in the day to avoid frequent urination at night.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Get tested regularly to monitor sodium levels in your blood.
- It is recommended to use sunscreens when you are taking these medications.
- If you notice symptoms like painful muscle cramps, joint disorders, or hearing problems, see your doctor.
Non-steroidal analgesics (NSAIDs):
These drugs inhibit the enzymes responsible for pain and inflammation.
Indications:
These medications are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and control fever.
Usage recommendations:
- Some NSAIDs are not suitable for people with hypertension, asthma, kidney disease, heart disease, and stomach ulcers. It is necessary that you talk to your doctor to get the best treatment for your condition.
- Do not take these medications for longer than advised.
* If you start noticing side effects, inform your doctor.
Blood pressure drugs:
They work to lower your blood pressure in various ways.
Indications:
These medications are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Usage recommendations:
- To avoid feeling dizzy or fainting, stand up slowly if you were sitting or lying down, and move carefully when going up and down stairs.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
* If you start noticing side effects, inform your doctor.
* Based on recent studies, it is recommended to take blood pressure medications in the evening to reduce the chances of developing vascular diseases.
Alzheimer's medications:
These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) which are important for alertness, memory, thinking, and judgment.
Indications:
These medications are used to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and treat forgetfulness in patients.
Usage recommendations:
- It is recommended to take the medication at the same time every day.
- It is recommended to take the medication during meals.
- Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness.
- It is recommended to drink a lot of water when taking the medication.
* A drug regulator can help patients remember taking their medication every day.
Anti-Anxiety drugs (Anxiolytics):
These medications reduce symptoms of anxiety by increasing the action of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other and it reduces brain activity.
Indications:
Used to treat anxiety and panic attacks.
Usage recommendations:
- Your body could get used to the prescribed doses of this medication, which can reduce their effectiveness.
- Talk to your doctor if notice that the medication has become less effective.
- Avoid driving or performing tasks that require you to be alert until you observe the effects of the medication.