Pharmacotherapy: Drugs and Their Uses

This article discusses pharmacotherapy, which is the treatment of physiological disorders using pharmaceutical drugs. It covers some of the drugs used in pharmacotherapy, such as Paxil, Zoloft, Citalopram, Thiamine, Lorazepam, and Fish oil, and their uses in treating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other disorders. The article also explains the role of drugs in promoting optimal functioning of the body and curing illness.

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Pharmacotherapy
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Pharmacotherapy
Introduction
Pharmacotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases and more so mental illness using
pharmaceutical drugs. Drugs are prescribed by pharmacists, pharmacologists and
pharmacotherapy specialists who are well trained in administering them. This paper will discuss
some of the drugs used and their reasons for use.
The Paxil tablet
People with depression, panic attacks and anxiety disorders tend to have an unbalanced chemical
in the brain known as serotonin. The Paxil tablet rectifies this imbalance and thereby helps calm
the patient. Paxil is therefore meant for treating depression, Post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), anxiety disorders and premenstrual syndrome1.
Zoloft
Zoloft also belongs to the category of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs). It is used to balance the serotonin substance in the brain. Zoloft treats depression,
anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders2.
Citalopram
Citalopram is also an antidepressant belonging to the SSRIs group. It also meant to treat
depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Thiamine tablet
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Thiamine is essentially vitamin B1. Thiamine can be found in a number of foods such as cereals,
beans, nuts, yeast and meat. Its main role in the body is breaking down carbohydrates from foods
into products that are needed in the body. Thiamine tablets are used to treat vitamin B deficiency
as well as its prevention. Thiamine can be taken orally or through injection. If done through
injection, it is important to contact a healthcare professional3.
Lorazepam tablet
Lorazepam falls under a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Its purpose is to regulate the
chemicals in the brain for people with anxiety. It is main use therefore is to treat people with
anxiety. Lorazepam can be administered in an emergency room to stop a seizure. It is a common
prescription for short term treatment of epileptic people4.
Fish oil
Fish oil belongs to omega -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are several forms of omega -3
acids. Fish is one example whose omega -3 acids is known as DHA and EPA. Other sources, in
the form ALA, include vegetable oils and spinach.
Fish oil lowers the level of blood fat called triglycerides which in huge amounts can lead to
coronary artery disease and stroke. Fish oil helps in fighting heart diseases by preventing
inflammation and slowing down plaque buildup in your blood vessels.
Conclusion
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Pharmacotherapy is an essential part in medical treatment. Drugs interact with cell enzymes and
receptors to promote optimal functioning of the body and cure illness. It is important in treating a
range of physiological disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks among others.

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Reference
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2. Rytwinski NK, Rosoff CB, Feeny NC, Zoellner LA. Are PTSD treatment choices and
treatment beliefs related to depression symptoms and depression-relevant treatment
rationales?. Behaviour research and therapy. 2014 Oct 1;61:96-104.
3. Alizadeh T, Akhoundian M, Ganjali MR. An innovative method for synthesis of
imprinted polymer nanomaterial holding thiamine (vitamin B1) selective sites and its
application for thiamine determination in food samples. Journal of Chromatography B.
2018 May 1;1084:166-74.
4. Kadel J, Bauer S, Hermsen AM, Immisch I, Kay L, Klein KM, Knake S, Menzler K, Reif
PS, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Use of emergency medication in adult patients with
epilepsy: a multicentre cohort study from Germany. CNS drugs. 2018 Aug 1;32(8):771-
81.