Brand Names: Cozaar.
Definition: Losartan is a medication belonging to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes. It works by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors, which prevents blood vessels from narrowing and promotes vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Additionally, it is frequently prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy, and to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Brand Names: Ativan, Loreev XR, Temesta.

Definition: Lorazepam is a medication in the benzodiazepine class used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and acute seizures. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which produces a calming effect on the central nervous system. Due to its sedative and muscle-relaxant properties, it is also frequently used as a premedication before surgery or to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Brand Names: Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo, Edluar, Zolpimist, Stilnox.

Definition: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication belonging to the imidazopyridine class, used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, specifically targeting the alpha-1 subunit of the GABA-A receptor. This mechanism helps to initiate sleep quickly by slowing down brain activity. Because of its rapid onset, it is primarily prescribed to help patients who have difficulty falling asleep.

Brand Names: Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Fanatrex.

Definition: Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain and as an anticonvulsant for the treatment of partial seizures. While its structure is similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it does not bind to GABA receptors; instead, it works by affecting the way nerves send messages to the brain. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles) and restless legs syndrome.

Brand Names: Quviviq.

Definition: Daridorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) used for the treatment of adults with insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. It works by blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides called orexins to their receptors in the brain. Rather than inducing general sedation like older sleep medications, it specifically turns down the "wake" signals in the brain, helping patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer with a lower risk of next-day grogginess.

Brand Names: Lyrica, Alzain, Axalid, Lecaent.

Definition: Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid medication used to treat chronic pain conditions and certain neurological disorders. It works by binding to specific subunits of calcium channels in the central nervous system, which helps reduce the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling and seizure activity. It is primarily prescribed for neuropathic pain (such as from diabetes or shingles), fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and as an add-on treatment for epilepsy.