Drug info that doesn't read like a textbook.

Atorvastatin lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides and modestly raises HDL ("good") cholesterol. It's the most-prescribed drug in the United States. Generic atorvastatin is typically 90%+ cheaper than brand Lipitor.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Metformin is the first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the amount of glucose your liver makes and helps your body respond better to insulin.

Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Used for high blood pressure and angina.

Levothyroxine replaces or supplements thyroid hormone for people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It is one of the most-prescribed medications in the US.

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid. Used for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers. Available OTC and Rx.

Sertraline is an SSRI used for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and PMDD.

Escitalopram is an SSRI for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Often well-tolerated with once-daily dosing.

Losartan lowers blood pressure and protects the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, fever, and inflammation. Available OTC and Rx.

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. Active ingredient in Tylenol and many cold/flu products.

Rosuvastatin is a high-potency statin for lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Simvastatin lowers LDL cholesterol. Take in the evening for best effect.

Metoprolol succinate is a once-daily extended-release beta blocker used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and after a heart attack.

A thiazide diuretic ('water pill') for high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Fluoxetine is an SSRI with a long half-life, useful when discontinuation symptoms are a concern.

Citalopram is an SSRI used primarily for depression.

Gabapentin is used for nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy) and as an add-on for partial seizures.

Albuterol is a fast-acting rescue inhaler that opens the airways during an asthma attack or COPD flare.

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used for ear, sinus, throat, urinary tract, skin, and dental infections.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, often dispensed as a 5-day Z-Pak for respiratory and skin infections.

Mixed amphetamine salts used for ADHD and narcolepsy. Schedule II controlled substance, strict prescribing rules apply.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). No generic is available, costs are high.

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound).

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent venous thromboembolism.

Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor used for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. Generally weight-neutral and without sexual side effects.

Tadalafil is a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction, BPH, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pantoprazole is a PPI used for GERD and erosive esophagitis.

Montelukast prevents asthma attacks and treats allergic rhinitis. Carries an FDA boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric events.

Ondansetron blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the gut and brain to prevent nausea and vomiting. Originally approved for chemotherapy- and surgery-related nausea, it's also widely prescribed off-label for nausea in pregnancy.

Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) reduces painful sickle cell crises and is also used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia and certain head/neck cancers. It works by suppressing rapidly dividing cells, which is why blood counts must be monitored closely.

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant ("blood thinner") that prevents dangerous blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation, DVT/PE, and mechanical heart valves. It requires regular blood testing (INR) to keep the dose safe and effective.

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid steroid used to reduce inflammation and calm an overactive immune system across a wide range of conditions, from asthma flares to autoimmune disease. Doses and treatment lengths vary enormously by condition, never adjust your own dose or stop suddenly without medical guidance.

Biktarvy is a once-daily single-tablet regimen used for HIV treatment (not for PrEP/prevention). It combines an integrase inhibitor (bictegravir) with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors to suppress the virus to undetectable levels.

Truvada is used two ways: as part of a combination regimen to treat HIV, and on its own as daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative. A generic version is FDA-approved and often dramatically cheaper than brand Truvada.

Descovy is used two ways: as part of a combination regimen to treat HIV, and on its own as daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for certain HIV-negative people. It uses the newer tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which is gentler on the kidneys and bones than the older tenofovir in Truvada.