Those prescribed amlodipine, which is an example of a CCB, need to remember a few key facts. Never take more or less than your doctor prescribes of the medication. Also, take the medicine at the same time each day, but if you do forget a dose, don’t take two tablets at once. In addition, drinking alcohol while on amlodipine should be limited, as doing so may increase negative side effects, and store the medication away from temperature extremes. (Keep amlodipine away from children and pets, and never share a prescription with another person).

A final tip from Medi-Span, Inc. is the following: “it is important to brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.”

As with any high blood pressure medication, you probably will have to take amlodipine for life. Even if you feel well, don’t stop taking the pills, as your blood pressure will most certainly rise again. A key thing to remember – many times those with high blood pressure don’t even realize that they have it; just because you feel great, does not mean your high blood pressure problem has resolved itself. In fact, many doctors begin patients on a low dose of amlodipine with the intentions of increasing the dosage as time goes on.

Common side effects of amlodipine include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, flushing, muscle cramps, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and weakness. Additional information supplied by Medi-Span, Inc. states that patients who have just been prescribed amlodipine may feel tired or run down the first few weeks. Also, to prevent fainting or falling, care should be taken to stand up slowly when on this medication.

Severe side effects may include swelling of the feet or legs, fainting, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, severe headache, bleeding gums, and yellowing of the eyes and skin to name a few. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

According to PubMed, before taking amlodipine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist (or Pharmacy Technician) what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.

High blood pressure is a serious disease that is treated with 9 types of medications. CCB’s are one type of medication prescribed to lower blood pressure. Only a doctor can determine which type of blood pressure medication is right for you, so talk to your physician if you think you may have this illness.

Read on to learn more about this new finding, as well as to learn about other drugs with surprising (additional) benefits.

Statins
People who take this drug daily do so to address abnormal cholesterol levels and to combat heart attacks. Little did these patients know – this drug cuts the risk of dying in half for those people admitted to the hospital for extreme cases of influenza. As stated in USA Today, “Statins have piqued the interest of virologists and others because they may have anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the damage from the influenza virus.” At this time, the drug will not be given to those patients who are admitted to the hospital with influenza, and who don’t normally take statins, yet it is surprising that research has shown that those who do take it have a better chance of surviving a bout with the flu.

Aspirin
This medication, used for years as a pain reliever and fever reducer, also has a surprising benefit you may not know about – for some people it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is imperative to not begin taking a daily dose of aspirin without consulting your doctor first; however, if he or she deems you a candidate for low-dose aspirin therapy, you will increase your chances of NOT dying from heart trouble. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, aspirin reduces the clumping action of platelets in the blood. This, in turn, can help a person who has narrowing of the arteries. They also warn that aspirin can cause unwanted internal bleeding, so this type of therapy should be done only under the supervision of a doctor.

Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Thousands of people rely on anti-depressants to help them live life to the fullest. One drug, Cymbalta, has helped many of these patients to shoo away the clouds of listlessness and of sadness. It has also been prescribed for managing anxiety. Recently, Cymbalta has also been linked to pain reduction. Those who suffer from the aches associated with several illnesses may also benefit from this medication. As described on the Cymbalta website, “It is indicated for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia…and for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis pain and chronic low back pain.”

(A doctor should be consulted before taking any medication. It is never wise to take another person’s medication or to start a new drug without the knowledge of your primary caregiver. Although the medications listed above have benefits that extend beyond their original use, making an appointment with your local health care provider is the best way to deal with a health issue!)

Not too long ago, a woman had to make an appointment with her doctor in order to get a prescription to take care of the infection. The process was costly, as it involved paying for the office visit, as well as for the prescription itself. Thank goodness, anti-fungal medications can now be purchased over the counter.

Read on to learn more about this common infection, as well as the medications available to treat it.

What is a yeast infection?

Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that a yeast infection is “…a common fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. Candida is always present in the body in small amounts. However, when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis appear.”

Who is at risk for a yeast infection?

Women who are pregnant, who have diabetes, or who have recently taken an antibiotic may develop a yeast infection. It can also affect those with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Along with intense itching, there is a cottage cheese-like discharge. In addition, the labia may become red from the irritation caused by the infection. Some women also describe a burning feeling.

How is a yeast infection treated?

If a woman is sure she has a yeast infection, she will want to buy one of the medications currently available on the market. As the CDC explains, “several antifungal drugs are available to treat genital candidiasis/VVC. Antifungal vaginal suppositories or creams are commonly used. The duration of the treatment course of suppositories and creams ranges from single dose therapy to 7 days of therapy.”

If a woman is having a problem with recurrent yeast infections, she should visit her doctor for other methods of treatment. One of those treatments is an oral anti-fungal.

How can I make sure the treatment works?

First, as with any drug, a woman needs to carefully read the directions that come with the medication. In addition, if using a type of vaginal medication, the suppository or cream will need to be inserted as high into the vagina as possible. It is best to do this after a woman has gotten into bed at night. If your doctor prescribes a treatment, be sure to follow his or her directions. Finally, understand that vaginal medications do not protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) or from pregnancy.

Vaginal yeast infections can be bothersome, but they are common and easy to treat. Over the counter medications usually take care of the yeast overgrowth. If a woman is unsure if she has a yeast infection, she should see her doctor.

Duloxetine, the generic name for Cymbalta, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004.  It is used for treatment not only for major depression and anxiety, but for chronic pain as well. This means that this medication treats anything from fibromyalgia, to the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Prescribed as a delayed release capsule, a dose is taken once or twice per day, with or without food.

MedicineNet.com explains that “Duloxetine works by preventing the reuptake of serotonin and epinephrine by nerves after they have been released. Since uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and terminating their actions on adjacent nerves, the reduced uptake caused by duloxetine increases the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The mechanism responsible for its effectiveness treating pain is not known but also is thought to involve its effects on serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.”

As with any drug, the side effects of Cymbalta range from fairly mild to dangerous.  Some common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and sleep pattern disruptions.  Some people report constipation, while others may have trouble reaching orgasm. Another segment of users reports losing weight after taking the medication.

Information from the company that makes Cymbalta (Lilly USA) suggests this drug may be a danger to persons older than 65 years.  This is because this age group reported an increase of falls that resulted in injury after taking these pills; however, the most dangerous side effect of an anti-depressant involves increased thoughts of suicide, frequently in young users.

As outlined in the WebMD website, “These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.”

Although Lilly USA states that the decision to take Cymbalta should be made in cooperation with a physician, they do recommend that the following people should not take it if:

• you have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
• you are taking Mellaril^® (thioridazine)

They also stress that once someone starts taking Cymbalta, they should not stop abruptly. This could cause serious symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headache.  If a patient wishes to stop the medication, they need to be weaned off it slowly.

As you can see, Cymbalta may help many people cope with pain or depression, yet the decision to take the medication needs to be weighed carefully, with input from a doctor.

As stated on the WebMD site, “the cold medicines in question include four different categories of drugs:
• Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan or DM)
• Cough expectorants (guaifenesin)
• Decongestants (pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine)
• Antihistamines (such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, diphenhydramine [Benadryl] and others)

You might not recognize these drugs by name. But they are the active ingredients in many brands of kids’ cold and cough medicines.” These types of medicines are dangerous, as they may cause extreme drowsiness, and there have been cases of parents accidentally overdosing their children on them.

Vikki Sloviter, in the article, Cough Medicine Dangers, states that “in 2004-2005, more than 1,500 children under age two were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for problems caused by cough and cold medications, and in 2005 three infants ages one month, three months and six months died as a result of being given too much cough and cold medicine.”

A visit to the Tylenol.com website confirms that there have been problems with these medications, as the company states “we are voluntarily withdrawing the following concentrated cough and cold medicines from the market (for children under 2):
• Concentrated TYLENOL® Infants’ Drops Plus Cold
• Concentrated TYLENOL® Infants’ Drops Plus Cold & Cough
• PediaCare® Infant Dropper Decongestant
• PediaCare® Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
• PediaCare® Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)
• PediaCare® Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough”

In addition to cough medicine, a young child should never be given aspirin when they have cold/flu symptoms. Doing this may lead to a serious condition known as Reyes syndrome. This rare illness causes brain and liver damage. Scientists don’t know exactly why, but children given aspirin when ill with a fever and a cough develop this dangerous complication at a greater rate.

Finally, cough drops should be avoided. As you can imagine, they present a choking hazard. (If you do decide to use cough drops in your much older child, he or she should be educated on correct lozenge use, which includes never running or jumping with a cough drop in the mouth. They should also never sleep with a cough drop in the mouth).

Doctors recommend these ways to help your young child deal with the symptoms of a cold or flu. Offer plenty of liquids. These will help keep the throat hydrated and the phlegm loose; however, don’t offer caffeinated drinks. You can also place a humidifier in your child’s bedroom while he or she sleeps. This keeps the air moist, which helps to calm a cough. If your child feels well enough, he or she may benefit from a warm shower. The steam created helps the throat much like the humidifier. Finally, chicken soup (if the child is old enough) does really help ease cold/flu symptoms.

If these remedies do not work, contact your child’s physician for advice.

Personally, I know three people who have lost considerable weight using this drug. They seem happy with the results, each shedding approximately 30 lbs. each. The positive effects cannot be denied. My friends seem happy with their new and improved bodies.

Yet, each of these people have taken this drug for weeks – with no signs of stopping. That is the problem. Everything I’ve read suggests that it should be taken only for a limited time, as it can be addicting. If you think about it, why would you want to exchange a few extra pounds for an addiction to a powerful drug?

Because I could lose a few pounds, I asked one of my friends to give me a tablet, so that I could assess its effects on the body. I tried this experiment on a Saturday morning, when I did not have to work, and when I did not have to drive anywhere. About an hour after taking the pill, I broke out into a horrible sweat. Then I felt as if I had had a few drinks…mellow and relaxed.

Yes, the medication did dull my appetite, but its other effects intensified throughout the course of the day. I felt dizzy; I could not concentrate; I talked and talked…basically, I felt like a different person. What was really scary was when my tongue felt very heavy in the afternoon. When this happened, I had to lie down. At this point I realized how dumb I had been to take someone else’s medication!

When I felt better, I did some more research on phentermine. According to the Livestrong web site, this medication “…is closely related to amphetamines, and it has many of the same side effects, ranging from milder symptoms, such as dry mouth and gastrointestinal disturbances to high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, tremors, shortness of breath and chest pain.” (Did I already mention that I regretted my decision to take another person’s medication?)

From this foolish experiment I learned that this drug is nothing to be played with! It made me feel like a different person, which makes me worry about my friends even more. How long will they stay on it, and when they stop, will they have withdrawal symptoms?

Sure, we all want to have slim, trim bodies, but is taking such a powerful drug worth the associated risks? If you are obese, it is best to discuss weight loss options with your family physician. Resist the urge to go to the “fly by night” weight loss doctors who promise a quick fix by giving B-12 injections and phentermine prescriptions.

And never, ever, take someone else’s prescription (even if it seems harmless!) I learned that the hard way.

Although medications or “wonder drugs” (as you may have heard them called) can be essential to a healthy life, I think everyone will agree that there are also drugs that people abuse. These drugs include everything from steroids to heroin to marijuana to inhalants.

Drug abuse doesn’t limit itself to adults either. It’s a sad fact; countless teens use these drugs for the wrong purposes. Although drug abuse among this age group is decreasing, many still choose to abuse. In fact, one organization, Teen First Aid, states that 12% of 8th graders use marijuana!

A new publication from Scholastic, in conjunction with the scientists of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, outlines the effects of different drugs on a teenager’s body.

First and foremost, people need to understand that a teen’s body suffers greatly from drug abuse. According to the poster, Drugs and the Body – It Isn’t Pretty, the following are effects on the teen brain caused by specific drugs:

Inhalants – Can shrink the part of the brain that controls movement.
Marijuana – Can impair short-term memory
Methamphetamine – Can change the actual structure of the brain, altering emotion, memory and motivation.
Ecstasy – Negatively affects serotonin (mood).

Of course the brain isn’t the only part of a teen’s body that suffers from drug abuse. The heart, skin, immune system, liver, kidney, lungs, and even the bones are negatively affected.

Here is a sampling of some of those effects, and the drugs that cause them:

Ecstasy – Increases risk kidney failure.
Steroids – Keeps bones from growing.
Marijuana – Coats the lungs in a sticky substance.
Tobacco (chewing) – Can lead to cancers of the mouth, gum disease, and decaying teeth.
Inhalants – Disrupt normal heart rhythms.
Cocaine – Causes heart attacks.
Needle-sharing – Can transmit HIV infection.

In addition to using the drugs listed above, thousands of teens across the country abuse prescription medication. NIDA for Teens describes prescription drug abuse as “…when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else or takes their own prescription in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed. Abuse can include taking a friend’s or relative’s prescription…”

This growing trend – to abuse prescription drugs – is spreading like wild fire. The same source above states that “in 2008, 1.9 million youth (or 7.7 percent) age 12 to 17 abused prescription drugs…”

As I said in the beginning, medications do save lives, but they can also negatively affect the lives of the teens who abuse them.

Thankfully, during the last two hundred years, scientists have developed drugs to treat a host of maladies. If you think about it, antibiotics alone have not only relieved pain and suffering, these drugs have saved countless lives.

Why, then, do many people resist or even fear medication?

I have a perfect example: my mother. A strong woman, my mom is battling cancer for the fourth time in 15 years; however, although drugs have literally extended her life, she remains leery of even the most basic medicines.

During her latest round of chemo, she became violently ill.  After investigating the situation, I found out she hadn’t taken her anti-nausea medication, because she wanted to see if she could “do without it.” The results of not taking her pills as prescribed by her doctor lead to two days of misery. We had a long talk, and she agreed to take the medication the right way next time.

People suffering from mental illness also resist the idea of using drugs to improve their quality of life. Although they suffer from debilitating depression, they let preconceived notions that they are “weak” or that they should “buck up” dictate whether they seek help or not. I am sure you know someone or have heard of someone who was doing great on anti-depressants only to stop taking them, because the medicine had worked – they felt fine!

It is true, some types of depression may be only temporary, such as at a time of loss, but if a person has suffered repeated bouts of melancholy, they should seriously consider taking the medicine for the rest of their lives (or as long as the doctor advises).

The media has not helped either. Athletes suffer injuries, and they sometimes become addicted to pain medication. The press focuses on these cases, dissecting them from every angle, so much so that the “normal” American becomes fearful of becoming addicted to pain medication as well.  If you think about it, many people have suffered needles pain, because of this unfounded fear. If a patient in pain takes the medication as prescribed, the chances of addiction are minimal.

I also know several men who refuse to use ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relief medications. I don’t think they fear taking the medicine itself, they fear being seen as less manly for accepting help. What these men don’t realize, however, is that they need to accept the remedy in order to feel better more quickly.

Some say we live in a pill-popping society. I say medications, when used as prescribed, increase the quality of human life tremendously.

Think about it. It is very common today to be on several medications at one time. You may suffer from high blood pressure and depression, but did you know that some of the drugs used to treat those conditions may cause dizziness? And what can dizziness do to you? You could fall! As you can see, it is important to talk with both your doctor and your pharmacist about possible interactions between the medicines you are taking.

Other drug interactions have been proven as well. One medication that many Americans take in prescription form is Coumadin. Those that take this medication need to be aware that they should not consume any other medication or substance that will thin the blood (unless under the strict care and observation by a physician). If one unknowingly takes Coumadin with another type of blood thinner, the results could be disastrous.

It is also important to READ the prescribing information included when you fill any new prescription. Sometimes it may seem unnecessary to do so, yet you need to take care of yourself, and reading about the medication helps to give you a clear view of what it can do to your body. If you have trouble understanding any of the materials given to you, do not hesitate to ask for help. Again, you must remember that you are in charge of your own health.

A final way to be your own best advocate is to become familiar with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. This wonderful site will also assist you in understanding your medications. As you can guess, it contains valuable information on medications available to consumers today. And if you have lost the material that came with your prescription, the FDA offers these medication guides in a free, downloadable form. Here’s what they have to say about these guides:

“Medication Guides are paper handouts that come with many prescription medicines. The guides address issues that are specific to particular drugs and drug classes, and they contain FDA-approved information that can help patients avoid serious adverse events.”

There are approximately three billion prescriptions written each year in the United States. This fact from the FDA proves that millions of Americans rely on medication to live healthy, full lives. Be your own “best advocate,” and vow to learn all about your medications, their side effects, and how they interact with one another.

Questions for Your Doctor
1. Why do I need to take this medication?
2. Can I change the way I eat and/or how much I exercise instead of taking this new medicine?
3. How will this new medicine help me?

The scary part is that while many of these “rogue” websites look professional, they are actually providing medications that can negatively affect the health of people who ingest them. For example, these sites have been known to sell unapproved drugs, drugs that contain the wrong ingredients, drugs that contain too much or too little of an ingredient, or drugs that contain dangerous ingredients.

Consider the research the FDA conducted surrounding Internet orders for the following drugs:

• Ambien (zolpidem tartrate)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate)
• Ativan (lorazepam)

During their investigation they found that, “instead of receiving the drug they ordered, several customers received products containing what was identified as foreign versions of Haldol (haloperidol), a powerful anti-psychotic drug. As a result, these customers needed emergency medical treatment for symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, muscle spasms, and muscle stiffness—all problems that can occur with haloperidol.”

Since purchasing medications over the Internet can sometimes save both time and money, how can a consumer make sure to protect him or herself? Fortunately, the FDA provides the following guidelines for picking trustworthy websites over untrustworthy ones.

Signs of a trustworthy website:

• It’s located in the United States.
• It’s licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the website is operating. A list of these boards is available at the website of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
• It has a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions.
• It requires a prescription for prescription medicines from your doctor or another health care professional who is licensed to prescribe medicines.
• It provides contact information and allows you to talk to a person if you have problems or questions.

Another way to check on a website is to look for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites™ Seal, also known as the VIPPS® Seal.

Signs of an unsafe website

• It sends you drugs with unknown quality or origin.
• It gives you the wrong drug or another dangerous product for your illness.
• It doesn’t provide a way to contact the website by phone.
• It offers prices that are dramatically lower than the competition.
• It may offer to sell prescription drugs without a prescription—this is against the law!
• It may not protect your personal information.

If you are elderly or live in a remote area of the county, online pharmacies may be the answer for you; however, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Also, follow the guidelines above presented by the FDA above to make sure you don’t invest in fake – or even stolen – drugs.

MS is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own tissues – in this case the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS can vary widely, but some of the most common include fatigue, bladder control problems, numbness in the extremities, balance problems, and even blurred vision.

Although there are four types of MS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that relapsing-remitting is the most common type. Approximately 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS, while 10–15 percent are diagnosed with progressive forms. Basically this means that many people who learn they have MS cope with episodes of worsening symptoms (relapsing), followed by periods of improvement (remitting).

For these people, preventing “episodes” from returning is an important goal. Copaxone, then, offers hope in keeping these individuals healthier longer.

Much like the shots that diabetics use, copaxone comes in pre-filled syringes. The needle is placed just under the skin then the drug is injected. From start to finish, the process takes about one minute. Although the process sounds simple, there are key things to remember about copaxone shots:

1. Correct storage is mandatory – the medication (shots) must be kept in the refrigerator.
2. Timing is important – shots must be given at the same time each day.
3. Rotation of injection sites is essential – each day a different section of the body is injected (according to directions from the company).
4. Continuation is crucial – shots must not be skipped, and the medication will be continued for the long haul.

Teva’s Shared Solutions website states that the drug works “…with the immune system to change the way it reacts to MS by both preventing harmful immune cells from developing and simultaneously stimulating the production of beneficial immune cells in your body. These “good” COPAXONE®-activated cells then enter the CNS and help reduce inflammation and damage at the site of lesions.”

Common side effects of the drug include redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain; however, as with all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, copaxone has been the subject of rigorous studies to make sure it is both safe and effective. Teva boasts that the “Effectiveness of COPAXONE® has also been proven in the longest continuous, open-label, prospective study ever conducted of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)—15 years and counting.”

One of the best aspects of copaxone is that once a patient is prescribed the medication, Shared Solutions helps every step of the way, from teaching the patient and loved ones how to give injections, to on-going support. The company also offers a comprehensive web site, an informative newsletter, and even local educational events.

RRMS may be scary, yet the medication copaxone offers hope to many sufferers. Not only does the drug have a record of success, the side effects are fairly mild. Although most people don’t like shots, the minor discomfort shots cause is nothing compared to what MS episodes can do to your body.

The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (CTRI) explains that Chantix is a prescription-only medication that helps smokers quit in two ways. The medication blocks some of the rewarding effects of nicotine (the addictive drug in tobacco products), and at the same time it tackles the withdrawal most people feel after they quit.

Easing withdrawal symptoms can certainly boost the morale of someone who is desperately trying to quit. Many describe that what they need from a prescription medication is something to take the edge off. Also, by taking away some of the positive effects of nicotine, it follows that smokers should lessen their dependence on the nicotine high.

Chantix, as stated above, must be prescribed by your doctor. It is a series of pills taken over a period of twelve weeks. The company recommends that the full twelve weeks be finished, even if a person can quit in the first few weeks. Also stressed was the fact that doses should be taken after eating, with a full 8 ounce glasses of water.

As with any medication, there are side effects. Using Chantix can cause nausea, skin problems, allergic reactions, and sleep problems; however, the most controversial side effect concerns changes in behavior.

CNN Money states that “The FDA and manufacturer on Jan. 17, 2008 added a warning for healthcare providers to use caution prescribing Chantix for patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and to monitor all patients using Chantix for psychological symptoms.” What this means is that some people who take Chantix may commit suicide.

But what about the drug’s effectiveness? A study funded by Pfizer, and conducted by Dr. Douglas Jorenby of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, shows that during the twelve weeks that patients were on the drug a little less than half were able to quit smoking. This seems positive, but after one year the number of smokers who have still quit falls by half to roughly one in four.

What a person who wants to quit smoking must remember is that breaking the addiction to nicotine is hard. It has even been compared to breaking an addiction to heroin. Nicotine is that powerful.

CTRI states that “there’s no magic medication to cure addiction to nicotine; however, medications can increase your chances of quitting two- or three-fold.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Chantix for use by Americans. This says a lot, as they are a trusted institution, one that looks out for the well-being of citizens. Those struggling to quit smoking may find success with this medication.
It all comes down to weighing the benefits against your particular risk factors. Therefore, it’s important to discuss any medication with your doctor to be sure you’re using it safely, at the correct dosage and for the appropriate duration. And if you decide to use Chantix, any unusual changes in behavior need to be reported to the doctor immediately.

But there are a few responsibilities that consumers need to understand when choosing to medicate their ills with these wonder drugs.

First, medications need to be kept out of the hands of children. Most people remember to do this when they have little ones at home. They keep medicines in high cabinets and they rely on child proof caps. This works to keep young children from ingesting prescription pills or liquids; however, there is a new trend brewing. Older children, including middle school age, are now experimenting with prescription medications. In fact, there is a growing trend around the country, called “pill parties.”

As you can imagine, if a young person ingests medications not prescribed to him or her specifically, the results could be disastrous. Last year in a small community in Wisconsin, one child died because he took pills that were given to him by his peers. This is not an isolated incident; it is happening across the nation. To combat this alarming trend, keep your pills out of reach of children of ALL ages.

Another responsibility that consumers need to be aware of is that outdated or unused medications should never be washed down the sink or flushed down the toilet. The reason is simple; they contaminate the ground water. This shocking fact is troubling. Most of us think that our water is purified at wastewater treatment facilities, and this is true; however, some of these medicines still find their way into our ground water supply. Who wants hormones, or any of the other medications, in our drinking water? No one!

To dispose of medications properly, take advantage of one of the many “drug drop offs” spots around the country. Health departments, police departments, and other agencies are now holding drug round-ups to take old and unused medications back from consumers. If you can’t find a drug drop off near you, you can dispose of medications in coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed bag in your trash.

A final responsibility that the public needs to be aware of is that all medication should be taken according to the directions. This is especially important with antibiotics. Many of us have gone to the doctor for treatment for a terrible cold, flu, or sinus infection, and we are glad to receive an anti-biotic to fight off the infection. Sometimes, though, we stop taking the medication once we start to feel better. This is a mistake. It helps to create strong “bugs” that can become drug resistant. So, even if the medication lasts for 14 days, and a patient feels better on day 8, he or she should continue taking all the medicine to completely kill the organism causing the illness.

Medications remain a tool to help us feel better, to make our lives easier and less painful. Thank goodness these wonder drugs exist! But with any medication, remember your responsibilities as well. 1. Keep medications away from ALL children, from infants to teens. 2. Dispose of your medications properly. 3. Take ALL of your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. By doing these three simple things, we can all avoid pill peril.

Depression during the holiday season is as rough as it gets. There is really nothing anyone can do to relieve depression besides taking an effective drug because depression often takes time to really diminish.

Pristiq is the brand name for desvenlafaxine, or  O-desmethylvenlafaxine. It is an antidepressant and is developed and marketed by Weyth, a part of one of the largest pharmaceuticals and healthcare manufacturing companies in the world. Weyth is famous for manufacturing over-the-counter medicine (OTC) Robitussin and Ibuprofen.

Pristiq is most effective when treating a major depressive disorder. It is used orally. However, the drug can also be used to treat many similar depression symptoms like panic disorder, repeated episodes of anxiety, extreme apprehension, and “change of life” signs. Pristiq is usually taken only once a day but it could vary according to doctor’s order. Also, dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. You can take this medication with food or without food, but do not crush, chew or dissolve this in water. The most essential thing  is that you need to start taking the drug at low doses and slowly increase so you can reduce side effects. It is also important to keep taking the drug when you start to feel well because sudden stops can result in side effects like mood swings, headaches, tiredness, sleep changes, and mild shocks.

It is important to consult your doctor every step of way during this drug-taking process, and it may take several weeks to fully receive the full benefit of it.

There’s also a more natural, less expensive treatment that can help — the hormone melatonin. This is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and sets the circadian rhythm of sleep and waking. It’s for sale in capsule form in stores and online.

A study funded by the NIMH found that most symptoms of SAD were caused by the body getting “out-of-sync with the sun” in winter. Melatonin was a logical choice to try re-setting them.

It did work, researchers found, combined with light therapy — but both treatments had to happen at the right time of day.

A person’s rhythms are considered in sync when his pineal gland starts secreting melatonin about six hours before the middle of his night’s sleep. In most of the 68 SAD sufferers taking part in the study, the interval was shorter than six hours, suggesting it had been thrown off by the shortening of the days in winter. A few of the subjects had longer intervals.

All the subjects had light therapy in the mornings. The ones with longer intervals also took melatonin in the mornings. The subjects with shorter intervals took it in the afternoons.

The NIMH says this “more than doubled their improvement in depression scores”, compared to the control groups, who got a placebo or simply took melatonin at a less optimal time.

Melatonin has potential as a future treatment for SAD.

NyQuil is an over-the-counter medicine manufactured by Proctor & Gamble, and is the counterpart of DayQuil, both of which are used to treat various symptoms of a cold and the flu. NyQuil is usually taken just before going to bed, yes, like the commercial says. (And yes, commercials sometimes do provide some useful information instead of using attractive models that you must watch without anybody talking.) NyQuil contains sedating antihistamines, hypnotics, and alcohol, so they must be taken before bedtime unless you are a vampire who goes to sleep during the day. DayQuil, the counterpart, does not contain sedating antihistamines, which reduces drowsiness for a typical user.

NyQuil has two basic forms: liquid and capsules. The liquid form was first tested in 1966 and was first put into production 1968. The capsules form was first introduced in the pharmaceutical field in the late 1980s. There are various product sold under NyQuil, NyQuil Cold/Flu Multisymptom Relief, NyQuil D, NyQuil Cough, and NyQuil Sinus. The typical NyQuil products contain 500 mg of acetaminophen, which reduces and relieves pain, 15 mg of Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant, and 6.25 mg of Doxylamine succinate, which is an antihistamine.

NyQuil can treat many symptoms of the cold and flu, but it can only provide temporary relief to many of the cold symptoms. It can usually treat cough, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pain, fever, runny nose, and sneezing. Adults are advised to only take two teaspoons every six hours and not take more than 4 times in 24 hours. But for a child, parents need to ask a doctor before taking either the pill or the liquid form.

Besides its side effects of drowsiness and excitement for children, it is a pretty good way to relieve people’s cold and let them get on with their lives.

Aleve is actually the brand name for over-the-counter sales in local pharmacy and grocery stores. Aleve is actually called Naproxen Sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used commonly for fever, cold, and headaches. While Aleve has been known to treat flu symptoms effectively, it also has a great deal of range in treating other areas of pains. Aleve is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, and menstrual cramps.

Naproxen was originally marketed as a prescription drug beginning in 1976 in the initial production of the medicine. It was sold under the name of Anaprox in 1980 but because of its effectiveness and its desirability, it was soon moved to a drug that could be sold over-the-counter. It was sold under the name Aleve, and marketed by Bayer Healthcare, beginning in 1994. In 1994, Aleve was approved by the United States’ Food and Drug Agency (FDA) as it allowed the product to be sold over-the-counter. Nowadays, everyone can get the medicine for a relative low price over-the-counter to relieve his or her respective flu symptoms.

Anyone can take Aleve over the age of 5, as it can no longer pose danger for little kids. Consumers should take one Aleve caplet every 8-12 hours while symptoms last and they should take it with a full glass of water. If pain or symptoms of flu are not reduced within 30 minutes, consumers may take a second caplet in the first hour. Consumers are urged not to exceed two caplets in any 8-12 hour period, and not to exceed three caplets in any 24-hour period.

Aleve is great medicine to relieve flu symptoms if you happen to miss your flu shots. But remember, you missed it because you chose to be lazy, which is the American Way.

Tamiflu, or rather Oseltamivir, is an antiviral drug that can stop the influenza virus (flu) from spreading between the cells in the body. The drug stops the virus from spreading by chemically cutting ties with its host cell, and it can relieve symptoms of flu in as quickly as half a day. It can also help prevent influenza in people who may be exposed to it but not yet contracted. Oseltamivir was developed by C.U. Kim, W. Lew, and X. Chen of the United States-based Gilead Sciences. It is currently marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) as a drug sold under the name Tamiflu. Tamiflu has treated over 500 million people since 1999 to prevent Influenza virus A and B infections.

Tamiflu can be used by anyone who is over the age of 1. When used to treat flu symptoms, take every 12 hours for 5 days. When used to prevent flu symptoms, take every 24 hours for 10 days. People who have heart, kidney, and liver disease are not allowed to take Tamiflu. However, this doesn’t mean that the Tamiflu can be the substitute for an annual flu shot. So, for the lazy folk out there: go get a flu shot.

Now, unfortunately we have to look at Tamiflu with the glass half-empty. Tamiflu does have side-effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. And, yes, for the last couple of years, Tamiflu have been shown ineffective when it comes to treating H1N1.

There are some questions concerning treating H1N1 when speaking of Tamiflu, but Tamiflu is pretty good when it comes to treating flu and preventing flu as the medication has served over 500 million world wide. Hopefully Tamiflu can treat and prevent flu symptoms effectively. But most importantly, maybe Tamiflu can stop some of the shouting.

Additionally, garlic has been credited with both antiviral and antifungal properties. Garlic was used by Albert Schweitzer – noted physician, musician, philosopher and Nobel Peace Prize winner – to treat cholera and typhus. Informal studies have shown garlic to be an effective antifungal when treating recurring yeast infections and other fungus-related ailments such as candida albicans. Interestingly, while pharmaceutical antibiotics have been known to promote candida growth in the intestines, it appears that fresh garlic does not.

Consumption of garlic also increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and reduces blood pressure, making it effective in the fight against heart disease. By improving blood circulation and increasing blood vessel elasticity, garlic can also help those with circulatory problems. This can reduce the risk of stroke, but this blood-thinning quality of garlic also slows down clotting time and increases bleeding in open wounds.

Fresh garlic and garlic powder have also been clinically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Reduction of swelling and many of the other medicinal attributes of garlic are most likely related to the sulphur compounds in the plant. Sulphur-containing phytochemicals in garlic, such as allicin, ajoene and diallyl sulphate are what give the plant its healing abilities. They are also responsible for the smell. Therefore, it is probable that some of the odorless garlic supplements available may not be as effective as fresh garlic for medicinal use.

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Getting another ice storm like the one that took New England by surprise last year seems unlikely. Realistically, however, we should be ready if such a disaster were to occur again. This winter doesn’t seem any nicer than last; are you prepared?

The Airborne that my roommate uses comes in a tablet format that you are supposed to dissolve in 4-6 ounces of hot or cold water. I personally think they taste good without the water (I will admit that I have licked the tablet before putting it in a glass) but that the taste is a little weak when it is dissolved–as if it were water with a small squeeze of lime. However, there are different flavors such as Zesty Orange, Lemon-Lime, Pink Grapefruit, and Very Berry.

What is in Airborne that makes it such an immune system booster? Well this dietary supplement has so much packed into one tablet that I do not even know where to begin. It is a special blend of zinc, ginger, echinacea and 13 other vitamins, minerals and herbs. Some of the vitamins it contains are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It also contains selenium, manganese, magnesium, riboflavin, amino acids, and more.  It has also been studied by scientific studies and medical journals and has been shown to support the immune system. It is safe and meets the rigorous safety standards of the Dietary Health and Supplement Act (DSHEA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

You can get Airborne at a variety of stores such as Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, BJ’s, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and more. The average price for a pack of 12 tablets is seven dollars. It may be mental, but I do believe that Airborne is a great natural way to help boost your immune system when you are starting to feel sick.

After a brand name of a medicine comes out, patent laws keep the company financially protected for some time, but generic versions follow shortly and are often much more affordable. Because of the FDA, a generic product will be as strong and as affective as a brand name product as long as the active ingredients and dosage sizes are the same. If the generic product has been approved by the FDA, a consumer should be confident that it is the same quality as a brand name product.

The classic example here is ibuprofen tablets. Advil and Motrin are both very popular brand names for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen. The only difference between the two products and any other product that is ibuprofen is simply the name, and possibly the dosage size. The actual composition of ibuprofen is always the same if the substance is pure; it’s a fact of chemistry.

It is wise to shop around, when possible. Consumer Reports determined that the same drug can vary up to $100 from store to store! Trying to save money on prescriptions is sometimes necessary, but one should never resort to dangerous options such as skipping prescriptions or sharing prescriptions. The best choice you can make is to ask your doctor if there are cheaper, equally affective options. The answer is often yes.

However, Philips Healthcare has announced new “intelligent pill technology”.  The iPill has the ability to measure the amount of acid in the digestive tract.  When the pill reaches the location that has the correct acidity level, the medication is released.

Another feature of the iPill noted on Philips’ website is that “the capsule is designed to measure local temperature, and report measurements wirelessly to an external receiver unit.”

To read the full article about this advance in medicine, click here.

Did you know that every year (on average), 5%-20% of the United State’s population gets the flu while more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and 36,000 people die from the flu.

What is the flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and it can cause death. In order to protect yourself from this serious disease, you need to take certain precautions.

One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination. You should get your yearly flu vaccination around September or whenever your hospital first offers it. There are two types of vaccination. One is called the flu shot. This is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle. The other is the nasal-spray flu vaccine which is made with live, weakened flu viruses that can be given to people 2-49 years old who are healthy and not pregnant.

You should not be vaccinated if you are allergic to chicken eggs, if you have had reactions to influenza vaccinations before, if you have the Guillain-Barre syndrome, if you are less than six months old, or if you are sick.

Being vaccinated is important because it is fairly easy to catch this disease. It is spread person to person via coughing and sneezing. People can infect others even one day before the symptoms develop and even 5 days after you become sick–so you must be careful. For instance, maintain healthy habits, such as washing your hands frequently.

Some of the symptoms of the flu include: fever, headaches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches, or various stomach symptoms. Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Is your dry mouth related to the antibiotics, or a new symptom? Can you drink milk with your statin medication? Can you take your anti-inflammatory with your iron supplement?

What about herbal remedies and vitamins? You can purchase these over the counter, but the FDA doesn’t require them to be labeled the same way prescription medications are. It’s also possible that the ginger you are taking for gout will work against the ulcer medication you’re taking for heartburn.

Fortunately, any information you need is a simple mouse-click away. Most major pharmaceutical companies have websites full of information, and even interactive forms for reporting adverse reactions.  Some sites have a good amount of human growth hormone information.

Be an informed consumer, and bookmark this list of links when you need to check out your supplements and medications!

RxList – A large database of prescription medications, it also includes a “pill identifier” button. Click on “Consumer” for information; “Advanced Consumer” will give you the actual chemical structure and other details directed towards professionals.

Vitamin Encyclopedia – This is a commercial site but has loads of information on all things vitamin, including recommended daily allowances, therapeutic doses, and symptoms of overdose. It’s easy to navigate by vitamin or mineral name. The only drawback is each vitamin page contains links to purchase related products at the bottom; be a savvy consumer and do plenty of research before purchasing vitamins and supplements!

Herbal Encyclopedia - Similar to the Vitamin Encyclopedia, and also includes lists of dangerous interactions.

Drugs.com – The most comprehensive and easy to use of all prescription sites. Also contains a drug interaction checker, news, pill identifier, and more.