Monday, June 30, 2008

Avandia Side Effects - Diabetes, PPH and Hypoglycemia


First approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 to treat type II, or adult onset diabetes, Avandia became one of the most popular drugs for the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. It works by allowing the body to use insulin it produces to control the levels of blood sugar in the liver and prevent the serious and potentially fatal aspects of this condition that affects almost 16 million adults in the United States.

Unfortunately, Avandia has been linked to a number of serious side effects of its own. From as early as 2003, medical experts at the Mayo Clinic discovered that Avandia was linked to six cases of congestive heart failure in elderly men undergoing treatment for type II diabetes. These men experienced symptoms of weight gain, swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs, which all occur when the heart can no longer pump blood through the circulatory system which can cause fluid build up in the body.

Liver problems are also associated with Avandis. It can possibly result in jaundice (or the yellowing of eyes and skin due to the build up of bilirubin in the body), fatigue, vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea.

Avandis is also suspected of causing a condition called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, or PPH. PPH is caused when blood vessels narrow which then increase blood pressure. High blood pressure can result in a number of serious complications such as shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, and even heart failure.

Additionally, Avandis is linked to hypoglycemia, or the lack of sugar in the blood. Without blood sugar the body cannot function, and can cause a number of extremely dangerous side effects to occur such as accelerated heart rate, headache, sweating, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

GlaxoSmithKline, along with the FDA, sent a letter to healthcare professionals in December 2005 to alert them about the possibility of peripheral edema (swelling of the extremities) and macular edema (the buildup of fluid and protein in the eye that can severely impair vision.)

You can buy Avandia here

.
Praestat's weblog

What is Dutasteride And Avodart and How Does It Help Treat Hair Loss?


Dutasteride is a so-called second generation dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor produced by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Like Finasteride (Propecia), it was developed to treat the enlargement of the prostate gland in men known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As was the case during Merck's Finasteride testing back in the 1990s, Dutasteride's beneficial effects on hair loss became apparent during GlaxoSmithKline's clinical trials of the drug as a treatment for BPH. Dutasteride was granted FDA approval as a drug to treat BPH and appeared on the market in 2003 branded as Avodart. For the purposes of treating BPH, the recommended dose is a 0.5 mg soft gel capsule once daily. It is important to note that at this stage, Dutasteride has not been approved by the FDA for the purposes of treating hair loss. If this ever occurs, like Finasteride it will only be approved for use by men.

In a repeat of the history of Finasteride's development as a hair loss drug, GlaxoSmithKline set about conducting trials into the use of Dutasteride, their own DHT inhibitor, for the same purposes. However, the company shelved their plans for a drug to rival Finasteride in the market for hair loss treatments after phase 2 trials of Dutasteride had been completed. It is not clear why they didn't go through with a final phase of testing the drug in preparation for its approval as a hair loss treatment but it has been speculated that market forces were responsible. The company had been going through a number of mergers which may have had an impact on continuity in decision making among their various divisions. In addition to this, Finasteride, while already established on the market as an effective hair loss treatment, had not been meeting Wall Street's profit expectations. This may have been due to negative publicity surrounding the potential side effects of the drug as far as sex drive and sexual performance were concerned.

Dutasteride is a dual DHT inhibitor, meaning that it acts on both type I and type II of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Results have shown that its use can lead to a 93% reduction in the conversion of testosterone into DHT in the body, much higher than the inhibiting ability of Finasteride. It is possible that executives at GlaxoSmithKline were uneasy about the fact that because their DHT inhibitor was more powerful than Finasteride, despite the fact that this led to increased benefits as far as hair loss were concerned, the drug might be too strong for a nervous market in which Finasteride was already underperforming.

Although not confirmed, the final phase of Dutasteride testing may once again be underway. In the meantime it has begun to be prescribed off-label for some men hoping that its powers to inhibit DHT will help them retain or grow back more of their hair than Finasteride is capable of achieving for them. Because its side effects may be more severe and neither the dosage nor the long term impact of the drug for the purposes of hair loss have been approved by the FDA however, there are many reasons to be wary about the use of Dutasteride in this way.

Still, this could be the next systemic drug to be approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. If you are impatient and willing to take the risk, a 0.5 mg soft gel will currently cost you $2-3 per dose with a prescription. Beware however that it is not possible to easily divide a soft gel capsule into smaller quantities the way Finasteride users have been able to cut up larger doses of Proscar originally intended to treat BPH. Also, considering the fact that studies have shown that Dutasteride remains in the body for up to 240 hours (as opposed to 6-8 for Finasteride) after being taken, and that in some cases DHT was at only 25% of its normal levels up to a year after ceasing to take the drug, you might want to think seriously about those uncharted side effects. As with Finasteride, Dutasteride should never be handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

You can buy Avodart here

.
Redwizard's weblog

The Tale of TB


Since time immemorial, tuberculosis has been one of humanity's greatest nemesis. The earliest of human civilizations have suffered tremendous wrecks from this dreadful and fatal disease. Mummies from Egypt beginning 2400 BCE are proofs of the long-enduring curse of tuberculosis. Even the ancient Greece have their share of tuberculosis plague. It is from Greek literature that the word phthisis, which means consumption, was first discovered. It was prevalent that Hippocrates called it as the most fatal disease of their time.

The bacteria by the name of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the identified cause of tuberculosis. More popularly known as TB, tuberculosis is misconceived by many as a disease exclusive to the lungs. While it mainly affects the lungs, some body parts, or almost every body part actually, can be affected by TB. The central nervous system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, genitourinary system, bones, and joints are just some other body parts that can be harmed by TB.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an aerobis bacterium that grows slowly that it takes 16 to 20 hours to divide. When this bacteria is inhaled, it settles around the lung area and its eventual multiplication leads to pneumonia. Lymph nodes connected to the lungs can also be affected by the infection. These lymph nodes become enlarged and its normal healthy processes gets badly affected. The bacteria that causes TB is highly probable to spread around the nearby areas and can reach other body parts as well. As a natural response to any bacteria, the human body's immune system would act by producing scar tissues (fibrosis) to fence the bacteria in the hope of containing its spread. The main goal of our body's immune system's response is to isolate the bacteria from the other tissues and organs of our body. If a person's immune system succeeds in doing so, the disease may be made inactive. People whose immune system successfully mitigates the spread of the bacteria generally show no signs and symptoms of the infection. However, constant production of fibrosis can lead to yet another bad effect. When massive deposits of calcium go to the scar tissues, calcification, the lymph nodes, and the scar tissues are likely to harden like stone.

The success of our body's immune system on quelling or at least, containing the harmful effects of the bacteria lies on the assumption that it remains well and healthy. But if our body's immune system is deteriorated by other factors or infections, TB bacteria is very well able of escaping the fences of the scar tissues and proceed with its natural way of living-- replication and invasion of other body parts. When this happens, pneumonia is very likely to happen again and again. Worse and highly probable, the bacteria may invade the kidneys, bone, spinal cord, and brain lining.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is characterized by its staining capabilities. Even if the bacteria is treated, it can leave some strains especially if it had been treated with an acidic solution.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has three other myobacteria-- M.microti, M.bovis, and M.africanum-- that can cause tuberculosis. There are also other myobacteria (nontuberculous myobacteria) that can cause TB-like pulmonary diseases, skin disease, and lymphadenitis.

The primary mode of transmission is the inhalation of infected air exhaled by a TB carrier. The bacteria is transported outside the lungs and mix with the air everytime a TB-infected person sneezes, spits, coughs, or even shouts. People at a close distance can then easily get easily get the bacteria and get infected.

When the TB infection is active, one that has not been contained by scar tissues, a number of symptoms can easily manifest. Patients with an active TB infection show symptoms of poor general health condition, noticeable weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If the lungs get so infected, chest pain, coughing up of sputum and/or blood, and poor breathing generally occur.

A combination of Myambutol, Rifadin, pyrazinamide, together with isoniazid is the most common treatment for TB infections that are active and progressive. In cases of patients not being able to comply with oral medications, injection of Streptomycin is given. The duration and intensity of medication depends on how grave or serious the case already is. Patients who had an early detection of the infection are more likely to be cured immediately than those at late detection.

You can buy Myambutol here

.
Syria's weblog

Using Pheromones To Attract Women


Pheromones have been identified in every species from reptiles to insects as sex attractants. Essentially, pheromones are subliminal sex signals. A specific structure situated in the nose's interior known as the VNO (Vomeronasal Organ) senses these invisible and odorless pheromone molecules that are produced through sweat or urine. However, the VNO organ is present in only about 4/5th of the human race. Some scientists have explained that the organ may be redundant because it has been ignored over the centuries. However, some seem to think otherwise.

Pheromone signals that are detected by the organ are sent through specific nerves to the "hypothalamus" - a part of the brain known for its propensity to alter one's hormones, emotions, reproduction and sexual behavior.

Can pheromones make a person more attractive is the question. The answer is - maybe. Researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Utah discovered that pheromones could alter breathing, heart rate, mood, and body temperature; whether or not they can make someone attractive has yet to be found.

The problem is most people wash off naturally occurring odors. They also use cologne and perfumes. However, certain companies (Pherx.com for example) have succeeded in capturing pheromones in a bottle. These companies have established that everyone emits pheromones; some just happen to do so more than others. However they are very minimal and not detectable by women's VMOs.

The pheromones captured in bottles are not that of humans, they are chemically synthesized to imitate human pheromone emissions. Some pheromone manufacturers use naturally occurring pheromones from deer or pigs, but then those would be effective in attracting only that species.

You can buy Women Attracting Pheromones here

.
Blackguard's weblog

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Colchicine Recall - Colchicine Side Effects & Colchicine Lawsuits


Drug manufacturer ApotheCure and the Food and Drug Administration enacted an immediate recall of compounded Injectable Colchicine .5mg/ml, 4ml vials, lot number 20070122@26 due to three recent deaths in Oregon. ApotheCure, a pharmacy based in Texas, recently mistakenly made this batch of an already dangerous drug 10 times stronger than the label stated. Colchicine is an extremely toxic nitrogen-based medication used by doctors to treat a number of conditions such as:

• Gout: Gout is caused when uric acid builds up in the cartilage of the tendons or joints throughout the body, which inflames the tissues and results in immense pain. Colchicine gout treatment side effects are extremely dangerous unless the drug is administered carefully


• Secondary amyloidosis(AA): This condition occurs when protein deposits build up in the body


• Scleroderma: When collagen builds up the skin or other organs it can cause scleroderma, which can be fatal in some cases


• Familial Mediterranean fever: This autoimmune disease affects people with ancestry primarily from around the Mediterranean Sea, and affects a wide number of systems including the chest, lungs, skin, and abdomen.

This recall is very similar to a recall that occurred in 2000 when Phyne Pharmaceuticals of Scottsdale, Arizona accidentally labeled their injectable colchicine .5 mg/mL, but it was actually the far more potent and potentially fatal 5 mg/mL.

Three people in Oregon have already died due mislabeled compounded colchicine. Compounding is a process that pharmacies sometimes use to create medications for people that have certain conditions that prevent them from using standard drugs. ApotheCure Inc. compounded colchicine for the Oregon patients, but made it too strong. Colchicine is already extremely dangerous under the right conditions, but when it is used incorrectly it can be almost immediately life-threatening. ApotheCure Inc. initiated a recall in order to prevent more fatalities from occurring.

Colchicine poisoning side effects include:


• Fatigue


• Weakness


• Sore throat


• Rash


• Numbness


• Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of lips/face/tongue, closing of throat, difficulty breathing


• Unsuspected bleeding and bruising

The most serious colchicine side effects include:

• Fetal damage in pregnant women


• Anemia,


• Respiratory failure


• Kidney failure


• Death

You can buy Colchicine here

.
Playing Mantis's weblog

Indian Ginseng for Stress Relief - Ashwagandha


Ashwagandha, known as the Ginseng of India, is an exotic herb. Also known as Winter Cherry, it comes from the root of a tall branching shrub with yellow-green flowers, cultivated in India and North America. The shrub is called Withania Somnifera. Ashwagandha calms and strengthens the nervous system, promotes sleep, helps arthritis, relieves weakness and clears the mind. It is considered a promoter of good health and well being for the entire body, similar to other "ginsengs". However, unlike regular Ginseng, it has a sedative effect on the Central Nervous System. Regular Ginseng has a stimulant effect. Ashwagandha contains natural chemicals and flavonoids which calm the central nervous system and balance the systems in the body. It has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory as well, comparable to hydrocortisone. Ashwagandha contains the amino acids alanine, glycine, proline, tyrosine and valine which enhance brain function.

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in India as a folk medicine by Ayurvedic practitioners. It has undergone valid scientific testing and in a double-blind study in India, healthy males taking this Indian ginseng showed slowed signs of aging, less grey hair, lower serum cholesterol, and increased sexual performance. Indian scientists have also proven that Ashwagandha disrupts the ability of cancer cells to reproduce. Both skin and stomach cancer were slowed with its use. A test on rats in Germany showed that acetylcholine metabolism was affected in the brain by Ashwagandha. Acetylcholine is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain and is essential for good memory and cognitive abilities. A recent Japanese study showed that the compounds in Indian ginseng reduced the growth of colon, breast and lung cancer. In India, Ashwagandha is used to treat geriatric patients, amnesia and as an antioxidant treatment, since its use has shown to increase three antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Other studies showed that Ashwagandha has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties against such bacteria as Salmonella.

Ashwagandha may be taken daily. So far no dangerous side affects have been reported with use in moderate dosages, which is 2-6 grams daily. It should not be taken by pregnant women, with sedatives or illegal drugs. It comes in various forms such as powder, liquid, tablet and dried root. Many health food stores carry it.

You can buy Ashwagandha here

.
Nadya Cubillan's weblog

Friday, June 27, 2008

What Else Could My High Blood Pressure Medicine Treat?


What is the purpose of Lopressor pills?

Lopressor pills are prescribed for sometimes surprising conditions. Here are some.

1. To lower high blood pressure

Lopressor is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It can be taken on its own, or with other high blood pressure medicines. What Lopressor does is slow down the speed and strength with which the heart beats. Together, these two actions have the effect of reducing the amount of blood the heart pumps out, thus bringing down blood pressure.

And why bother with treating high blood pressure? Especially when it doesn't seem to be causing you any bother now? Because, untreated, it can develop into strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

2. To control angina (chest pain)

Lopressor offers doctors a way to treat angina over a long period of time. When Lopressor slows down the heart and lessens the strength of its contractions, the heart muscles don't work as hard and therefore need less oxygen. Angina comes about when the heart muscle is supplied with too little oxygen. So, in reducing the heart 's need for oxygen, Lopressor makes it harder for angina to happen.

Why would you want angina to go away? Because having angina means you are more likely to develop serious heart damage or have a heart attack.

3. To prevent further heart attacks

Again because it makes the heart work less and need less oxygen, Lopressor offers doctors a way to make heart attacks less likely to recur.

Heart attacks can have a devastating effect on our health and quality of life. They can even be deadly. Which is why it's important to ensure they don't happen again.

4. Irregular heartbeat

In health, the heart beats in an orderly, harmonious rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted, the heart beats irregularly. Often faster. Also, the force with which the heart beats becomes random - sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker. End result, the heart simply can't do its job of pumping blood through the body, properly. By blocking the nerves that speed up heart rate, Lopressor slows the heart down. That's why it's used to treat irregular (rapid) heartbeat.

Although having irregular heartbeats is, itself, not life-threatening, it is often quite alarming for the person experiencing them. It is worthwhile keeping an eye on it as it it can sometimes result in fainting, chest pain or congestive heart failure. But the big risk is having a stroke.

5. To prevent migraines.

Interestingly, Lopressor is often used to prevent migraines! No one is clear how, exactly, lopressor does this. It was purely by chance that this ability was noticed.

As we know, Lopressor works because it stands in the way of a particular group of nerves. Lots of these nerves lead to the heart , but they also go to the blood vessels and the brain. Perhaps Lopressor affects migraines simply because of that - location.

6. To relieve temporary anxiety.

7. To treat aggressive behaviour. This is rare.

You can buy Lopressor here

.
therealmonkey's weblog

The FAQs of High Blood Pressure Medication


If you have read anything about high blood pressure, you will know that unfortunately medical science hasn't been able to find a cure for high blood pressure and heart failure. However there are available many treatments that control the symptoms and Atacand medication is one of them. Atacand is one of the most effective treatments in reducing the suffering of patients with various tensions and heart problems.

Atacand medication specificity

For a patient to realize the full benefits of Atacand medication, the treatment needs to be given time to work as hypertension is a condition that can only be gradually improved. The treatment will have to be taken for at least a few weeks to see in any improvement. Once you feel better keep taking the medication as Atacand medication is not a cure it only helps to control the problem.

In addition, you should not rely solely on the medication to improve your condition. During the course of administration you will want to combine with a healthy life style. This means following a strict diet that is low in fats and sodium, and do sufficient amount of physical exercises to stimulate the heart's normal functions.

What is really important is not to miss the daily dosages that your doctor has instructed you to take. Normally Atacand medication is taken one a day, which can be with or without your meal. One tip that will make it easier to remember is if you take the drug at the same time every day so it becomes a routine. If you do forget administer as soon as possible, that is unless it is too close to the next scheduled dosage.

It is not likely that Atacand medication will work less well when combined with other drugs and there are not a lot of known side effects too. However if you are taking lithium and any supplements that have it as an ingredient then you need to be careful when combining it with Atacand medication administration.

Over-dosage and special warnings

If by accident an overdose of Atacand medication occurs then the body responses to be expected include:

- very low blood pressure;


- irregular heart beat, either too slow or too rapid,


- dizziness.

If you think you have overdosed you should immediately get to a hospital to receive medical assistance.

The amount of dosage normally taken of Atacand medication begins at 8mg per day all the way up to 32mg per day depending on the degree of problem the patient has.

Your doctor will want to closely monitor the progress that the medication is having on your body and may decide to instruct you to gradually increase the dosage. It is not a decision that you will want to make for yourself to increase or decrease the Atacand medication as there could be serious consequences for your health.

If you have done some research on Atacand, you will know that it is continuing to be an effective treatment for the high blood pressure condition. As with any prescription drug, care ought to be taken during the treatment of Atacand but as a means to reduce high blood pressure you should find the drug extremely effective.

You can buy Atacand here

.
Vahlouran's weblog

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Common Crohn's Disease Medications


Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the small and large intestine, but can be present in other parts of the digestive tract. The disease was named after an American gastroenterologist, Burrill Crohn, who was the first to describe the disease.

Crohn’s disease usually affects people in their teens or twenties, but there are cases where patients are struck with the disease later in life. The symptoms and severity of the disease vary from person to person.

At present, there are no medications that can cure Crohn’s disease. Most patients experience periods of relapse followed by periods of remission that can last months or even years. During remissions the symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding are lessened. The improvements in symptoms are usually brought about by prescription medications or surgery. There are cases, where without treatment, the Crohn’s goes into remission. No one knows why.

The goals of treatment are to bring about a remission, maintain it, minimize side effects from medications, and help to improve the overall quality of life of the patient. The medications for treating Crohn's disease include anti-inflammatory agents such as the 5ASA compounds, corticosteroids, topical antibiotics and immuno-modulators.

Crohn’s Disease Medications

Crohn’s disease medications include anti-inflammatory drugs that are intended to decrease intestinal inflammation; the way arthritis medications reduce joint inflammation. The different types of anti-inflammatory medications used to treat Crohn’s disease are:

1. 5-ASA compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, Dipentum, Colazal, Rowana enema, Canasa suppository) are used directly on the inflamed tissue.

Sulfasalazine is a prodrug that isn’t active in its ingested form. It is usually broken down by bacteria in the colon to create two byproducts —5aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine. No one is sure which of these byproducts is responsible for the activity of azulfidine. The 5-ASA is known for its therapeutic benefit, though it’s not clear whether sulfapyridine offers any additional benefit.

5 aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine work as anti-inflammatory agents that treat the inflammation in the colon. The effectiveness is believed to be due to the local effect on the bowel, however there are also some beneficial systemic immune suppressant effects as well.

But like any medications 5-ASA is not without side effects. Some of the side effects are very frequent gastrointestinal disturbances. Nausea, vomiting, gastric distress and anorexia occur in about one out of every three patients. Likewise dizziness may also occur during but should be of little concern unless it becomes persistent.

There are also some less common side effects such as a drop in white blood cell counts or a type of anemia that happens more often in patients with arthritis. The chance of developing these side effects is about 6 out of every 10,000 patients. Some other rare, but possible side effects include fever, pale skin, sore throat, fatigue and unusual bleeding or bruising. If you experience any of these, you will likely be taken off the medication.

Additional side effects include headache, allergic reactions and photosensitivity. These side effects require medical attention since allergic reactions can cause difficulty swallowing, blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin, aching joints and muscles as well as unusual tiredness or weakness.

2. Corticosteroids act systematically without requiring direct contact with the inflamed tissue. These medications are used to decrease inflammation throughout the body. These drugs also have important, and dangerous side effects, if taken for long periods. You doctor can advise you best on this.

There are new classes of topical corticosteroids that are applied directly to the inflamed tissue. These new drugs have much fewer side effects compared to systematic corticosteroids.

3. Antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). These medications decrease inflammation by unknown mechanisms.

Metronidazole is effective in killing anaerobic bacteria as well as certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria is single a cell organism that lives in low oxygen environments, and causes disease in the abdomen, liver and pelvis. In terms of parasites, giardia lamblia and ameba are parasites that cause abdominal pain and severe diarrhea in most patients. The metronidazole blocks some of the cell functions of these parasites resulting in their demise.

Serious side effects of metronidazole are rare, but include seizures and damage to nerves that brings numbness as well as tingling in the extremities. If you have these side effects, contact your doctor at once, you’ll need to stop taking this medication.

If you suspect you have Crohn’s disease, you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps. Careful diagnosis and monitoring are the key to living comfortably with Crohn’s.

You can buy Azulfidine here

.
Khaoz's weblog

The Stop Smoking Injection - Is it the Answer to Quitting Smoking?


In the land of instant gratification, the idea of going to the doctor, receiving an injection and then going home a non-smoker sounds great. In fact it sounds too good to be true. So is it?

For more than a decade, there have been injections available that are supposed to help you stop smoking. They started out using scopolamine and atropine in the injections. The newer version uses scopolamine and Atarax. It is marketed under the name SMART Shot.

Scopolamine is most commonly used to treat motion sickness, intestinal cramping and to dilate pupils during eye exams. It is currently being investigated for its possible usefulness by itself or in combination with other drugs to help people with breaking the nicotine habit. Side effects include: dry mouth, throat and nasal passages, thirst, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, constipation and difficulty urinating.

Atropine is made from the deadly nightshade plant and can be poisonous. It is used to treat extremely low heart rates in cardiac arrest, as an antidote to some poisons. Its side effects include: dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, loss of balance, dilated pupils, confusion and hallucinations.

Atarax is an antihistamine used primarily for the treatment of itches and irritations, to reduce nausea and as a weak pain killer. Side effects include: deep sleep, dizziness, ringing in the ear, low blood pressure, dry mouth and constipation.

Now how these drugs are supposed to help you quit smoking, I don't know. And apparently neither does the FDA. The website that markets the SMART Shot (www.smokingshot.com) states "The SMART Shot is a new and improved smoking cessation shot consisting of a combination of two medicines that have been around for over a decade and are FDA-approved for indications other than quitting smoking." At first glance it appears that this is a FDA-approved product. But read the wording closely and you will see that the site states that the two drugs (scopolamine and Atarax) are FDA-approved drugs. (And the are.) But that the FDA does NOT approve those drugs to be used as a smoking cessation product. (Which it doesn't.)

But does it work? Bottom line - who knows. SMART shot claims a 70-80% success rate, but doesn't back up their claims with any data or show any proof in the form of results from clinical testing.

Meanwhile, testing is underway on a stop smoking injection called NicVax. It is a vaccine that is supposed to make the immune system create antibodies that will bind with the nicotine and prevent it from ever reaching the brain.

So maybe someday there will be a stop smoking injection that is known to really work, but for now there doesn't appear to be.

You can buy Atarax here

.
Vahlouran's weblog

Caffeine Caused Anxiety Attacks


Since the dawning of the "Information Age" in the early 1980's the pace of change has accelerated in our society. To keep pace with the explosion of new information and this rapid rate of change, many people have adopted a new coping strategy of increasing their consumption of caffeine. Caffeine is a drug. It is a stimulant which increases many of same physiological responses as the survival response known as the "Flight-Fight" response. It is this reaction by the body to the stimulation from caffeine that can trigger an anxiety-type physical reaction. Many people are unsuspecting and naпve regarding the full extent of this response to which often includes a common, and even, celebrated "rush" of energy. Knowing about this response can keep you from being a victim to caffeine related anxiety attacks.

As a stimulant, the effect of caffeine can be different from one person to the next. The amount of caffeine consumed, and then the amount actually absorbed by the body, can contribute to the range of reactions. It is not uncommon for caffeine to cause an increase in brain wave activity that can arouse a tired mind. This is the most desired response for many sleep deprived people. This can backfire on many people who may have a daylong response to their morning coffee (or other caffeine source) because many people can not sleep well at bedtime as a response to this early caffeine consumption. This "vicious cycle" will then cause poor quality sleep/rest which requires more caffeine to get "up" for the next day's activities.

The stimulation caused by caffeine can also increase heart rate and for some people increase their blood pressure as it simulates the release of excitatory hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine.) This rapid heart rate, when severe, can scare people, triggering the hormonal release which can cause a greater anxiety reaction. The frightening response to the physical associations of an anxiety attack can cause fear and can even drive people to the emergency rooms with the concern that the patient believes that they going to die from a heart attack. We have enough anxiety in our society without pushing ourselves over the edge with the stimulation of caffeine.

Caffeine can cause an increase in skeletal muscle tension as it triggers the classic flight response. This muscle tension can be distracting (loss of focus), cause fatigue, and in many cases increase the likelihood of increased muscle spasms and so, muscle contraction pain. In this way, caffeine can contribute to muscle tension headaches from the tightness of muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. For people suffering from chronic muscular tension pain, this can contribute to their tension and pain. It will often cause an increased anxiety driven response to their pain which can intensify their chronic pain complaints. This is especially true for lower back pain and neck/shoulder pain, as well as the peripheral pains in the arms and legs that can be associated with back pain.

For those of you who use caffeine regularly, you should also know that there are plenty of cases of physical and psychological addiction to this drug. Many people feel withdrawal symptoms that are not comfortable when they try to discontinue their caffeine habit. If you want to discontinue, the best way to do this would be gradually over time. Substituting Ѕ de-caf into your morning coffee and minimizing other caffeine laden products will be helpful. Be patient and drink extra water!

In its defense, caffeine can be helpful for some types of headaches such as migraine headaches which can be reduced by caffeine or associated cafergot. (Cafergot is a brand name of the combination of ergotamine and caffeine.) With its stimulating effects on the digestive system, caffeine may also work as a laxative to minimize problems with constipation. Historically, European coffee "salons" were places where intellectuals could meet and have lively discussions while drinking brewed coffee which was more healthful than the untreated available water which was often contaminated with deadly diseases of the Middle Ages. The other alternative beverage for most Middle Age Europeans was to drink beer or alcoholic drinks which did not encourage good discussion, thinking, or productivity.

Since the 1980's, our society has seen an explosion of coffee houses and Expresso stands. You can not get through any American city with being confronted by easily accessible purveyors of liquid coffee refreshments. Both young and old are caught in this "glamorous" habit with expanding zeal. A gift of choice is the insidious gift certificate for the expensive coffee houses. This has gotten to be big business.

Besides coffee or expresso drinks, caffeine is found in many products. Black teas, green tea, soft drinks, chocolate candy, and as an additive in many other products are but a few of these additional sources for caffeine. There are even a few products with commercial names like: Jolt, Red Bull, and RockStar that cater to the young caffeine crazed generation that seem to require higher concentrations of caffeine. I do not want to deprive people from indulging in these products, but people must be aware of what the effects of these products can do to their body's and to people who interact with caffeine saturated folks. Many cases of "road rage" may be traced to the negative effects of over-caffeinated, stressed drivers.

Let's have some common sense. Moderation is a great rule to follow, especially if you are one the people who are most sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Coffee businesses are not bad or the enemy, we just need to learn how use them in most appropriate ways.

If you are looking for wellness coaching, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Coaching Program

You can buy Cafergot here

.
Nadya Cubillan's weblog

Lamictal Rash Lawyer


Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is an anti-seizure medication that has been prescribed to treat epileptic seizures for about 10 years. In addition to its mood stabilizing effects, Lamictal has antidepressant effects as well that have been prescribed for bipolar or manic depressive patients. Some researchers have suggested that Lamictal be the first-prescribed medication for bipolar patients suffering from more depressed versions of the disorder. Often antidepressants prescribed for bipolar disorder will trigger manic phases, increasing the rate of unhealthy mood swings, but Lamictal does not appear to have this same effect.

As an anti-epileptic drug, Lamictal is considered broad spectrum. This means that it effectively treats both partial-onset and generalized-onset epilepsy. It is thought to do this by inhibiting sodium channels and reducing glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) release. Lamictal is available in tablets of many sizes and doses, with tiny pills available for children.

Lamictal does have a very serious side effect that takes the form of an allergy. The medication can cause a very serious skin rash that, in its worst forms, results in death. When Lamictal was first prescribed about 10% of all patients was getting this life-threatening rash, which is a terrible rate of negative reaction. However, doctors soon found that the likelihood of suffering this allergic reaction decreases the longer the medication is in use. By beginning with a very low dosage of Lamictal and progressively increasing the dosage to an effective level, patients can grow acclimated to the drug and in doing so avoid the rash.

Aside from this rash, the medication seems to have very few negative side effects. A few patients have complained of ankle swelling, and for some the medication simply did not work. No weight gain problems have been described, which is unique among anti-depressant medication. The effects of Lamictal during pregnancy have not been studied, and it the drug is transmitted through breast milk. Nobody knows the damage to infants who are exposed to the medication, so Lamictal should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Patients on Lamictal should never breast feed.

If you or a loved one have suffered negative side effects to Lamictal and feel that you were not properly warned about these dangers, contact a lawyer today to discuss your options and possibly engage in a lawsuit to improve the packaging and warnings about Lamictal side effects.

You can buy Lamictal here

.
Kayd's weblog

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Well, Here's a List of the Common Allergy and Bronchial Asthma Drugs


Anyone who has read most of my articles on the subject of asthma would easily garner that I tend to favor the more natural and non-conventional approach in regards to dealing with the respiratory disorder.

However, I am aware that many people may not necessarily be ready or prepared to fore-go so-called asthma drugs for alternative asthma treatment options, most people might still want information on allergy and bronchial asthma drugs options.

This may be based on the fact that being as though some recent studies have shown that when you give allergy shots to children with allergies, not only do their allergy symptoms improve, they are also less likely to develop asthma and also, since many cases of asthma are triggered by allergies, it makes sense that if you control the allergies, you will have fewer asthma attacks, so for those who choose more of a conventional approach for asthma treatment, perhaps there may be a link between allergy and bronchial asthma drugs after all.

That said I'll list the common allergy and bronchial asthma drugs choices most people use:

1. Accolate

2. Singulair

3. Claratyne / Claratin

4. Telfast / Allegra

5. Telfast D / Allegra D

6. Telfast 120

7. Zyrtec

8. Becloforte / Beclovent

9. Qvar Inhaler

10. Pulmicort

11. Flixotide / Flovent

12. Ventolin

13. Volmax

14. Serevent Inhaler

15. Atrovent

16. Combivent

17. Advair Diskus

18. Rhinolast / Astelin

19. Nasonex

20. Tilade

Talk about an exhausting list of allergy and bronchial asthma drugs choices!

Well, now, that I've paid homage to the medical fraternity by presenting their options for controlling respiratory disorders, allow me to present some simple tips and alternatives to these common allergy and bronchial asthma drugs that you could use preferably exclusively, or in conjunction with the ones above

1. Avoid excessive temperature changes.

2. Ensure dust mites are reduced as much as possible in your home

3. Use a humidifier along with a heater in the cold seasons.

4. Keep fresh air circulating as much as possible in the home.

5. Keep the bed clean - put dust proof covers with zippers on the mattress and pillow. Wash bed sheets and blankets in hot water.

6. Do not let pets in the bedroom.

7. Do not smoke.

8. Maintain good ventilation / Light.

9. Close the windows when the air outside is full of exhaust from cars, pollution from factories.

10. Air out the house before the patient with asthma returns e.g. sweep, vacuum, paint, spray for insects, are of strong cleaners, cook strong smelling foods.

Also, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even some so-called health-food products like Soy, Yeast, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and Vinegar.

Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if desired less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally.

Furthermore, proper food combination and the abstinence from drinking liquids of any kind with your meals is suggested as these will see to it that the diaphragm is not constricted by a clogged up digestive tract consequently making breathing much freer and smoother.

In addition, make the effort to avoid the use of microwaves, conventionally grown produce and polluted tap water for your optimal health.

So, there you have it, both sides and methods of controlling asthma.

Well…here's to freer breathing!

Aje

You can buy Advair Diskus here

.
Kayd's weblog

Common High Blood Pressure Medications - Know These 8 Types


There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of severity of the illness.

While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels, medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.

Diuretics


Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person's body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.

Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.

Beta-Blockers


Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body, by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.

Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)


The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that hormone from production.

Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.

ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)


This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.

Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.

CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)


Calcium entering from the body's cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB's stop that from happening.

Examples: Norvasc, Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan.

Alpha-Blockers


Alpha-Blockers are used to reduce nerve pressure to allow blood to pass in vessels more freely.

Examples: Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin.

Centrally acting drugs


Centrally acting drugs work with a person's brain chemistry to control nerve impulses that narrow the blood vessels.

Examples: Catapres and Methyldopa.

Direct vasodilators


Direct vasodilators perform by widening the blood vessels to allow more blood to circulate.

Examples: Apresoline and Loniten.

You can buy Accupril here

.
Arkaig_Roe's weblog