Posts Tagged ‘effects’
Monday, August 30th, 2010
Antidepressants Drugs For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Remedy
Tricyclic antidepressants approved for ADHD include imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine) and desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane).
Other antidepressants prescribed for ADHD, but not officially approved for ADHD, include bupropion (Wellbutrin), reboxetine (Edronax), and venlafaxine (Effexor). It should be noted that the exact effects of Wellbutrin are not known with certainty; it may act on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and have a stimulant effect. (more…)
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Tags: antidepressants, brain, depression, dopamine, drugs, effect, effects, stimulant
Posted in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | Comments Off
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Nonstimulants Drugs for Treatment Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The only currently existing, approved nonstimulant ADHD medication is atomoxetine (Strattera).
HOW DOES THIS DRUG WORK?
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which essentially means it increases the activity of the brain chemical (or neurotransmitter) norepinephrine. More norepinehrine is thought to increase attention and control hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The effectiveness of Strattera in the treatment of ADHD was established in four studies of pediatric patients ages 6 to 18. Compared with placebo, Strattera proved to be superior with respect to reducing impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention. The effectiveness of Strattera for long-term use (for more than nine weeks) in child and adolescent patients has not been thoroughly evaluated.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects are loss of appetite, drowsiness, headache, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, sexual dysfunction, agitation, irritability, and difficulty urinating.
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)
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Tags: albuterol, alcohol, blood, depression, effects, heart, interactions, liver, medications, pregnant, pressure, strattera, symptoms
Posted in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | Comments Off
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Stimulants Drugs for treatment Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate)
- Pemoline (Cylert)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Mixed amphetamines (Adderall)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Central nervous system stimulants help to balance the activity of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. Through this mechanism, they tend to increase attention span, improve focus, and decrease distractibility in people with ADHD.Although these medicines have a stimulating effect in most people, they tend to have a calming effect in children and adults with ADHD.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Symptoms are improved in about 70 percent of people with ADHD. In children specifically, 75 to 80 percent improve after starting a stimulant medication.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, weight loss, stomachache, headache, overstimulation/anxiety, dizziness, tics, listlessness/lethargy, angina, and mood changes are the more common side effects associated with stimulants. In higher doses, paranoid psychotic reactions may be seen. In typical doses, clinically insignificant elevation of blood pressure and increased heart rate may occur.
MAJOR CAUTIONS
In February 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all companies making stimulant drugs for ADHD add warning labels to their products. These new labeling regulations addressed two major concerns.
First, heart-related problems, including risk of sudden death in children with heart problems; risk of stroke, heart attacks; and sudden death in adults with a history of heart disease.
Second, psychiatric problems: these drugs may trigger or exacerbate negative behaviors and emotions, especially in those with any family history of mental illness. Suppression of growth is also a major concern with long-term use of stimulants in children. Psychological and/or physical dependence on stimulants can occur.
(more…)
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Tags: amphetamine, amphetamines, blood, children, drugs, effects, family, heart, people, pressure, stimulant, stimulants
Posted in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | Comments Off
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Statins Against Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease Drugs
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) include:
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
How Do These Drugs Work?
Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that inhibit the enzyme called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which is involved in the manufacturing of cholesterol in the liver. They also reduce arterial inflammation associated with atherosclerosis.
What Are The Benefits?
- LDL cholesterol reduced 18 to 55 percent
- HDL cholesterol increased 5 to 15 percent
- Triglycerides reduced 7 to 30 percent
There is a decreased risk of dying when statins are given in the hospital after a heart attack, and a reduction in the long-term death rate. These medications have also been shown to reduce inflammation.
Potential Side Effects?
The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, rash, weakness, muscle and joint pain, and increased liver enzymes. The most serious (but fortunately rare) side effects are liver failure and rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect in which there is damage to muscles. Statins should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
(more…)
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Tags: blood, cholesterol, drugs, effects, liver, muscle, percent, statins, Vitamins
Posted in Atherosclerosis, CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) | Comments Off
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Atherosclerosis and CAD Drugs Nitrates
- Isosorbide dinitrate, sublingual and chewable (Isordil, Sorbitrate)
- Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Isotrate ER,Monoket)
- Nitroglycerin ER (Nitroglyn)
- Nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid ointment, Nitrol)
- Nitroglycerin skin patches (Deponit, Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitrodisc,
- Transderm-Nitro)
- Nitroglycerin spray (Nitrolingual)
How do these drugs work?
This class of medications dilates the veins returning blood to the heart as well as the heart arteries, increasing oxygenation of the heart cells.
What are the benefits?
Quick relief of heart pain (angina)
Potential side effects
- Constant throbbing headache
- Flushing of the head and neck
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Nausea, vomiting
Major cautions
Drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and weakness
Known drug interactions (more…)
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Tags: Atherosclerosis, blood, drugs, effects, heart, interactions, medications, nitroglycerin, pressure
Posted in Atherosclerosis, CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) | Comments Off
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines
- Alprazolam Extended-Release (Xanax XR)
- Alprazolam oral solution (Alprazolam Intensol)
- Alprazolam tablets (Niravam, Xanax)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Libritabs, Librium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene, Tranxene T, Tranxene-SD)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter known as gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). They bind to GABA receptors, which slows down the activity of nerve cells. This causes an inhibitory and relaxant effect.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
These drugs provide rapid relief for those with anxiety. (more…)
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Posted in Anxiety | Comments Off
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
Antacid and Reflux Drugs: H2 Blockers
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
This group of acid-blocking medications works by blocking the receptors for histamine receptors in the stomach wall. Histamine is a chemical that stimulates the acid-producing cells of the stomach. These drugs are also known as histamine antagonists because they block the histamine type 2 receptor. They are best taken 30 minutes before meals and at nighttime before bed to prevent heartburn. These medications are available in lower doses over the counter or at higher doses by prescription only.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
H2 blockers are effective for relieving the symptoms of GERD, especially heartburn. They are easily accessible over the counter. They are not effective in the prevention or treatment of inflammation and erosion of the esophagus (esophagitis) that can occur with GERD.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include irregular heartbeat, impotence, rash, visual changes, allergic reactions, and hepatitis. Side effects due to cimetidine are rare and generally are reversible once the medication is stopped.Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Major side effects include confusion and hallucinations (usually in elderly or critically ill patients); enlargement of the breasts; impotence (usually seen in patients on high doses for prolonged periods); decreased white blood cell counts. Other side effects include irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, allergic reactions, and hepatitis.
MAJOR CAUTIONS
A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that long-term use of H2 blockers may increase the risk of mental decline in later life. Researchers looked at the use of H2 blockers among 1,558 over-65 African Americans enrolled in a study of aging. The study showed that after taking into account other factors, elderly people who reported
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Tags: absorption, Antacid, antacids, blood, doses, drugs, effects, histamine, medications, patients, Reflux
Posted in Antacid, Reflux | Comments Off
Monday, February 15th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Acne Drugs. Tea Tree Oil
The topical application of tea tree oil is effective for the treatment of acne. Tea tree oil reduces bacteria and other microbes associated with acne
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Tags: effects, oil, tea, topical, treatment, tree
Posted in History of drugs, Skin health | Comments Off
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Acne Drugs. Zinc
Several small double-blind clinical trials have shown that zinc supplements are effective for acne. Zinc is involved in skin healing and improved immunity. Zinc also reduces the skin levels of the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone, which can aggravate acne. Studies show that people with acne tend to have lower serum and skin levels of zinc. We have observed zinc supplementation to be effective for numerous patients. A study published in Dermatology compared the effectiveness and safety of zinc versus antibiotic therapy (minocycline) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In this multicenter randomized, double-blind trial, 332 patients received either 30 mg of elemental zinc or 100 mg of minocycline over 3 months. The clinical success rate was 31,2 percent for zinc and 63,4 percent for minocycline. The zinc group had 5 dropouts; the minocycline group, 4 dropouts. Most of the adverse effects were related to gastrointestinal upset. The conclusion of this study was that both zinc and minocycline were effective in the treatment of acne,with minocycline having a better effect.However, it should be noted the zinc dosage was quite low compared to what nutrition- oriented doctors typically use to treat acne. (more…)
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Tags: clinical, copper, dosage, effective, effects, levels, minocycline, patients, safety, supplementation
Posted in Natural alternatives, Skin health | Comments Off
