Posts Tagged ‘symptoms’

Nonstimulants Drugs for Treatment Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin so that it remains active in the brain longer before being broken down and reabsorbed. The neurotransmitter serotonin gives the sensation of well-being.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Improvement in depression, generally with fewer side effects than other categories of antidepressants. SSRIs have fewer side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which we discuss below. Unlike MAO inhibitors, SSRIs do not interact with the amino acid tyramine found in certain foods. Also, SSRIs do not cause orthostatic hypotension and heart rhythm disturbances, as tricyclic antidepressants can. SSRIs are often the first-line pharmaceutical choice for depression.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

MAJOR CAUTIONS

Tremors can be a side effect of SSRIs. Serotonergic syndrome, in which serotonin levels are too high, is a serious but rare condition associated with the use of SSRIs. Symptoms can include high fevers, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. (more…)

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Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

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What Is Anxiety?

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives: What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety

Anxiety

It is normal to feel anxiety or worry at times. However, feeling anxious without reason or having it disrupt functioning in daily life can be signs of a generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include:

  1. Restlessness
  2. Being keyed up or feeling on edge
  3. Sensation of a lump in your throat
  4. Difficulty concentrating
  5. Fatigue
  6. Irritability
  7. Impatience
  8. Being easily distracted
  9. Muscle tension
  10. Trouble falling or staying asleep
  11. Excessive sweating
  12. Shortness of breath
  13. Stomachache
  14. Diarrhea
  15. Headache

Conventional treatment usually consists of anti-anxiety medications and psychotherapy. Natural medicines offer a much safer long-term approach. Addressing underlying psychological and spiritual imbalances is the key to prevention.

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Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Nux Vomica

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Nux Vomica

This is the most common homeopathic medicine used for GERD. For many it relieves symptoms quickly and without any side effects. Though no formal studies have been done, we believe it normalizes the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Nux Vomica

Nux Vomica

DOSAGE

Take two tablets of a Nux Vomica 30C potency twice daily until symptoms are gone. Thereafter, use as needed for occasional symptoms. If there is no improvement within one week, stop using it.

SAFETY

Since it is in homeopathic form and highly diluted, there are no safety concerns with this medicine. The only factor to be aware of is that if the medicine is not helping within a week, stop using it. Continuous use without benefit could aggravate your symptoms.

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Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

For some people, changing their diet makes all the difference in their GERD symptoms. It is worth trying dietary changes to see how much your symptoms improve. Foods that commonly initiate or aggravate GERD include carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee, nonherbal tea, cow

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Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Pro-motility Drugs

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Pro-motility Drugs

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

HOW DOES THIS DRUG WORK?

Metoclopramide (Reglan) is one in the class of pro-motility drugs approved for GERD. It works by mildly increasing the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which strengthens contractions of the esophagus and speeds up emptying of the stomach. All these actions are thought to reduce reflux. It is most effective when taken 30 minutes before meals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This drug reduces symptoms of GERD. It is not very effective for treating the symptoms of GERD, however, and is usually prescribed as an addition to other GERD medications or for those who do not respond to common GERD medications.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Involuntary movements of the eyes/face/limbs
- Muscle spasms
- Trembling of the hands
- Personality changes such as depression or thoughts of suicide
- High fever
- Sweating
- Muscle stiffness
- Confusion
- Unusually fast heartbeat

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

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What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Antacid and Reflux Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives: What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a common condition that affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. It occurs when the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This backflow occurs when the valve between the lower esophageal sphincter and the stomach fails to close properly, permitting stomach acid and other liquid contents to back up. The stomach acid irritates and can damage the lining of the esophageal tissues and causes pain.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

An extract of this plant has been shown to significantly decrease sneezing and nasal itching, discharge, and obstruction. A randomized, double-blind placebocontrolled trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology involved 75 people with allergic rhinitis. They were given Tinospora cordifolia or a placebo for eight weeks. Those given Tinospora cordifolia had a significant decrease in all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This included a 100 percent decrease in sneezing in 83 percent of participants, a 69 percent decrease in nasal discharge, a 61 percent decrease in nasal obstruction, and a 71 percent decrease in nasal pruritus (itching). Those given placebo had little improvement in the same symptoms that were monitored. (more…)

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Allergy Drugs: Antihistamines

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Antihistamines

Brompheniramine (BroveX, BroveX CT, Lodrane 12 Hour ER Tablet)
Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Allergy, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Efidac 24)
Promethazine Oral (Phenergan)
Azelastine Nasal Spray (Astelin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
Dexchlorpheniramine oral syrup
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Brompheniramine Oral Suspension (BroveX Oral Suspension)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Dayhist-1, Tavist, Tavist Allergy)
Diphenhydramine Oral (AllerMax, Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist)
Dexchlorpheniramine ER
Carbinoxamine (Histex CT)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to histamine receptors. This prevents the release of chemicals in cells that cause allergy symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This class of allergy medications is effective in reducing the symptoms of sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Vision changes
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dry nose
- Unusual restlessness or nervousness in children

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

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