Actos

October 23rd, 2007

Actos, Generic Actos, Pioglitazone is an antihyperglycemic agent. It helps the body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It can help control blood sugar levels. Pioglitazone is used, along with diet and exercise, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

Asthma

October 23rd, 2007

Below is some basic Asthma information, to get you started in understanding the condition.

About asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, characterized by spasms, or constriction of the bronchial tubes, and secretion of thick mucus, that is activated by irritants, referred to as triggers. The result of this process is difficulty breathing.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Wheezing

Shortness of breath, perhaps only with exercise

Feeling a tightness in the chest

Coughing, which may occur only at night

Who is at risk?

Children, as well as adults, are affected. Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic illness. The American Lung Association states that about one third of asthma sufferers are under the age of 18. Allergies are significant triggers for asthma symptoms: 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies.

What are the most common triggers for asthma symptoms?

A trigger is something that causes an individual to begin to experience asthma symptoms. The most common are:

Allergens, such as dust mites and cockroaches, mold, and pollen Weather

Exercise

Airborne irritants such as chemical fumes, and tobacco and wood stove smoke

Respiratory infections

Emotions, such as laughing and crying, and stress

Have you been properly diagnosed?

As with any disease, the proper diagnosis of asthma is key to its treatment, prevention, and control. If allergies seem to play a role, as is the case for the majority of asthmatics, evaluation by an allergy/asthma specialist can be particularly beneficial. Together, you and your physician can work to make sure your asthma is under control.

Anxiety

October 23rd, 2007

You are in the local store when suddenly, for no apparent reason, you are gripped by terror. Your heart races, you can’t catch your breath, your muscles tense up, your hands tingle, you break into a sweat and feel faint. The sensations are so unexpected and overpowering that you think you are going to die or lose your mind right there at the checkout counter. Within a couple of minutes, the episode passes almost as abruptly as it began. Although there are no residual physical effects, you worry about your health.

Over the next few days, your anxiety rises at the mere thought of having another panic attack. Your anxiety grows so intense it begins to disrupt your work and family life. Over the next few months, you begin avoiding social situations, figuring if another panic attack strikes, at least you’ll suffer through it in the privacy of your own home.

If this scenario feels familiar, you may be among more than 19 million Americans with one or more anxiety disorders, an umbrella psychiatric diagnosis that includes panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias. As with many other mental illnesses, anxiety disorders are chronic, unremitting, and may grow worse unless properly treated. Sufferers may be tormented by episodes of panic, irrational thoughts and fears, compulsive behaviors or rituals, flashbacks, nightmares, or numerous frightening physical symptoms. Other problems, such substance abuse or depression, often accompany anxiety disorders.

While there is no cure for any of the anxiety disorders, there are many effective treatments to relieve symptoms and greatly improve your quality of life. Unfortunately, a large percentage of sufferers never gets properly diagnosed or treated, mainly because of the social stigma attached to anxiety disorders and other mental-health problems.

What is Prilosec

October 23rd, 2007

Prilosec (Generic Omeprazole) decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. 

About Cholesterol, and How it Affects You?

October 23rd, 2007

Cholesterol is a biochemical substance that your body needs to function; in fact, it is essential for life. You need cholesterol to form cell membranes, many hormones, and bile acids (which digest fat), to name just a few examples. Without cholesterol, you couldn’t live. But, as is so often the case, too much cholesterol can do you harm.

When you have high levels of cholesterol in your blood, you’re at higher risk of heart disease – and the higher these levels, the greater your risk. Given that heart disease is currently the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States, this isn’t a risk that you should ignore. However, eating in a heart-healthy way, being physically active, and losing weight (if you are overweight) are things everyone can do to lower their cholesterol levels and their risk.

When your cholesterol is checked, what’s being measured? Why is some cholesterol called “good” and some “bad”? Read on to learn more about cholesterol.

About Prozac

October 23rd, 2007

PROZAC (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride) is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine Hydrochloride affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or mood disturbances, eating disorders, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms. 

Why Take Prozac? (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride)

Prozac, Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Most important fact about Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride)

While you are taking Prozac (fluoxetine) you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are using prozac - fluoxetine.
How should you take Prozac? (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride)

Prozac may be taken with or without food. Try to take fluoxetine at the same time each day. Take Prozac Weekly on the same day each week as directed by your doctor.
What prozac side effects may occur?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects with prozac, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: * an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); * an irregular heartbeat or pulse; * low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); * high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); * chills or fever; * unusual bleeding or bruising; * a rash or hives.
When should Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride) not be prescribed?

Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor if you * have liver disease; * have kidney disease; * have diabetes; * suffer from seizures; or * suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.

Paxil

October 23rd, 2007

What is PAXIL paroxetine?
 •  Paroxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
 •  Paroxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

 What is the most important information I should know about paxil?
 •  You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication like paxil, especially if you are a child or young adult. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking paroxetine you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

 •  Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following Paxil side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. 
 •  Paxil (Paroxetine) could cause heart defects or serious, life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. 
 •  Never take Paxil (paroxetine) together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Information About Allergies

October 23rd, 2007

What are allergies?

Having allergies means that your body perceives a harmless substance (the allergen) as dangerous and is mounting an internal battle to take care of it. This hypersensitive process is called an allergic reaction.

What is an allergen?

An allergen is a substance which your body perceives as dangerous, but which a non-allergic person’s body ignores. Common allergens are pollen, molds, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods and medications, and latex.

Bad Effects of Alcohol

October 23rd, 2007

 What are the bad effects of alcohol?Short-term physical effects of alcohol use:

  • Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
  • Altered perceptions and emotions
  • Impaired judgment
  • Bad breath
  • Hangovers

Long-term effects physical of heavy alcohol use:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Stomach ailments
  • Skin problems
  • Sexual impotence
  • Liver damage
  • Heart and central nervous system damage
  • Memory loss

What is Alchohol Abuse

October 23rd, 2007

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholism is “a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.” It includes the following symptoms:

Craving - A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Impaired control -The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependence - Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance–The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.