Monday, June 30, 2008

Enhance Your Sexual Pleasure With the Help of Food


Sex is something that both men and women have been so preoccupied about even during the ancient times. However, when it comes to aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants, men usually have the upper lead. In Ancient China, men are willing to pay huge sums of money in order to acquire exotic aphrodisiacs, such as balls of tigers, bones of cobras and even dried and powdered seahorses.

Nowadays, the idea that food from animals and plants can make men more virile is still very popular. Surf the Net and you will see many online stores selling out-of-this-world contraptions and potions that promise to boost men's libido. However, only a few items or articles are available for women who are interested in increasing their sexual pleasure and arousal.

If you are one of those women who want to make use of natural ingredients to improve your sexual desire and arousal, read on and learn that some things you find in your kitchen or pantry can actually help whet your appetite for sex.

Gingko Biloba

Quite a number of studies have shown that Gingko Biloba, also called the tree of life, improves blood circulation. In fact, many believe that the leaves of this tree can help your brain function better. Its ability to promote good circulation is also what makes this herb a good aphrodisiac. With the help of Gingko, there is a marked improvement in the flow of blood to the genital areas, making women easily aroused and satisfied.

Safed Moosli

This tuber plant, whose scientific name is Chlorophytum Borivilianum, has been used for years to help treat various ailments. Nowadays, however, it is considered as a potent sex tonic, particularly in Asian countries. According to Ayurveda tradition, this plant helps rejuvenate the reproductive system of both men and women.

Chocolate

Most probably, men do not know where the tradition of giving women chocolates as a sign of love originated. Probably, the first few men who offered bars and boxes of chocolate to women realized that this bittersweet treat can improve the mood of even the most iron-hearted women.

Chocolate contains components that increase the production of serotonin in the brain. This substance is responsible for pleasure and relaxation. They say that dark chocolate is more potent in making women feel good. Men out there know that a woman who is happy is more willing and open for the possibility of being intimate in the bedroom.

Arginine

At first mention of Arginine, you probably are thinking that this substance is quite difficult to have. In reality, however, Arginine is abundant in the food you have inside your refrigerator or pantry. This amino acid is actually found in cheese, milk, meat, nuts, coconut milk and eggs. This substance is known to help enhance sensation of the clitoris, reduce dryness of the vagina, boost desire for intimacy and help in reaching climax or orgasm. What's more, Arginine is also vital in slowing down the process of aging.

Pine Nuts

Who would ever think that these small nuts could be used as a natural aphrodisiac for women? The birth rate in the Himalayan region, where pine nuts are quite popular, could be an indication that these lowly nuts can be very effective in making women more sexually active. Kidding aside, scientists believe that the protein content of pine nuts might be the one responsible for improving sex hormone levels in women. This might explain why these nuts are considered as potent aphrodisiac.

Damiana

A lot of husbands and partners will agree that women who are in the verge of menopause suddenly don't find having sex attractive. Good thing there is Damiana, a South American shrub, which is known for stimulating female sex organs and toning the membranes of the reproductive organs. Majority of women who took supplements that contain Damiana, such as Menersa, claimed that their sexual interest and pleasure were enhanced even during menopause.

You can buy Female Sexual Tonic here

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Archus's weblog

Gout - Medicines That Are Very Helpful


The medicines that are commonly used in alleviating the pain and other gout symptoms include:

- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

- Allopurinol

- Colchicines

- Corticosteroids

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

- Probenicid

- Sulfinpyrazone

The first medication that is commonly prescribed in the acute cases of gout is the NSAIDS. The most effective one is Indomethacin. These drugs are initially prescribed in the highest dosage, and as symptoms subside the dosage is gradually reduced. The medicine needs to be continued until the pain and the inflammation vanish and remain so for over 48 hours. NSAIDS may have toxic effects if used for long, but when administered short term, they are well tolerated.

Allopurinol (marketed under the brand name Zyloprim) is a prescription medicine that functions in allaying by preventing the synthesis of uric acid in the body. It is very beneficial for chronic gout or gouty arthritis. The use is more preventive in nature, and it is not administered if the gout attack sets in. side effects include skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessel, and liver toxicity. Alterations in the enzyme profile of the liver, as for instance, transient increase in the level of alkaline phospahatase, have been reported. In other patients, incidences of hepatomegaly, necrosis of liver, hepatitis and jaundice have been known to occur.

Colchicine is a prescription medicine used to assuage acute gout attacks and to prevent recurrence of attacks as well. However it does not lower the levels of uric acid in the body. It provides relief by reducing inflammation. Serious side effect have been reported that include various stomach troubles like cramps, nausea, diarrhea, bone marrow problems, muscular inflammations, severe anemia, and serious reduction in the count of WBC, increasing the risk of secondary infections. Excessive high doses can prove to be fatal. Patients with reduced kidney function should avoid colchicines.

Patients who are intolerant to NSAIDS or Colchicine can be treated with ACTH or Corticosteroids. Patients suffering from acute gout take daily doses of Prednisone for 1 t 4 days, and then the dosage is lessened over the period of one or two weeks. ACTH is injected intramuscularly.

Probenicid is sold under the brand names Benemid or Probalan. It is prescribed for chronic gout and to prevent attacks. It is a uricosuric agent that accts on the kidney and aids in the elimination of uric acid from the system.

Sulfinpyrazone, sold under the brand name Anturane is another uricosuric agent that works by reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing gout attacks.

You can buy Benemid here

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Ulairi's weblog

Gout - Medicines That Are Very Helpful


The medicines that are commonly used in alleviating the pain and other gout symptoms include:

- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

- Allopurinol

- Colchicines

- Corticosteroids

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

- Probenicid

- Sulfinpyrazone

The first medication that is commonly prescribed in the acute cases of gout is the NSAIDS. The most effective one is Indomethacin. These drugs are initially prescribed in the highest dosage, and as symptoms subside the dosage is gradually reduced. The medicine needs to be continued until the pain and the inflammation vanish and remain so for over 48 hours. NSAIDS may have toxic effects if used for long, but when administered short term, they are well tolerated.

Allopurinol (marketed under the brand name Zyloprim) is a prescription medicine that functions in allaying by preventing the synthesis of uric acid in the body. It is very beneficial for chronic gout or gouty arthritis. The use is more preventive in nature, and it is not administered if the gout attack sets in. side effects include skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessel, and liver toxicity. Alterations in the enzyme profile of the liver, as for instance, transient increase in the level of alkaline phospahatase, have been reported. In other patients, incidences of hepatomegaly, necrosis of liver, hepatitis and jaundice have been known to occur.

Colchicine is a prescription medicine used to assuage acute gout attacks and to prevent recurrence of attacks as well. However it does not lower the levels of uric acid in the body. It provides relief by reducing inflammation. Serious side effect have been reported that include various stomach troubles like cramps, nausea, diarrhea, bone marrow problems, muscular inflammations, severe anemia, and serious reduction in the count of WBC, increasing the risk of secondary infections. Excessive high doses can prove to be fatal. Patients with reduced kidney function should avoid colchicines.

Patients who are intolerant to NSAIDS or Colchicine can be treated with ACTH or Corticosteroids. Patients suffering from acute gout take daily doses of Prednisone for 1 t 4 days, and then the dosage is lessened over the period of one or two weeks. ACTH is injected intramuscularly.

Probenicid is sold under the brand names Benemid or Probalan. It is prescribed for chronic gout and to prevent attacks. It is a uricosuric agent that accts on the kidney and aids in the elimination of uric acid from the system.

Sulfinpyrazone, sold under the brand name Anturane is another uricosuric agent that works by reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing gout attacks.

You can buy Benemid here

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Blackguard's weblog

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 here

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mook's weblog

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Vytorin Side Effects - Are They Really Rare?


If you believe Merck Pharmaceuticals' very clever TV commercial, Vytorin side effects "are rare and minimal." I think not.

Here is an excerpt from an email I received this week from Linda: "I took Vytorin 10/20 for 4 nights along with 100 mg of COQ 10. I have been off the medication for 1 week now and I am still suffering from muscle pain, burning and numbness.

I have been dizzy and having visual problems. I also have trouble with anxiety and clear thought process. I am praying so very hard that these side effects will clear up. Some have gotten better but today the muscle weakness was terrible. Is it possible for the side effects to come and go?"

Another sufferer of Vytorin Side Effects reported this:

"I had been on Vytorin less than a week when I began having muscle pains. Sometimes it felt like someone were sticking a needle or a knife in my legs. The pain started with my calves and then I noticed I started getting the pain in my thighs. Sometimes the pain was so great I would clutch my leg.

My doctor had me reduce my pill taking from one per day to one every other day, but that did not stop the side effects. I told my doctor I was switching to Policosanol with CQ10 enzyme. (I took some Policosanol for several days after stopping the Vytorin but it wasn’t until I took the Policosanol including the CQ10 enzyme that the pain in my legs started going away.)"

Former NASA Scientist Astronaut Duane "Doc" Graveline has this to say about Vytorin side effects:

"Five years ago when I started my research on Zocor and the other stronger statins, Vytorin had yet to be developed. Now Merck’s combination of Zocor (simvastatin) and Zetia (ezetimibe) is fighting for market share and the reports of Vytorin side effects are flooding in. If you are on Vytorin or planning to start Vytorin, you must read my book. You must know Vytorin's true legacy.

The purported special benefit of Vytorin is better LDL cholesterol reduction by interfering not only with Zocor's inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis but by the added reduction of intestinal absorption of cholesterol through Zetia’s effect on the small bowel.

In reality, then, Vytorin is just another strong statin drug with the same side effect profile of all the other statin drugs in current use."

Contrary to what your well meaning physician may tell you, there is a better way to lower LDL cholesterol and improve HDL cholesterol... while also lowering other risks of heart attack and stroke.

You don't have to take the risk of suffering Vytorin side effects. Nearly 16 years ago a highly skilled heart surgeon, sawed open my chest and stitched in bypasses to six of my favorite heart arteries.

I'm always on the lookout for the latest information and supplements you (and I) need to know about to keep our hearts as strong and vital as our Creator designed them to be.

One of my all time favorite heart supplements is Vital Life Nutritionals' Cholest-Check™. This nutritional powerhouse doesn't just lower cholesterol...it improves it, while also lowering other risks of heart attack and stroke!

Cholest-Check™ cholesterol check increases the HDL cholesterol. HDL is known as the "good cholesterol" for some very good reasons.

HDL cholesterol is the "Superman" cholesterol component. It acts like a miniature hydraulic vacuum cleaner, streaming through your arteries, scooping up the "bad" LDL cholesterol, and carrying it back to your liver where it can be “dealt with”.

You can learn more about this supplement at the Heart Health For Life website.

You can buy Vytorin here

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Lonagan's weblog

What To Expect From Your Anti-Depressant Medication


Sinequan is part of a group of anti-depressants called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), it's role is to increase the effects of neurotransmitters by blocking their reuptake. The exact mechanism of action of Sinequan is not known, but the hypothesis is that the clinical effects may be due to preventing norepinephrine reuptake into the nerve terminals at the synapse level. Doxepin has a strong local anesthetic action and like all other antidepressants it has a sodium channel blocking activity.

Sinequan is prescribed in the treatment of:

1. Psychoneurotic patients with depression and/or anxiety

2. Depression and/or anxiety associated with alcoholism

3. Depression and/or anxiety associated with organic disease (interaction with other drugs should be considered)

4. Depressive disorders with associated anxiety including manic-depressive disorders.

5. Chronic pain from a variety of conditions, eg. fibromyalgia, chronic headache or migraine

Symptoms that respond particularly well to Sinequan include anxiety, tension, depression, sleep disturbances, insomnia, guilt, lack of energy, fear, apprehension and worry.

Clinical experience has shown that Sinequan is safe to use and and well tolerated. Although some of the newer anti-depressants can have fewer side effects than the tricyclics, individuals will respond differently to particular treatments and the response may also vary over time. The type of treatment will depend on many factors, including the type of depression, other medications a patient is taking, the presence of other medical conditions, and a patient's response to previous therapy.

Side effects are usually most common when first starting the treatment, and should be reported to your health care professional if they do not clear up or worsen.

Common Sinequan side effects include: constipation or difficulty urinating (more likely in the elderly), dizziness (try standing slowly), drowsiness (problems with fatigue may be reduced by taking Sinequan in the evening or at bedtime), dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight , temperature sensitivity, or weight gain.

Occasional Sinequan Side Effects: blood sugar changes, dental cavities, fainting, headache, hives, increased appetite, indigestion, nausea, rash, shaking, swollen face or tongue, unsteadiness, weakness. Getting up slowly may prevent dizziness rising from a sitting or lying position. If this condition worsens you should contact your doctor. Sinequan is best taken with food in most cases, to prevent indigestion and nausea.

Rare side effects: brown or red spots on skin, change in sense of taste or hearing, irritated tongue or mouth, nightmare, sexual side effects (impotence, difficulty with orgasm), sweating, restless feeling, vomiting.

Advise your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, as Sinequan's effects on unborn babies and nursing infants has not been established.

Some medications should not be mixed with Sinequan at all, and with others your doctor may want to adjust your dose to decrease the risk of adverse side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications and supplements you are taking, as well as any other medical condition you may suffer from.

You can buy Sinequan here

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Vahlouran's weblog

Friday, June 27, 2008

What Medications Are Available for Treating Sinusitis?


Sinusitis occurs when any number of the sinus linings become inflamed. Typically this results in a patient that has suffered from allergies or a cold for more than a two week period. There are several symptoms of sinusitis but the most common include tooth pain, nasal congestion, headache, facial congestion, postnasal drip, or facial pain.

People can suffer from sinusitis because of the common cold, viral infections, bacterial infections, air pressure, temperature changes, misuse, or overuse of nasal decongestants, swimming, diving, smoking, or even consumption of alcohol.

To treat sinusitis, or many other types of bacterial ailments, your physician may prescribe Levaquin. Levaquin works to kill the different bacteria that infect the sinuses. However, if a virus is affecting the sinuses, Levquin will not work. It, like all other antibiotics on the market, cannot work to eliminate viruses.

Leviquin comes in two different medication forms, tablets and oral solutions. Each has strengths from 250 mg to 750 mg. Furthermore, it is a one daily treatment that should be regulated at the same time daily. Antibiotics work best when kept at a constant level throughout the body. Therefore, when taking Levaquin, you should do so at the same time every day and keep plenty of fluids in your body at all times.

So if you take your medication at 8:00 am one day, the very next day you should take it at 8:00 am as well, and keep doing so until the medication course is completed.

Any person, who is allergic to quinolones, should avoid taking Levaquin. There have been instances of allergic reactions in some people taking quinolones, which includes Levaquin, that have been extremely serious and sometimes fatal. It is not recommended that you take levaquin while you are nursing or pregnant, as studies have not shown the effects on an unborn child. Furthermore, Levaquin is only for adult and not for use by children.

As with any medication, Levaquin has possible side effects from mild to serious. Some of the mild and most common side effects of the drug include nausea, itching, diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal pain, vaginitis, rash, and flatulence.

Some more serious side effects include peripheral neuropathy which has side effects that include pain, tingling, burning, weakness, and numbness. Any person experiencing these side affects should crease taking Levaquin immediate and call their physician right away.

Further serious side effects could include tendon ruptures within the Achilles, hand, or shoulder tendons. These have side effects that includes swelling and pain. If you experience these side effects, you should report them to your physician immediately.

For those with diabetes, if you should experience low blood sugar, shakiness, sweating, or lightheadedness you should contact your physician immediately and cease taking Levaquin.

Other serious side effects of Levaquin could include sunburns, sun blisters, convulsions, and tremors. If you experience anxiety, restlessness, confusion, lightheadedness, paranoia, hallucinations, nightmares, depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, or suicidal acts, you should consult with your physician.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Levaquin.

You can buy Levaquin here

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therealmonkey's weblog

Rising Demand For Herbal and Ayurveda Products


India is the known as the birthplace of Ayurveda as the great Himalayan mountain range, which forms its northern frontier, is also the source of many herbs that are used in Ayurvedic products. In today's globalization era more and more Indians are choosing to work outside India leading to a rise in the diaspora population. The swelling population of Indians across the globe has led to the popularity of Ayurveda, which in turn has led to a rise in the demand for Herbal Products. Herbal Products, which have been made by following the principles of Ayurveda, which is a five thousand year old system of medicine.

Preparations made from Plant extracts are sought after by patients all across the globe as they have minimal side effects. However, it would be an exaggeration that ayurvedic products have no side effects. Since Ayurvedic preparations are made from plant extracts they help in healing a complication in the natural way. Popular herbs, which are used in the preparation of medicinal formulations, include Amalaki, Arjuna, Ashvagandha, Brahmi, Karela, Lasuna, Neem, Shuddha Guggulu, Shallaki, Tagara, Triphala, Tulasi etc.

In view of the rising popularity of Ayurveda, major pharmaceutical companies who until now were involved in the manufacture of allopathic drugs have forayed into this market segment. The entry of organized players has led to increased investments in Drug manufacturing, R&D and Logistics. Ayurvedic drugs are now being produced in accordance with the established principles laid down by the regulatory authorities. So patients can be assured of the safety of a drug purchased from any of these companies. Distribution and marketing has improved as companies have spotted a huge opportunity in the overseas market. Patients located in any corner of the globe can order herbal products from the online storefront set up by these companies.

Popular Herbal formulations which have acquired popularity in foreign markets include Serpina,Liv.52,Bonnisan,Reosto,Menosan,PureHands, Himplasia. Apart from medicinal formulations other preparations made from herbal extracts like Acne-n-Pimple Cream, Anti-dandruff Hair Oil, Anti-dandruff Shampoo, Anti-wrinkle Cream, Baby Cream, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Diaper Rash Cream, Hair Loss Cream, Muscle & Joint Rub, Nourishing Baby Oil, Sunscreen Lotion.

These days, herbal products are not only used for the treatment of humans but also for animals. Ayurvedic drugs and therapies are also being prepared to alleviate the sufferings of animals and improve their heath. Improved health of livestock leads to animal and dairy products, which are safe for human consumption.

You can buy Menosan here

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ZetaOrionis's weblog

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Anticonvulsant Uses - "Off-Label" More Than "On-Label"?


Topamax is indicated (FDA approved) for the treatment of seizure disorder (epilepsy) and prophylaxis of migraine headache.

In the United States, the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permit physicians to prescribe approved medications for other than their approved label indications. This practice is known as off-label use. Some drugs are used more frequently off-label than for their original, FDA-approved indications.

Topiramate has a long list of off-label uses.

Bipolar Disorder

The evidence that anticonvulsant agents are useful for treating bipolar disorders has prompted preliminary studies of Topamax. However, research evidence does not strongly support use of this medication as a "mood stabilizer".

Topamax lacks efficacy in the treatment of acute mania. The manufacturer conducted several studies looking at the effectiveness of the medication to treat acute mania or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. These studies showed that the drug by itself was not effective in treating bipolar symptoms.

However, some evidence, based on small studies, supports the use of Topamax in bipolar disorders in depressive phase and as adjunctive treatment. The results of the open-label study indicated that adjunctive topiramate was associated with a significant reduction of new manic and depressive episodes in patients who fail to respond completely to mood stabilizers (Lykouras L , Hatzimanolis J.; Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Jun.) One of the advantages is that it causes most bipolar patients to either lose weight or at least not gain it.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. In general, it is not considered a good choice for weight loss due to high rate of side effects, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, which can make it difficult to tolerate the medication.

Several high quality studies have shown strong weight-reducing potential of Topamax. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of this drug in obese patients. Topiramate therapy over the course of 1 year resulted in clinically significant weight loss. In addition, improvements were also observed in blood pressure and glucose tolerance. (Wilding J, Van Gaal L, Rissanen A., Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004 Nov.)

Nerve Pain

Antiepileptic drugs are useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. There are good theoretical explanations how Topiramate can alleviate neuropathic pain. It acts on neuronal transmission in at least five ways: by modulating voltage-gated sodium ion channels, potentiating gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibition, blocking excitatory glutamate neurotransmission, modulating voltage-gated calcium ion channels, and by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase.

In randomized, double-blind trial Topamax reduced pain visual analog score, worst pain intensity and sleep disruption in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

You can buy Topamax here

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Arkaig_Roe's weblog

Five Expensive Drugs And Why You Don’t Need To Take Them


As Americans, we are spending over $200 billion a year on prescription drugs. Truth be told, you don’t really care do you? All you care about is how much money YOU are spending. If you are average, you are spending almost two hundred dollars a month out-of-pocket for your prescriptions.

Who or what is the cause for this expense? Many people see the great advertisements that big drug manufacturers use to promote their medication. The pharmaceutical companies have spent billions of dollars promoting the medications listed here.

The manufacturers are not the only ones to blame. The government allows drug companies to control the testing of their own drugs. The trials are often times designed to suit the manufacturers and not the best interest of the consumers.

HMOs and hospitals make deals with the drug companies to allow their patients access to the expensive, brand name medication. They do this because, when the patient is discharged, the doctor will write a prescription for this expensive pill when cheaper, older, and proven medications will work just as well.

Your doctor, yes YOUR doctor, lives in a world of freebies. Free dinners, free sports tickets, free golf outing, free vacations, among other things are seen as normal instead of the outrageous enticements that they are. Drug manufacturers hand out these “incentives” to your doctor, yes YOUR doctor, for prescribing their expensive medication for you.

Are you a shareholder in “big-pharma?” If so, you are inadvertently putting pressure on the drug manufacturers to turn out a big profit. If they are not making money for you on your stock purchase, you may choose to sell the stock. So these companies have to continue to churn out the big profits.

All these factors combined continue to increase your overall bill at the pharmacy. What can you do? You can start by knowing about your medication. Why are you taking it? Is there a less expensive alternate?

Are you taking any of the medications listed here? If so, you will learn why they are on this list of prescription drugs that you should not be taking.

The drug Prilosec was introduced in 1989 and soon became the most popular prescription drug in the world. Even though Prilosec is an excellent medication, advertising is what really put the medication over the top. Just before the patent on Prilosec expired, allowing generic companies to produce the medication for a fraction of the cost, Nexium was born.

What did the manufacturer do to create Nexium? They took the molecule and turned it over. That’s right, they turned it upside down. If you turned an apple over, it’s still an apple, right? In the prescription drug world, this is called a new drug.

In the drug manufacturer’s own testing, only one study showed Nexium working better than Prilosec, and that was just a 3% increase in ulcer healing time.

You can go to your pharmacy and, with insurance, pay your brand co-pay for Nexium. This will probably be $30 to $50 depending upon your individual plan. Without insurance, Nexium will cost you about $150 a month. On the other hand, generic Prilosec, known as omeprazole, is just a fraction of the price. You will be charged your generic co-pay, typically $5 or $10. Without insurance, thirty omeprazole capsules will set you back about $50, depending where you purchase your medication.

“It’s a scam.” Those are the exact words from a former Plavix salesman. The manufacturer spent millions of dollars studying Plavix and was given approval by the FDA mainly because it is an alternative to people who are allergic to aspirin and/or warfarin.

The CAPRIE study is cited here in Journal of the National Medical Association. 98(5):711-21, 2006 May. In the trial, 19,185 patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease received either Plavix or aspirin for two years. Plavix provided an additional 8.7% relative risk reduction in ischemic stroke, myocardial infraction, or vascular death compared with aspirin.

So yes, $130 a month Plavix works better than forty cents a month aspirin. It works 8.7% better. To put it another way, cheap aspirin is 91.3% as effective as the expensive Plavix

Another reason, one study found that patients who took Plavix had 12 times as many ulcers as those who took aspirin plus a heartburn pill. This, despite the fact that up to half of patients taking Plavix take it because their doctors think it is safer for the stomach than aspirin.

The most popular brand medication of 2005 is on this list. Lipitor is a popular medication because it works. The problem here is that there are much less expensive medications that will do the same thing for you. Lovastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin are the generics in this class of medication.

Lipitor can easily be replaced with the three generics. All three are much cheaper and work the same way but simvastatin is the most popular choice. You won’t see any advertisements for lovastatin or simvastatin because they are generic and both have a proven track record of success.

You can further reduce the cost by cutting these tablets in half. These medications are the perfect candidates for splitting. Simply ask your doctor for twice the strength and cut them in half. A one time five dollar investment in a tablet cutter can save you twenty or thirty dollars a month.

The story of Clarinex is very similar to the story of Nexium. The manufacturer did a little tweaking of the molecule just before the patent expired. They removed an inactive part of the Claritin molecule and called it Clarinex. To make it easier to understand, they cut the fat off the steak, but it is still steak.

Now that Claritin is available over the counter, the price has dropped significantly. There are now a couple of companies making a generic version. Look for the active ingredient called loratadine.

Clarinex will not work any better for you than Claritin. There is no reason to spend almost $100 for a month’s supply of Clarinex. Spend less than $10 a month for generic over-the-counter loratadine.

Celebrex was developed several years ago because it causes much less stomach upset than the traditional anti-inflammatories. The problem with Celebrex is that it does not work any better than older, established medications. This is where the “it’s all in your head” comes into effect. When you pay $3 for this pretty capsule, your mind is going to tell you that it works. Yes, your mind is playing tricks on you, it’s called the placebo effect.

Here are a few cited studies from reputable medical journals proving this. Remember, in order to get FDA approval, a company just has to prove that their medication works better than a sugar pill.

- Comparative trials versus other anti-inflammatories failed to show that Celebrex was any more effective for pain relief, Prescrire International. 14(79):177-8, 2005 Oct.

- There was no significant difference between Celebrex and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, except that Celebrex 200mg was less effective than ibuprofen 400mg, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics. 29(3):215-29, 2004 Jun

- Single dose oral Celebrex is an effective means of postoperative pain relief, similar in efficacy to aspirin 650mg, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2):CD004233, 2003.

- Efficacy assessments showed the efficacy of 200mg per day of Celebrex to be continuous and maintained for at least the 12 weeks of the study and that it was equivalent to 400mg per day of Celebrex and 1000mg per day of naproxen, American Journal of Therapeutics. 10(1):12-20, 2003 Jan-Feb.

- Ibuprofen liquigels were a significantly more effective analgesic and provided relief significantly faster compared with Celebrex in the treatment of postsurgical pain, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 42(8):912-9, 2002 Aug.

To sum up; Celebrex is no better than other, far less expensive anti-inflammatories, is as effective as two aspirin, is as effective as two over-the-counter naproxen taken twice a day, and is less effective than ibuprofen. You don’t need it.

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Khaoz's weblog

Water Pills For High Blood Pressure


Lozol, also known as Indapamide, is a water pill (thiazide diuretic) which prevents fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure. This medication can be used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension with the approval of your doctor or pharmacist.

Most likely you will be advised not to take Lozol from your doctor if you are suffering from serious kidney disease, have difficulty in urinating or liver problems. Besides that, if you are allergic to drugs that contains sulfa or your potassium (K) levels are very low, a condition known as hypokalemia, you should not take Lozol. Other risk factors include lupus, gout, and diabetes.

However, it does not mean that if you have the conditions as stated above, you can't take Lozol. Depending on your health conditions, your doctor may still allow you to take this drug under his close supervision. Your dosage may be adjusted and you may need to have a more frequent check up by your doctor during the medication period.

Lozol must be taken with care. Do not dehydrate yourself during your treatment. So, please be careful if you are doing strenuous exercise or staying under the hot sun. Your doctor should advise you how much additional fluid you should intake. Do it according to his advice.

After taking Lozol, even if your high blood pressure conditions have improved, you should not stop taking the medication abruptly. You should still continue to take it even if you feel better after a certain period. Of course, you need to consult your doctor as always and see what he has to tell you. If you suddenly feel like fainting, your mouth dries up or weakness of the muscle, you may have overdosed on Lozol. You must seek medical help immediately if you think your over-consume Lozol.

In addition, if for no reason, you develop allergic hives, swollen lips, face, throat or have difficulty in breathing, discontinue your Lozol medication and seek your doctor.

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agra's weblog

Is this High Blood Pressure Medication the Right Choice for ...


Hyzaar is a medication used mostly to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) by not only lowering blood pressure but it may decrease the risk of stroke in certain hypertension patients. Hyzaar is a combination drug--angiotensen II receptor blocker and diuretic. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and helping the kidneys to get rid of fluid and sodium in the body. It is often referred to as a water pill.

Hyzaar can be taken with or without food but it is important that it be taken with a full glass of water. Health care professionals will generally advise patients on Hyzaar therapy to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. You should try to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose do not take 2 doses at once.

Hyzaar may cause drowsiness so do not drive or do anything that requires alertness until you see how it affects you. You will probably experience more frequent urination so some patients do not take Hyzaar after dinner so it does not effect sleep.

While this does not contain sulfa those patients allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Hyzaar. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby you should not take Hyzaar. Because it rids the body of excess fluid and sodium if you are being treated for liver or kidney problems or are unable to urinate you should not take Hyzaar. It should not be taken by those patients who are also taking dofeltilide or ketanserin. Hyzaar may interact with certain medical conditions so be sure to tell your doctor of any medical conditions that you have. Also, let you doctor know of any prescription drugs you are taking as well as any over the counter medications and herbal supplements.

While on Hyzaar you may experience diarrhea, back pain, lightheadedness, nausea, numbness or tingling of the skin, and tiredness. Even those these are common side effects you should still let your doctor know.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction to it you should seek medical attention immediately. Signs of this are rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling of the face and tongue. If you become confused or havea decrease in sexual function be sure to get immediate medical attention. If you have a decrease in urination, irregular heartbeat, fever, chillds, sore throat, muscle pain, skin disorders, shortness of breath, yellowing of the eyes, or persistent dry mouth. While these side effects are not common they can be life threatening so a trip to the emergency room is in order. These side effects or other side effects may occur. Only you know your body so if you have changes in the way you feel you should let your doctor know.

While Hyzaar is a popular drug for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Hyzaar is right for you.

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HafhandBludson's weblog

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

10 Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack


A heart attack is known as a myocardial infarction. This occurs when the heart muscle is damaged or does not receive enough oxygen. Many cardiac related problems occur due to blockages in arteries that carry purified blood away from the heart to different parts of the body. Another cause is the formation of blood clots.

Very often, it is quite difficult to differentiate between a heart attack and heartburn. The common signs of a heart attack are a tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest. Sweating, nausea, and vomiting that are accompanied by intense pressure in the chest. A radiating and intense pain in the chest that extends from the chest to the left arm. A shortness of breath for more than a few minutes. If you have any of the above you must consult the doctor or go to the emergency rooms.

If you even think you are having a heart attack you must call for a cardiac care ambulance, and put under your tongue a sorbitrate or chew an aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin don’t take one. At the hospital care will include rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheterization, and angioplasty. They will also administer intravenously clot busting medications.

The risk factors for a heart attack include: smoking, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, hypertension, family history of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, lack of exercise, obesity, and fast foods.

Reduce the risks of a heart attack by:

1. Quitting smoking.

2. Eating healthy. Avoid fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats.

3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.

4. Ensuring regular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is most beneficial.

5. Preventing obesity. Doing all you can to maintain weight.

6. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.

7. Practicing meditation.

8. Doing regular relaxation and breathing exercises.

9. Undergoing periodic cardiac evaluations.

10. Including foods that are rich in anti-oxidants in your diet.

A killer disease, according to the American Heart Association approximately 58.8 million people in the US suffer from heart diseases. And, about 950,000 Americans die of heart ailments each year. Heart diseases and death from it can be prevented by maintaining your health. Find a balance in life between work and other activities, abandon the couch for the outdoors, don’t watch sports on television play sports instead and you can hope to live a long and fulfilled life.

Be a well informed and caring citizen, read all about heart diseases and preventive care at: University of Maryland Heart Center for Preventive Cardiology --http://www.umm.edu/heart/preventive.html; or the American Heart Association --http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000; or the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion -- http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802720b8/.

The norm prevention is better than cure could lead a whole nation towards good health and well being.

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Drathuu's weblog

How To Avoid Problems In Treating Arthritis With Arava


The internet is a great source of information on all topics and Googling Arava will through up many results - some positive, some negative. There are a huge number of reviews online by users and professionals alike - some reviewing experiences, knowledge or promoting the product itself.

Where do you go to get reliable information about Arava online?

How reliable is the information online about Arava or any other drug for that matter? There are a number of respected medical sites that review many drugs on an impartial, professional basis. The reviews are generally done by qualified professionals, be they doctors, pharmacists or other health specialists. You should also remember that for a drug to be marketed in the US, it has to pass stringent tests and research trials before being granted FDA approval, and details on that approval are available on the FDA website.

Because of the problems caused by living with rheumatoid arthritis, most people with the condition will at some stage be taking medication of one description or another to deal with the pain and reduce swelling associated with the condition. Medication for rheumatoid arthritis can be divided into two categories:

1. Symptom Relievers. Used to help relieve pain and swelling, these include the following:






  • Tylenol®*





  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen





  • COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs





2. Disease Modifiers. These drugs, known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), not only help relieve pain and swelling, but they also help slow the progression of RA.

Arava slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and because of this is classified as a DMARD. Arava helps relieve the pain and swelling in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. So, while there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible you can do something to help prevent it from getting worse.

There are issues with Arava around loading dose levels in patients, particularly those at risk of hematologic or hepatic toxicity. Managing the initial loading dosage is something you should take very seriously and consult with your doctor.

So why are there Negative reviews of Arava online and what should I do about it?

The negative publicity you will find online about Arava is related to the potential side effects of using Arava. In the past there have been situations where Arava was used incorrectly and this has lead to problems.

This is the manufacturer's own warnings in relation to the use of Arava:

"Pregnancy must be excluded before the start of treatment with Arava. Arava is contraindicated in pregnant women, or women of childbearing potential who are not using reliable contraception. (see contraindications and warnings). Pregnancy must be avoided during Arava treatment or prior to the completion of the drug elimination procedure after Arava treatment."

As with many treatments, there are a number of conditions that are incompatible with Arava. If you are considering using treatment with Arava, make sure you undergo thorough medical examination so that you make sure you don't have any of the conditions that could cause you issues. You may not even know you have them so it si best to get checked out first and keep those risks as low as possible. Also make sure you are regularly checked by your doctor.

Other common complaints or side effects include skin problems such as dermatitis, acne and rashes, respiratory problems such as cough, pneumonia and respiratory infections or endocrine deficiencies related to the thyroid and the pancreatic functions. Arava, like most drugs, have these issues and it is important that you understand the risks associated with using it. That information is freely available online or from your medical professional.

So make sure you understand the risks, and weigh them up against the potential benefits - make sure you take the advice of a trusted professional and keep your risk factors to a minimum.

You can buy Arava here

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Khaoz's weblog

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