OrganizedWisdom Health - Drugs and Medications

Statins for Children

Jillian884 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:19:04 GMT

Statins are a powerful class of cholesterol-lowering medications and there are many conflicting reports on whether or not they should be prescribed to children. Some doctors and cardiologists believe that children who are at greatest risk should take statins when dietary and lifestyle changes have failed to lower cholesterol levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children as young as eight can take statin drugs to prevent future heart problems. Pediatricians may prescribe statins for kids who have too much LDL ("bad" cholesterol), along with other high risks, such as: obesity, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease. A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control has found that approximately .8% of teens aged 12 to 17 are candidates for statin drugs to deal with high levels of LDL. Statins have not been thoroughly tested in children and the long-term effects are unknown, therefore, it is recommend that you try to lower cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and any natural statin alternatives your doctor suggests prior to starting the drug regimen.

Fast Facts:

Avoiding fast food, soda, caffeine, juice, refined sugar, and white flour can help kids lower cholesterol levels.
A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal shows that of 25 million kids in the age group, approximately 200,000 teens are in danger of developing early heart problems and may benefit from statins.
It is now recommended that pediatricians test cholesterol levels in children as young as 2.
Only in recent years with childhood obesity on the rise has high cholesterol been a cause for concern in children.

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Gabapentin Dosage

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:11:45 GMT

The standard dosing regimen of gabapentin is 300 mg taken three times each day in adults. In the treatment of epilepsy or postherpetic neuralgia, doses may be increased up to 1,800 mg in adults each day. Children who are being treated with gabapentin will be prescribed a dosage based on weight.

Fast Facts:

Gabapentin should be taken at the same time each day in order to maintain a steady supply of the medication in the blood.
It is important that routine physician visits be performed, especially for children, as the dose of gabapentin required may need to be adjusted as the child grows.
Gabapentin is a generic form of the brand name medication Neurontin.

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Portal Hypertension Medications

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:07:57 GMT

Nonselective beta blockers are among the medications prescribed for portal hypertension. Your doctor may also recommend nitrates as a first line of treatment after your initial diagnosis. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with endoscopic therapy.

Fast Facts:

Portal hypertension is increased pressure in the liver's portal vein.
Your doctor may also prescribe Lactulose to treat mental changes that result from encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a condition that can be caused by portal hypertension.
Symptoms of portal hypertension include vomiting blood and bloody stools.

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Depakote and Hair Loss

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:06:29 GMT

Hair loss is a common side effect of using Depakote (divalproex). In studies, hair loss was more common for people who were taking Depakote for partial seizures. Approximately 24% of people who take Depakote may experience some degree of hair loss.

Fast Facts:

Depakote is used to treat mania, epilepsy, and seizures.
For people who experience hair loss while taking Depakote, the hair usually grows back after the medication is stopped.
Zinc and selenium may decrease the risk of losing hair while taking Depakote.

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Fluoxetine Side Effects

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:05:35 GMT

The most commonly reported side effects of fluoxetine use include insomnia, dry mouth, and nervousness. Although medications are prescribed in order to provide a benefit to the patient, all medications carry the risk of some sort of side effects. While many side effects are minor, serious side effects can occur. Increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, panic attacks, or hallucinations should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately.

Fast Facts:

Other possible side effects associated with fluoxetine use include: sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sexual dysfunction.
Allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, fever, and seizures are other serious side effects which should be reported immediately.
Fluoxetine is a generic form of the brand name medication Prozac.

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Fluoxetine Dosage

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:04:15 GMT

There is no standard dosing regimen for the drug fluoxetine, as it has many different uses and the dosage will be different for each patient. When treating depression, an initial dosage of 20 mg taken each morning may be recommended. Depression that occurs with bipolar disorder is also treated with 20 mg of fluoxetine, but also with a small dose of olanzapine at the same time. Patients being treated for bulimia may start with a fluoxetine dosage of 60 mg taken each morning. Adults suffering from panic disorder are typically recommended a 10 mg dose of fluoxetine each morning.

Fast Facts:

Women using fluoxetine for the treatment of PMDD may be instructed to take 20 mg daily, or only in the two week period before menstruation begins.
Fluoxetine should not be discontinued suddenly.
Fluoxetine is a generic form of the brand name medication Prozac.

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Fluoxetine Overdose

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:03:10 GMT

A fluoxetine overdose may include symptoms such as tremors, rapid pulse, hallucinations, and fainting. A fluoxetine overdose should be considered a medical emergency, and it is important to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. If unable to seek help at a local health care facility, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, administer CPR and call 911.

Fast Facts:

Other potential symptoms of fluoxetine overdose include: nausea, vomiting, increased sleepiness, and coma.
Treatment options for a fluoxetine overdose include supportive measures, and may require gastric lavage.
Fluoxetine is a generic form of the brand name medication Prozac.

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Physeptone Side Effects

Mindy6197 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:47 GMT

The most common side effects associated with Physeptone (methadone hydrochloride) include dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, and pain at the injection site. Uncommon side effects include hypotension, euphoria, edema, and breast tissue development in men who are given Physeptone as a long term treatment.

Fast Facts:

Physeptone is a prescription mediation known as an opioid analgesic which is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Physeptone should be used with caution in patients with a history of diabetes, phaeochromocytoma, hormone problems, prostate disease, and in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Physeptone is not currently sold in the United States.

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Statins and Libido

Amymarlatt — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:59:16 GMT

The use of statins may lower your libido. In the list of statin drug side effects, erectile dysfnction is not listed. However researchers are looking into the link between ED and statin drugs. In a Dutch study, patients were shown to have lower levels of testosterone, a hormone statins are known to decrease. When statin drugs were stopped, problems with libido subsided. Talk to your doctor about your problems with your libido. Remember to ask your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medications.

Fast Facts:

Statin drugs used in one's teens may lead to later development of sexual maturation.
Doctors believe the benefits of statin drugs far outweigh the side effects.
There are many other causes of lowered libido such as age, illness, chronic pain, and other medications.

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Oretic Uses

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:58:52 GMT

Oretic is prescribed for controlling high blood pressure and treating edema. It is classified as a diuretic (water pill) and is generally take once daily. Oretic decreases blood volume and pressure by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the blood. Diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and blurred vision are common side effects of Oretic.

Fast Facts:

Oretic is a brand name of the generic drug hydrochlorothiazide.
This medication has not been approved for use in children.
Oretic treats water retention caused by congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, renal failure, and medications.
Also prescribed to treat symptoms of diabetes insipidus and hypercalciuria.

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