A study of patients taking an injectable, long-acting form of an antipsychotic medication found that within six months of starting treatment, most patients had switched back to the oral form of the drug.
I take high blood pressure medication. I have a cold that is settling into my chest. Can I use over-the-counter medications for mucus relief?
Nearly half of Americans are thriving, according to a new “well-being” index. But most of the rest are struggling. About 4% are suffering, with problems meeting their basic needs. The numbers are based on a Gallup survey of more than 100,000 people. They were asked about their lives and how well they are meeting their needs. People who are thriving mostly have higher incomes, more education and better health. The Associated Press wrote about the index April 30.
Children should be tested for heart problems before being treated with drugs such as Ritalin, the American Heart Association (AHA) says. The new guidance applies to children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Drugs used to treat ADHD can increase blood pressure. They also can speed up the heart. In someone with a heart condition, this could cause the heart to stop. The AHA says kids should have an exam and an electrocardiogram before drugs are prescribed. The Associated Press wrote about the statement April 22. It was published in the journal Circulation.
I have a friend, aged 15, who I have to remind to eat because she never feels hungry. I wonder if this could be caused by a hormone imbalance. I tell her to see a doctor. Should I be concerned or is this natural?
More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults have pain in a typical day, a telephone survey indicates. Nearly 4,000 randomly selected people were called. They were asked about what they did the day before and when they had pain. Blue-collar workers and people with lower incomes and education reported more pain. Nearly 1 in 8 people said they had work-related disabilities. They accounted for nearly half of the moderate to severe pain of all people surveyed. Pain also was linked to certain activities. They included sports, lawn and garden work, and providing medical and other care for adults. HealthDay News reported on the survey May 1. It was published in the journal Lancet.
Aluminum is an ingredient in deodorants, baking sodas, coffee creamers, and other products. Are there health risks associated with absorbing and consuming aluminum? Also, I’ve heard that putting foods into aluminum pans can increase health risks. Is this true?
What is a dystonic reaction to a drug?
People who seek treatment for alcohol dependence sometimes attempt to drink in moderation rather than abstain altogether. The success of this approach largely depends on whether the patient has already established a high degree of dependence.
Data from a longitudinal study in New Zealand suggest that people with an alcohol dependency may be more likely to develop major depression.