Category: Prescription Medications

What is Hoodia

Hoodia is often advertised as
an herbal diet pill having no side effects. However, there has been a
lack of published studies on the safety and/or side effects of Hoodia
in humans.

The reason Hoodia marketers frequently
claim that there are no Hoodia side effects is because the San Bushmen
in the Kalahari desert of Africa have used Hoodia for many years.
However, Hoodia hasn’t been in the region of North America long enough
to be subjected to safety testing needed to reveal any possible side
effects, drug interactions or safety concerns for its users.

Hoodia Side Effects

A
former Researcher of Hoodia stated that there are possible Hoodia side
effects. He stated that although Hoodia did show signs of appetite
suppression within its user, there were also signs of adverse effects
on the liver which were caused by ingredients other than the active
ingredient p57 in Hoodia that could not easily be removed throughout
processing.

Hoodia has a long way to go before it can
earn approval from the Food and Drug Administration and until it
receives approval, dieters should be careful of using Hoodia because of
possible Hoodia side effects. If Hoodia does affect the liver function
of dieters, it could and may also interact negatively with other
medications that a dieter is taking.

It is important
to note that the San Bushmen are a tribe of hunter-gatherers who more
than likely did not take chemical pills for blood pressure,
cholesterol, depression and many other diseases as today’s society
does. Therefore, there is a great need for testing Hoodia in
conjunction with the use of the types of medications taken by many
today to assure that it is a safe diet pill to take overall all.

Individuals
with sugar diabetes should be cautious about considering using Hoodia
because one of the theories about how Hoodia works is that it causes
the brain to think that it has had sufficient blood sugar. For a person
with sugar diabetes, Hoodia could be dangerous for him because it may
cause a person’s blood sugar to drop dangerously low while taking the
pill. With the regular hunger mechanism inhibited by the Hoodia pill,
the usual and normal warning signs for the diabetic may become
suppressed resulting in major problems.

Hoodia is
assumed to inhibit not only appetite but one’s thirst mechanism as
well. According to several unconfirmed reports, there have been
shepherds in Africa who used Hoodia to suppress hunger pains and died
from dehydration because they never had a craving to drink anything
either due to their need for liquids being suppressed also.

As
a general precaution, if a dieter decides to take Hoodia, it is wise to
ensure that he or she has adequate water intake and to consult with
your doctor if any unusual side effects occur while taking Hoodia.

Hoodia Gordonii is essentially a plant that is known to contain
wonder ingredients that could reduce your appetite and help in cutting
down the weight. Though the plant has a long history, it came to
limelight only recently with the western world recognizing its
marvelous weight loss properties. It has been greatly used by the
indigenous populations of Southern Africa for treating small infections
and indigestion since long.

Actually, Hoodia Gordonii is a
succulent plant found in Kalahari Desert, the habitat of the San
People. They were familiar with the applications of the plant and
applied it to stave off hunger when they went for long and strenuous
hunting trips in the harsh South African terrain. Although not the real
herb, its benefits are now easily available to everyone in the form of
pills. If you are one of those looking to reduce your weight, you can
simply take the miracle diet pills.

During clinical
researches scientist discovered that the active ingredient in the
Hoodia Gordonii plant could subdue a person’s appetite by up to 2000
calories in a day. It took 30 years of research by the CSIR (Council
for Scientific and Industrial Research) in South Africa to uncover the
application of the natural and organic ingredient. The discovery was so
influential that the renowned pharmaceutical company, Pfizer has
developed a pill P57 based on the bioactive compound present in the
Hoodia Gordonii plant.

How Does The Hoodia Gordonii Diet Pill Work?

The
active ingredient in the diet pill, once consumed, generates a feeling
that you have had enough food. What you must do is take a pill at least
20-30 minutes before you take your meal. The pill would not be
effective for every person in the same way; in some cases, it might
take up to 14 days to work. The active ingredient Hoodia produces a
mimicking effect that gives a sense of contentment, making the brain
believe that your stomach is full and it needs no more food.

However,
the darker side of Hoodia Gordonii is that it is an endangered species
threatened with extinction if its trade is not controlled. The species
is listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and exporting it from
Africa is illegal without a CITES certificate.

Hoodia diet pills are all the rage in the world of weight loss
supplements. This herbal supplement was relatively unknown in the
United States until 2003, when Leslie Stahl reported the herb’s
appetite-suppressing magic on a segment for the popular TV program 60
Minutes.

Since that broadcast, the popularity of hoodia diet
pills has skyrocketed. Market studies indicate that in 2003, before the
60 Minutes report aired, three products sold in the US contained
hoodia. Today, there are 300 products that include hoodia in their list
of ingredients and that number of products is growing rapidly.

Hoodia
is an endangered species of cactus-like plant native to the Namib
Desert in southern Africa. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family of
plants. In its native environment, it is commonly known as bushman’s
hat, queen of the Namib, and xhoba.

As an herbal supplement,
there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the claims of appetite
suppression and of weight loss. There is also little evidence to attest
to its safe use or of its potential for harm.

Although there
is no conclusive scientific evidence to prove this, there is some
caution advised when taking hoodia products in conjunction with heart
medications. Drug interactions may produce less than desirable results
of either medication.

Hoodia diet pills have enjoyed immense
popularity in parts of Europe for quite some time and no adverse
effects have been reported. Each person metabolizes drugs differently,
however, so caution is advised, especially at the beginning of
treatment with this, and all, medications as the body adjusts to the
new substance.

Thus far, hoodia diet pills have not been
cited as harmful to pregnant or lactating women but women enjoying
these life stages may be best advised to try a healthy diet and
moderate exercise before resorting to chemical supplements.

Hoodia
diet pills, and all other herbal remedies and supplements, are not
subject to standardized dosage and formulation schedules. Therefore the
amount of the herb required to produce the appetite-suppressing effect
is unknown.

There is also a great degree of variance in the
amount of the herb contained from product to product and studies
indicate that the herb is sometimes listed as an ingredient when there
is actually none present in the formulation.

In addition to
its use for appetite suppression, there are some patented formulations
containing hoodia that are thought to be useful in controlling excess
secretion of gastric acids and in the treatment of diabetes, although
these claims, too, are unproven in clinical studies.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant prescription medication
that is effective in treating long-term depression, anxiety, and panic
disorders. It is classified as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), a class of drug that helps stabilize levels
of these important chemicals of the brain when they are not in balance.

As
with all prescription drugs, caution is advised and some common Effexor
side effects to be aware of include dry mouth, altered sense of taste,
loss of appetite and upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Decreased
sexual desire and inability to function sexually are also common
Effexor side effects, as are headaches, excess sweating, agitation,
nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, insomnia, and blurred
vision.

Some of the more severe Effexor side effects include
allergic reactions (itching skin, rash, hives, difficulty breathing,
feelings of tightness in the chest, and swelling in the face or mouth),
bizarre behavior and confusion, decreased urination, fast or irregular
heartbeat, extreme weight loss, and severe or persistent headaches.

Other
dangerous Effexor side effects include severe and unusual mood swings;
increased level of depression; aggressive or impulsive behavior; fever,
chills, and other flu-like symptoms; panic attacks, severe anxiety,
irritability, restlessness, or hostility; and persistent or severe
ringing in the ears.

Thoughts of suicide should be taken very seriously and all precautions should be made to prevent any suicide attempts.

When
taking a SSNRI, serotonin syndrome may develop, especially if the
patient is taking other medications, too. Serotonin syndrome can cause
confusion, hallucinations, and coma. It is sometimes fatal.

If
any of these severe Effexor side effects should occur, the patient and
/ or his caretaker should seek immediate medical attention.

Women
who are pregnant or nursing should avoid Effexor. Children and
teenagers are at greater risk of experiencing severe adverse reactions
to this medication and its use is best avoided.

Drinking
alcohol and taking other prescription medications while undergoing
treatment with Effexor can be very risky. Be sure to notify your
physician of any other medications you are taking, including any
monoamine oxidase inhibitors, St. John’s wort, or any other
over-the-counter or herbal remedies.

Diet medications can
trigger dangerous reactions when used in conjunction with Effexor so be
sure to notify your prescribing physician or avoid them during
treatment.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a highly effective drug used to control
convulsion, seizures, and pain caused by damage to the nerves. Lyrica
slows down the brain impulses that cause seizures, making it an
effective treatment for epilepsy and other brain disorders or injuries
that can cause seizures.

Patients
diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy or herpes zoster (shingles) may be
treated with Lyrica, too, as it is effective in reducing the pain
caused by these diseases which damage nerves.

Because it is
prescribed to treat seizures, any patient taking Lyrica is urged to
carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet that clearly states
the bearer (or wearer) is taking a seizure control medication. Ready
access to this important information could mean the difference between
life and death to an emergency medical services provider, doctor, or
dentist.

While there are any number of minor Lyrica side
effects that will most likely go away once the patient has adjusted to
the correct dosage, alcohol and certain other medications can trigger
dangerous reactions. Avoid medicines for the common cold or flu,
antidepressants and antianxiety drugs, muscle relaxers, and pain
medications while taking Lyrica.

Any signs of an allergic reaction should be reported immediately.

Some
of the more severe Lyrica side effects include rapid weight gain or
swelling; weakness, pain, or tenderness in the muscles, especially if
fever and fatigue are also present; and free bleeding or easy bruising.

Less
serious but likely nonetheless, other Lyrica side effects to beware of
are blurred vision, loss of balance or impaired coordination, memory
and concentration problems, increased appetite, dry mouth, and an itchy
skin rash. Anxiety may develop, with or without dizziness or excess
drowsiness. Joint and muscle pains may develop, too.

Before
taking Lyrica, be sure to let your prescribing physician know of any
other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter
medications and alternative health remedies.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Crestor Serious Side Effects

Crestor is
a drug in the category of a class of cholesterol lowering drugs
regularly referred to as “statins”. It is a medication identified as
having serious and occasional fatal side effects.

In
recent times, an FDA associate director of drug safety gave a Crestor
warning which suggested that Crestor be recalled due to the occurrences
of serious Crestor side effects. Over the last few years experts have
discovered more information about the serious side effects of Crestor.
As a result, there have been a number of Crestor warnings issued to
inform and educate the public as well as doctors about the serious
adverse Crestor side effects.

Due to the gravity of
Crestor side effects, many experts agree that the FDA should commence a
Crestor recall. Statin type drugs have a record of causing severe side
effects.

Crestor, the FDA and Crestor Side Effects

The
medicine Crestor was approved in the U.S. in August of 2003. The
approval was based on an assessment of a broad clinical database which
involved about 12,000 patients. Since then, the FDA has received
reports about many patients experiencing Crestor side effects such as
Rhabdomyolysis in association with Crestor. A number of patients using
Crestor have been reported to have developed deterioration in their
muscles. This condition is recognized as Rhabdomyolysis. Several others
have been reported to have suffered from kidney damage or failure.
There has also been a report of the death of woman due to taking
Crestor.

Crestor is the only statin drug that known to have a side effect such as Rhabdomyolysis in pre-approval clinical tests.

If
you or a loved one has taken Crestor and is now experiencing adverse
side effects, it is important that you contact your doctor and maybe
even your attorney as soon as possible.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is used in cultural
and traditional settings and may vary in perception and in how it is
accepted by Western medicine.

Creatine is used by
many to enhance athletic performance. When considering taking
herbal/health supplements, it is important to first consult with your
doctor because he or she will know what is best for you and what
products would be risky for you to take or combine with other
supplements or medications. In addition, consulting with someone who is
trained in herbal and vitamin/health supplements may also prove to be
very helpful in making the right choices.

The Natural Production of Creatine in the Body

Creatine
is naturally created in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of the human
body. Creatine can also be found in meats and fish. Most of the
Creatine in the body is stored in the muscles, in the form of
phosphocreatine. Creatine is an energy source for muscle contraction
and it also helps in muscle growth.

Creatine and the FDA

Creatine
has not yet been appraised by the FDA to determine the safety,
effectiveness, or purity of Creatine herbal supplements. Therefore, all
of the possible risks or advantages of Creatine may not be completely
determined as of yet. There are also no regulated manufacturing
standards required for creating the herbal combinations and there have
also been occurrences where herbal/health supplements have been sold
which had been polluted by toxic metals and other drugs. Due to these
past occurrences, herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a
trustworthy source to diminish the risk of contamination of the herbal
products.

Creatine Side Effects

Although
it has been uncommon, there have been serious Creatine side effects
which have been reported with the use of Creatine. It is vital that a
user discontinue taking Creatine and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience any of the following Creatine side effects:

• An allergic reaction

• Difficulty breathing

• Closing of your throat

• Swelling of your lips, tongue or face

• Hives

• Symptoms of kidney problems such as decreased or little urine.

Although
it has not been confirmed, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle
cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte imbalances are expected
to occur during the use of Creatine. Therefore, to avoid any of these
additional possible Creatine side effects, it is very important to
drink plenty of fluids.

Consult with your doctor or
health care professional if you experience any Creatine side effects
even if you feel that the adverse effects are nothing to worry about.

What is Chantix

Chantix is a drug which it taken for the purpose to help a smoker to
quit smoking. This drug Chantix has a vast level of effectiveness in
the medical field. According to some medical scientists, in tests
involving approximately 2000 smokers, who have been smoking about 21
cigarettes a day for more than 25 years, the Chantix drug successfully,
helped these smokers to stop smoking. Chantix is said to be at least 4
times greater in effectiveness than any of the popular drugs in regards
to quitting smoking that are on the market. Presently, there is no
other match to Chantix.

The Side Effects of Chantix

Although, Chantix is a choice drug to help smokers to quit smoking,
there are possible side effects to taking the Chantix drug. Some of the
frequently occurring Chantix side effects include Nausea, Sleep
disorder, gas, sleeplessness, constipation, headache and loss of taste.

Pregnancy and Chantix

Experiencing pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life and
having a cigarette smoking addiction during pregnancy can cause a woman
to have to endure many problems during her pregnancy. A smoking
addiction can also cause problems for a woman’s unborn baby.

Although Chantix, the anti-smoking drug, has been recognized as a
very beneficial anti-smoking drug for smokers, it has also been a
matter of deliberation in regards to whether there are Chantix side
effects that would affect pregnant women who desire to take the drug to
stop smoking.

Should Chantix be Given to Pregnant Women to Stop Smoking Addiction

If Chantix, the anti-smoking drug were to be given to pregnant women
who smoke, there is a tremendous chance that there would be Chantix
side effects that would cause reduced weight in the bone mass of the
fetus carried by the mother. Therefore, many doctors suggest that
Chantix be avoided by smoking pregnant women.

Chantix is an effective alternative for individuals who wish to quit
smoking, however pregnant women as well as individuals who are not
pregnant who choose to use the anti-smoking drug should consider
whether it is the best method and choice for them individually due to
Chantix side effects.

People mostly go on using Carisoprodol for pain relief without being
aware of Carisoprodol side effects. This medicine is widely used by
athletes; common people suffering from acute aches and pains do also
turn to Carisoprodol. The medicine works by blocking or numbing the
nerve impulses that communicate the sensation of pain. You do not feel
the pain if your brain does not receive the signals.

Anyways,
since there are many Carisoprodol side effects, self-medication should
never be encouraged. Always consult your doctor before taking
Carisoprodol. This medicine should not be taken if you have suffered
from a liver or heart disease in the past.

Be Aware Of Carisoprodol Side Effects

You
should know if the medicine is appropriate for you and to know this,
you must see the doctor and have a detailed consultation with him/her.
There are chances of your being no stranger to side effects like
tremor, stomach upset or weakness.

Before using the drug, you need to be fully aware of the possible side effects that could follow:

Allergic
reactions are a common syndrome that often occurs after the usage of
Carisoprodol. You could face difficulty in breathing, have rashes as
well as swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue.
Headache
Depression and a feeling of annoyance
Insomnia or the lack of proper sleep
Drowsiness
Vomiting, nausea, upset stomach, hiccups
Blurred vision

Among the more serious Carisoprodol side effects, you could face:

Lack of coordination or extreme weakness
Paralysis
Convulsions
Fast heartbeat
Loss of vision
Fainting
Confusion and agitation

The aforementioned Carisoprodol side effects are just some of the many side effects that one could experience.

What You Can Do?

The
side effects that come with Carisoprodol usually disappear slowly, as
your body learns to adapt itself to the medication. However, there may
be cases where Carisoprodol side effects tend to remain for a long
period; here, the person should immediately see a doctor for guidance.

If
you experience serious side effects, stop the intake of Carisoprodol
and seek immediate emergency medical service. It is wrong to ignore the
side effects, for it may prove fatal in many cases. Contact your doctor
when you experience the side effects in the course of the medication.

Duloxetine hydrochloride is the generic name for the antidepressant
prescription medication sold under the trade name Cymbalta. Cymbalta
has been proven to be an effective treatment option for major
depressive disorder.

There
are a number of antidepressant medications that are effective in
alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorder, too, but Cymbalta is not
indicated as a treatment option when anxiety is present along with
symptoms of major depression.

Caution against adverse
reactions is always advised when taking prescription medications and
some Cymbalta side effects are worth noting.

Nausea is the
most frequently reported side effect reported by patients taking this
medication. Other disturbances of the digestive system when using this
medication can include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite
changes.

Sexual difficulties are known to develop during
treatment with duloxetine hydrochloride, as are headaches, excessive
feelings of drowsiness, insomnia, and generalized feelings of weakness.

Other
Cymbalta side effects may include dry mouth, excessive sweating,
tremors, and problems with the urinary tract. Anyone with liver disease
or severe kidney impairment should not take this drug.

Cymbalta
side effects are likely to be most noticeable at the beginning of
treatment and any time dosage is altered. Dangerous symptoms of mania
and suicidal thoughts and tendencies may develop at any time while
taking Cymbalta but their chances of occurring are heightened during
these critical periods of treatment.

Patients with
uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma should not take Cymbalta. Nor should
anyone who is also taking thioridazine; this combination can cause
irregularities of the heartbeat that can be fatal.

Anyone
undergoing treatment for depression by using a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor, especially phenelzine and tranylcypromine, should not take
Cymbalta. It is advisable to wait a minimum of 14 days after
discontinuing use of the MAO inhibitor before taking Cymbalta. Once
Cymbalta treatment has been discontinued, it is best to wait at least 5
days before beginning MAO inhibitor therapy.

In addition to
treatment for depression, Cymbalta is an effective treatment for
diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a very painful disorder that affects
the nerves in the feet, legs, and hands.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.