9Oct/09Off
A New Kind of Drug Addiction
Imagine waking up one morning and realizing your prescription for Percocet has just run out, yet instead of feeling the typical relief in finishing a prescription-this time you want more. At first the cravings are subtle, yet make no mistake about it they are there, dragging you towards an addiction to Percocet.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is part of a larger group of prescription drugs known as opioids. These opioids are known as synthetic opiates, because they are originally derived from the poppy plant, which is the plant that all opiates originate from. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen and although not as powerful as it's counterparts like Oxycontin, it is just as insidious. Opioids are usually used for pain relief, typically after an injury or operation, yet for addicts it's the sense of euphoric pleasure opioids like Percocet gives them, which lays the foundation for their addiction.
More disturbing than Percocet Addiction forming as an outgrowth from a prescription, is the expansion of it's use among non prescribed individuals. Percocet use among individuals not using it for medical purpose has exploded in the last few years. It is estimated that the rate of prescription drug abuse has doubled in the last 10 years.
Signs of a Percocet Addiction
Percocet Addiction tends to be private, so at first it's signs are not apparent to the casual observer and may not even be obvious to the addict. Most health care professionals familiar with Percocet Addiction claim that a person can become addicted to Percocet Addiction after 2 or 3 weeks. If the addict will feel that he or she needs more than their usual dosage to generate an effect, then the user's tolerance for Percocet has grown. Tolerance to any drug sets the stage for addiction, because the user feels that more of the substance is needed to ensure a high.
Typically, Percocet addicts exhibit signs of addiction that are shared with other prescription drug addictions. These signs include taking the medication outside of medical use. This usually occurs to relieve stress, normally after a busy day. Another sign of Percocet Addiction is a rapid increase in the amount of pills the user takes. This can be seen by the rate in which the user finishes the prescribed Percocet. If the Percocet is finished faster than expected, it is a strong indication that the user has built a tolerance to the drug and needs more to create the desired effect. In order to get more Percocet the user will find other doctors to ensure a constant supply through prescriptions. This behavior is called "Doctor Shopping." Some addicts will even write fake prescriptions to generate a near endless supply of Percocet. Of course the most obvious sign is irritability when the user is without Percocet or any prescription drug.
Ending the Percocet Trap
Like any other drug, ending an addiction to Percocet is not easy. Prescription drugs themselves often times catch the user unaware. This fact alone makes them hard to stop before its too late, but with strength and support an addict can break their addiction to Percocet. Many addictions follow the same forms of treatment such as medical, psychological, and nutritional therapies. With Percocet as with all opioids, there is a new drug available. Suboxone is a partial opiate agonist, which helps the addict through the withdrawal period.
No matter what the treatment, the most important aspect of Percocet Addiction is the knowledge about the drug and it's effects and addictive attributes.
26Aug/09Off
ADHD-ADD Medications Are Easy to Abuse
Raising teens these days seems more difficult than ever. With television shows encouraging teen sex, irresponsible behavior and excessive partying, it's getting harder and harder to protect our families. These days, we have to contend with drugs such as Ecstasy, methamphetamines, cocaine, and the covert but incredibly ubiquitous, prescription drugs. Working in an emergency department in a major US hospital, I know how much narcotics and anti-anxiety medicines are over-prescribed and abused. Most of the time, the narcotic medications are not necessary for the level of pain one feels, and it's merely fluff for the patient, to create a "satisfied customer" (or at least one that won't complain about you).
Everyday, it's estimated that over 2000 teens in the United States get high for the very first time, with a prescription drug. These include narcotic drugs such as vicodin and oxycodone, anti-anxiety pills such as Ativan, or Valium, and stimulants for ADHD such as Ritalin or Concerta. With the growing popularity of methamphetamines, the ADHD medications are quickly becoming the "legal drug of choice" for teens, as access is easy, and parents along with their doctors become the suppliers.
A recent 8 year study of data procured from poison control center data, showed a 76% increase in calls to the poison center, for 13-19 year olds with amphetamine and ADHD drug related toxicity. One of the possibilities for this increase is that ADHD medications are increasingly easily accessible. Consider this; during that study, researchers found that the prescription rate for ADHD medication rose 86%, from about 4 million to 8 million prescriptions!
ADHD affects between 8 and 12 percent of children and 4 percent of adults around the globe. It is said that there is at least one child in every classroom in the United States being treated for ADD or ADHD. Because these and other prescription drugs are so readily available, parents are advised to start monitoring their drug cabinets and keep their own medications out of temptations' way. It is equally as important for early education to the children in the household regarding the dangers of prescription drug use and abuse.
24Aug/09Off
Oxycodone Addiction – It’s Just Medicine Right?
Oxycodone is an narcotic analgesic used to control pain and an anti-cough medication. A common brand name is Oxycontin. Oxycodone addiction and use has been increasingly dramatically in the past ten years. In fact, the average use of oxycodone in the United States has increased by 300% of the past decade. Likewise, the number of emergency room visits related to oxycodone addiction and use has increased by 500%.
Since oxycodone is meant to be taken orally, it has become an attractive drug of choice for people suffering from addiction to opiates that normally are taken via needle. The saftey factor of the fact that it is a timed release drug, is gotten around by crushing it up and snorting it or disoloving it and shooting it up.To satisfy their need for oxycodone, people suffering from oxycodone addiction call in phony prescriptions and steal hydrocodone from pharmacies.
Oxycodone addiction affects people of all ages. Pill addiction is often looked at as a white collar problem that is used only by professionals. In reality, oxyocodone addiction is steadily increasing among all groups of people. Yet, the most likely group of people to suffer from oxyocodone addiction is 10-40 year old white women.
Recovering from hydrocodone addiction can be difficult because hydrocodone creates both a mental and a physical addiction. In the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction, the hydrocodone stimulates opiate receptors in the brain. For the person with a hydrocodone addiction, this results in feeling extreme pleasure.
A feeling of relaxation and satisfaction that can last for many hours then follows the initial high created by oxyocodone in the person with a oxyocodone addiction. Along with the feeling of relaxation, the respiratory system is affected causing a decrease in the rate of breathing. This slow down in the person with the addiction can be fatal.
Traditionally, oxyocodone addiction treatment dealt with both the psychological side of addiction and the symptoms of hydrocodone addiction withdrawal. This method, however, has not proven to be a highly effective method for treating this addiction.
A newer method for dealing with oxyocodone addiction withdrawal is called Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR). ANR looks at hydrocodone addiction as disease that needs to be treated with medical techniques. This method has shown a greater effectiveness in the treatment of oxyocodone addiction.
No matter the method used to treat oxy addiction, it is imperative for the person suffering from hydrocodone addiction to get help with his problem it can be a matter of life or death.
11Aug/09Off
Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone Addiction occurs when the medication is taken for longer than prescribed. Oxycodone is derived from an opiate alkaloid and is used most often for post-operative pain. This drug can also be used as a cough suppressant when taken in liquid form. This medication has become one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States as well as other countries. Prescription Medication has replaced many recreational drugs as prices continue to rise and users turn to others sources to feed their addiction. Oxycodone finds itself on the top of this list of abused Prescription Medication.
Oxycodone Addiction is well known in the recovery community. There have been a great number of relapses attributed to Oxycodone. Addicts who are already in recovery have been prescribed the pain killer as a result of an operation and their addiction is awakened when the prescription runs out and withdrawal starts. The company that manufactures Oxycodone, Pharma, has been involved in litigation and has paid fines in the millions for fraudulent marketing practices. Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture this type of medication are ethically and legally bound to protect the prospective customers by offering full disclosure and warnings on the label.
The FDA is responsible for distribution of prescription drugs and does regulate and classify those drugs that can lead to abuse; but the government can do just so much.
Ultimately the responsibility falls on the person using the drug to educate themselves and have friends or family members participate in their recovery. Detox and addiction treatment may become necessary for those that find themselves in the grips of withdrawal.
12Jul/09Off
6 Toothache Remedies You Can Use
Most people don't think about toothaches until they actually get one, and then they will do just about anything to get ride of the toothache pain. Most toothache pain is sharp, throbbing, shooting, or constant. In rare cases if the tooth is not properly treated, it will eventually have to be extracted. So with that being said how can someone treat a toothache at home with natural home remedies?
Below are 6 toothache home remedies you can try.
Remedies for Tooth ache using Garlic
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will make the cure teeth making it strong and healthy.
Toothache cure using Asafoetida
The use of asafoetida has been found useful in curing toothache. It should be pestled in lemon Juice and slightly heated. A cotton swab should be soaked in this lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth. It will relieve pain quickly.
Remedies for Tooth ache using Lime
Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums
Toothache relief using Onion
Latest research has confirmed the bactericidal properties of onion. If a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.
Remedies for Toothache using Pepper
A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.
Toothache cure using Wheat Grass The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. Wheat grass can be chewed with beneficial results. It draws out toxins from the gums and thus checks bacterial growth.
I hope these 6 toothache home remedies give you or someone you know suffering from a toothache some relief from the pain. Please also keep in mind that this is just an article and you should always consult with your medical practitioner before starting any kind of treatment.
5Jun/09Off
Can My Herbal Supplements Harm Me?
Unknown to most people is the fact that everyday foods and Herbal supplements can and do interact with popular prescription medications. I became interested while talking to my Pharmacist that my son couldn't take decongestant cold medications with his heart medication. Well, I knew about interactions between two drugs, but when the Pharmacist told me he couldn't have grapefruit juice, I was stunned. Seems that grapefruit juice increases the blood concentrations of the drug. Basically that means that it greatly enhances the effects of the drug which could result in an overdose of the medication. This is everyday grapefruit juice! It got me wondering about other everyday foods and Herbs we take. Below are a few foods and Herbs that have an effect on your medications. This list is a basic guide, and is by no means the meant to replace your Doctor or Pharmacist. Consult with them about any prescriptions you are taking and the foods and Herbs that will interact with them. Although I have taken this information from a handout from a local Hospital, Use this information at your own risk. Again, I am not a Doctor or Pharmacist, and I have had NO medical training, so please consult with yours for more information.
People usually ask if Herbal supplements change the way their prescription drugs work. The answer is YES! Some medications should never be taken with Herbal supplements. Some can cause unwanted side effects or cause the medication to stop working to their full effect.
Another misconception about supplements is that they are completely safe because they are natural. Yes, they may be from plants, but they are not natural to your body. Herbal supplements are not tested or inspected like prescription drugs are tested, so the supplements vary in quality and strength from pill to pill and bottle to bottle.
Just like supplements, foods can change the way your body responds to medications. One example is grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Many people aren't aware that grapefruit juice can increase the drug levels of certain medications. An increase in the levels will also increase the side effects of the drug.
Things to Remember
1. Herbal supplements and foods can change the way your medications work.
2. Tell your caregiver what Herbal supplements you take and what foods you eat often.
3. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist what Herbal supplements or foods will interact with your medications.
4. Always talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist FIRST before taking any Herbal supplements.DISCLAIMER: The following charts are not all inclusive and do not contain every interaction of drugs with foods and herbs. It serves as a guide only. Consult with your Doctor, Pharmacist or a registered dietician if you have any questions.
Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Aspirin
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen
Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid large amounts of orange juice and vitamin C.
Herbs:Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil, and Ginko as it increases the risk of bleeding.
Narcotics
Codeine (Tylenol #2, 3, 4)
Morphine (MS Contin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin/Percocet)
Foods:Avoid alchohol.
Herbs:Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.
Antibiotics
Ciproflaxacin (cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Food: Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium. Avoid large amounts of caffeine.See Chart 3 below.
Herbs:
Methronidazole
Foods:Avoid alchohol during and 3 days after taking this medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Herbs:
Penicillin
Foods:Citrus fruits/juices and carbonated beverages will decrease desired effect.
Herbs:
Tetracycline
Foods:Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort increase the risk of sunburn.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
Foods:May cause rash if taken with alchohol.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort increase the risk of sunburn.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K: beef liver, oils and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collards, spinach).
Herbs: Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil and Ginko as they increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take St. John's Wort as it may decrease the desired effect.
Cholesterol Lowering Agents
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Diabetes Medications
Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL)
Glyburide (Glynase, Micronase)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra as it may increase blood sugar and decrease desired effect.
Erectile Dysfunction
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra)
Food: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Yohimbe as it may increase side effects.
Gastrointestinal Agents (Stomach Meds)
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Dong Quai, Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you drowsey.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Lansoprozole (Prevacid)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Foods: Avoid alchohol as it may cause upset stomach.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
*Note: The following herbs may cause an INCREASE in blood pressure and decrease desired effect of any blood pressure medications: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Hawthorn, Quassia, Vervain and Yohimbe.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors-
Captopril (Capoten)
Linisopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Food: Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium and potassium rich foods; see Chart 1.
Herbs: See *Note above
Beta Blockers-
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol ZL)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Calcium Channel Blockers-
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)
Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice. A low sodium diet may be recommended.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Foods: Avoid antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Ma Huang and St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Nitrates-
Isosorbide (isordil, Imdur)
Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitrol)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Food: INCLUDE potassium rich foods in diet; see Chart 1 below.
Herbs: See *Note above under Heart and Blood Pressure Medications.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen (Premarin, Premphase, Prempro)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect. Do not take Black Cohosh Dong Quai, Red Clover or Saw Palmetto because of the possible side effects.
Mood Disorders
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Benzodiazepines-
Alprazolam (Zanax)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Green Tea.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's)-
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Avoid tyramine-rich foods see Chart 2 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Ginko, St. John's Wort or Yohimbe as they may increase effect and cause a serious increase in blood pressure.
Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's)-
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Melatonin, Valerian or Yohimbe as they may make you drowsy. Do not take with St. John's Wort as it may increase effect of drug and risk of side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's)-
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control)
Estradiol Cypionate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Mestranol
Food: Avoid smoking.
Herbs: Do not take with Chaste Tree Berry, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Osteoporosis
Alendronate (Fosomax)
Risendronate (Actonel)
Food: Take only with plain water. Do not take anything else within 30 minutes of taking these drugs as they may decrease desired effect.
Herbs:
Seizure Medications
Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, NOT Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
phenytoin (Dilantin)
Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Evening Primrose increases risk for seizures. Do not take with Kava or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy. St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.
Thyroid Medications
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)
Thyroid (Armour Thyroid)
Food: Limit intake of Brussel Sprouts, cabbage, kale, greens, rutabaga, soybeans and turnips.
Herbs: Do not take with Lemon Balm.
Miscellaneous
Antihistamines-
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Prednisone
Methylprednisolone
Food: Avoid alchohol. Calcium supplements may be recommended to prevent Osteoporosis.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.
Theopylline (theo-Dur)
Foods: Avoid alchohol.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra or Green Tea as it may increase effect of drug.
Foods:
Herbs:
Chart # 1
High potassium rich foods include the following:
Apricots, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avacado, Banana, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Celery,
Chocolate, Dates, Dried Beans, Dried Fruit, Figs, Greens, Honeydew, Milk, Orange Juice, Potato,
Pumpkin, Prune Juice, Raisins, Rhubarb, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, V-8 Juice
Chart # 2
High tyramine-content foods include the following:
Aged Cheese*, Aged Meat,Anchovies, Avacados, Bananas, Beer, Broad Beans, Caffeine
Chicken Liver, Chocolate, Cola Drinks, Canned Figs, Mushrooms, Raisins, Sausages, Sour Cream
Soy Sauce, Wine (Chianti, Sherry), Yeast, Yogurt*Camembert, Chedder, Gruyer, processed American and Stilton
Chart # 3
High caffeine-content foods include the following:
Chocolate (milk and dark, Coffee (brewed, cappuccino, expresso)
Caffeinated water (Java, Kank, Aqua Blast), Ice Cream (coffee, chocolate)
Soft Drinks (Mountain Dew, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Root Beer, Sunkist Orange Soda)
Teas (green Tea, Ginseng, Snapple Iced Tea, Lipton)
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