Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them: Health care screwups are one of the leading causes of death in America, killing as many as 750,000 people annually. That’s more than heart attacks or cancer. And yet most people don’t know this, including most physicians. From diagnostic disasters to deadly drug interactions, the bestselling authors of The People’s Pharmacy expose the alarming epidemic of medical mistakes in America—and offer a lifesaving prescription to make the healthcare system safe again. Only $26.00 +s/h
Was this information helpful? Average rating: 4.5/5 (44 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
Q. I tried the soap-under-the-sheet remedy for leg cramps. It was successful, but it didn't last. Then my doctor prescribed Qualaquin 325 mg capsules, and they work like a charm.
This medication has quinine and is usually used for the treatment of malaria. Now I take one every other night with excellent results.
A. The FDA has only approved Qualaquin (quinine) for the treatment of malaria. Any other use is considered "off label" and inappropriate. On July 8, 2010, the FDA issued the following warning: "Qualaquin should not be used for night time leg cramps."
The agency has received reports of serious blood reactions and kidney damage. In some cases, people have died from quinine toxicity.
We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain with suggestions for other ways to calm leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Some readers have suggested that replacing the soap after several weeks might improve its effectiveness.
Was this information helpful? Average rating: 4.5/5 (44 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
My doctor told me take Vitamin E for leg cramps - it works like magic.
I take it only when I get the feeling a cramp is coming - or after I have had one episode.
On average I only need to take it for 1-2 days in a row and the problem is gone.
400 IU.
A doctor friend told me that quinine can lead to long term hearing loss. He suggested vitamin B 1 for cramping. It works for me.
I had/have nightly horrendous leg cramps. My pain threshold is high, but these had me moaning, unable to find a position without having some other muscle cramp. Quinine tablets usually gave relief within 10 minutes. However, on one particularly bad night, with no relief coming, I took a second tablet within 30 minutes of the first. In the morning, when I awoke, I was totally deaf--no clock chimes, no dog collar tingling--nada.
At first, it was actually a nice experience--my own world. But that wore off when I couldn't hear the radio, phone ring, etc. By mid-to-late afternoon, I had my hearing back, but I will not take it again. I drink water with half a lemon squeezed into it just before bed; sometimes jumping in the hottest shower I can stand (on legs) helps; and occasionally I will use one of the products (HEAT or ICY HOT). Walking it out still seems to be the best, unless more than one muscle is cramping at the same time; then, there's little to no relief.
Has anyone tried Potassium? We read testimonials that massive doses of it can help. Just 99 mg daily has made a difference for my husband.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: MASSIVE DOSES OF POTASSIUM SHOULD BE TAKEN ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. TOO MUCH POTASSIUM CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.
YELLOW MUSTARD, and or turmeric will also help.
I get severe muscle spasms in my left foot after walking only a short distance. My toes curl up making it nearly impossible to walk. I've tried apple cider vinegar (for the last 2 weeks). I am being treated with IV vitamins and minerals (8 weeks) and also with IV chelation for heavy metals toxicity (lead, mercury) (6 weeks so far). I also take magnesium and a doctor-recommended mineral powder daily.
Nothing seems to help. It started about 2 yrs ago with onset occurring at progressively shorter distances. I'm 56 and used to enjoy walking and hiking but now even food shopping is difficult. Any suggestions wold be much appreciated.
Magnesium offers the best relief I've found for leg/foot cramps, restless leg syndrome AND for bruxism (grinding your teeth). Get the real magnesium - not the drug store variety which contains fillers that may cause diarrhea. Our local compounding pharmacy makes the magnesium in easy-to-swallow 200 mg capsules. Take 1 or 2 capsules a few minutes before going to bed. I also take 1 or 2 in the morning since reading how most everyone is extremely deficient in magnesium.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: EXCESS MAGNESIUM CAUSES DIARRHEA. ALSO, ANYONE WITH A KIDNEY CONDITION SHOULD TAKE MAGNESIUM ONLY UNDER A DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION. THAT SAID, IT CAN BE REALLY HELPFUL FOR MUSCLE CRAMPS.
Your recommendation to use yellow mustard to alleviate leg cramps was just like a Miracle Cure!! Within only a few minutes, the cramps are GONE and it's as if they had never been. I pass along this info to everyone I know and NEVER go anywhere without a few packets of mustard in my purse.
Perhaps mby reply, or on a future show, you can explain what's in the mustard take makes it work so well and quickly. Have a feeling it's the turmeric but, again, why?