The People's Perspective on Medicine
Reader Spanks Us Over Phenylephrine Decongestant!
Phenylephrine is in cold, cough and allergy pills. The FDA says it doesn't work! How about the phenylephrine decongestant in nose sprays?
Unbearable Itching After Stopping Antihistamines Like Xyzal or Zyrtec
Antihistamines can calm allergic reactions. But when some people stop cetirizine or levocetirizine, they may experience unbearable itching!
Lisinopril and Angioedema: A Life-Threatening Side Effect
Serious lisinopril side effects can occur after many years. Doctors may miss the diagnosis if lisinopril and angioedema affect the abdomen.
Multiple Strategies Are Needed for Stopping Heartburn Drugs without Pain
Stopping heartburn drugs like Nexium can lead to rebound acid. Gradually tapering the dose along with natural approaches help.
Benzodiazepine Dependence | A Hard Habit to Kick
Getting off benzos can be tough. Benzodiazepine dependence is common. Beware "BIND": Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction.
Will Naloxone (Narcan) Really Save Lives?
Will over-the-counter naloxone (Narcan Nasal Spray) save lives? This opioid antagonist can restore breathing in minutes. Will it be used?
Antidepressant Combination (Amitriptyline & Sertraline) Caused Disastrous Convulsions
An antidepressant combination, sertraline (Zoloft) and amitriptyline (Elavil) increased the risk for seizures. Did it lead to brain damage?
The Fuss Over Amalgam Fillings Intensifies
A proposed FDA safety alert on amalgam fillings disappeared almost without a trace. Many dentists were glad. The pros and cons of amalgam.
Can Raising the Head of the Bed Beat Insomnia?
One reader found that elevating the head of the bed resulted in much better sleep patterns. It is also affordable, without side effects.
Will Asthma Inhalers Weaken Bones?
Asthma inhalers containing steroids calm inflammation in the airways and help with breathing. Do they increase the risk for fractures?
Are My Medications Causing Me Memory Problems?
Are your medicines messing with your mind? Could memory problems be due to drugs rather than aging or dementia? Beware anticholinergics.
How Well Does the New Weight Loss Medicine Work?
Shedding pounds fast has become a hot topic with new weight loss medicine liraglutide and semaglutide (Wegovy). What are the pros and cons?
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Side Effects & Withdrawal
The anti-depressant Cymbalta (duloxetine) can cause a LOT of side effects, but stopping it suddenly could trigger nasty withdrawal symptoms.
Is Aspirin Underutilized for Preventing Second Heart Attacks?
Guidelines recommend regular aspirin use to prevent second heart attacks. In the poorest countries, though, this cheap drug is underutilized.
Aduhelm for Alzheimer’s: Breakthrough or Boondoggle?
A physician survey and Congressional committee report are critical of the FDA's accelerated approval of Aduhelm for Alzheimer's disease. Why?
Lyrica and Weight Gain | Can It Be Reversed?
Nerve pain (neuropathy) can be incredibly challenging. FDA-approved drugs can have unexpected side effects including fatigue, dizziness and brain fog. Lyrica and weight gain is another complication.
Are Your Drugs Raising Your Risk for Dementia?
Are common over-the-counter and prescription drugs capable of raising your risk for dementia? Which medicines are caught in this tangled web?
You Could Be Risking Bad Sunburns If You Are Taking One of These Common Medications
Prescribers don't always warn patients that some medications can sensitize the skin to the sun's rays and lead to bad sunburns.
Is There a Dark Side to the Diabetes Drug Jardiance?
Jardiance is being advertised on television. Watch the smiles, singing and dancing! There are also some serious risks. What are they?
If You Need Surgery While on Ozempic or Wegovy BE VERY CAREFUL!
Surgery while on Ozempic or Wegovy or other GLP-1 agonists such as Victoza, Saxenda, or Mounjaro requires special caution. Beware aspiration!
Is Your Aluminum Antiperspirant Setting You Up for Smellier Armpits?
If you are like most people you use an aluminum antiperspirant daily. What happens if you stop? Body odor, right? Now there's an explanation.
Will Sleeping Pill with Diphenhydramine Lead to Memory Loss?
Memory loss is a terrible challenge. Might commonly prescribed medications or OTC antihistamines be to blame?
Why Buy Brand Name Drugs from Canada?
Many people worry about generic drug quality, but brand name meds can be pricey. Can you really buy brand name drugs from Canada for less?
Metformin (Glucophage) Side Effects & Complications
Metformin (Glucophage) is the most popular drug for type 2 diabetes, but it can be hard on the GI tract and kidneys. Metformin vs. cancer?
Show 1351: Are You Risking Your Life Trusting Mail Order Medicines?
A mother whose child relies on medicine to prevent transplant rejection found that his medicines lose potency during shipping.
Will Ozempic or Wegovy Weight Loss Last?
Semaglutide can help people lose serious weight. But what happens to Wegovy weight loss when you stop using the drug? Will you regain pounds?
Do You Love Your Liver Enough?
Are you taking care of your liver? Most Americans take their livers for granted. Coffee and soft drinks have different impacts.
If a Medicine Kills You Why Can’t Your Family Sue the Drug Company?
When can you sue the drug company for disability or death? If you have been warned of an adverse drug reaction you could be out of luck.
TNF Blockers and Your Immune System: Beware IMIDs
TNF blockers like Enbrel, Humira and Remicade treat IMIDs like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Can they also cause these conditions?
Is the Diabetes Drug Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Better Than Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Will Mounjaro (tirzepatide) become the next big weight loss drug? How does it compare to Ozempic? What side effects should you be aware of?
Alcohol for Longer Life? How Much Is Enough and How Much Is Too Much?
Is alcohol for longer life real or a myth? How many drinks count as moderate alcohol consumption? Does stress reduction increase longevity?
Is Metformin a Miracle or a Menace?
A diabetes drug makes headlines! Is metformin a miracle because of anticancer and anti-aging activity or a menace due to serious side effects?
Is Lp(a) the Best Kept Secret in Heart Disease?
Doctors rarely test for Lp(a), but 1 out of 5 people have high levels. Statins raise Lp(a) but a low-carb diet lowers this key risk factor.