The People's Perspective on Medicine
Stopping Antihistamine Leads to Unbelievable Itching
Abruptly stopping the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) led to unbelievable itching. The doctor who reported this had not seen it in the medical literature.
Stopping Ultracet (Tramadol + Acetaminophen) Led to Withdrawal
Because of the opioid epidemic many physicians have stopped prescribing drugs like hydrocodone. Is tramadol safer? Stopping Ultracet can be challenging.
Can You Stop Zyrtec Without Horrendous Itching?
After some people have taken cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) for months or years, they may develop horrendous itching when they stop.
Decongestant Spray Addiction is Hard to Kick
Have you ever had a stufy nose? Were you tempted to use a nose spray? Did you develop decongestant spray addiction? Is there a way to kick the habit? Yes!
Why Popular Heartburn Drugs PPIs Are Linked to Premature Deaths
Acid-suppressing drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are go-to drugs for heartburn. Should you be concerned that PPIs are linked to premature deaths?
Can You Get Off a PPI Without Suffering Heartburn?
One reader found a way to get off a PPI without withdrawal symptoms: Eat just one low-carb meal a day to reduce discomfort.
Will CBD Help Opioid Addicts Kick Their Habits?
A new study suggests that cannabidiol might help some people with drug-use disorder kick their habits. It seems to ease cravings and anxiety.
New Concerns About Gabapentin and Pregabalin (Lyrica) for Nerve Pain
Over 10 million people take GABA agonists for nerve pain. A recent report raises new concerns about gabapentin and pregabalin. What are the pros and cons?
Benzodiazepine Dependence | A Hard Habit to Kick
Getting off benzos can be tough. Benzodiazepine dependence is more common than many people realize. Symptoms can be davastating. A SLOW taper is essential!.
How To Stop Venlafaxine: Very, VERY Slowly!
Are you surprised to learn that many antidepressant drugs are hard to stop? The discontinuation syndrome can be awful. Learn how to stop venlafaxine slowly!
How to Beat Nose Spray Dependence One Nostril at a Time
Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. How can you overcome such nose spray dependence?
Show 1153: How to Listen to TV Drug Commercials
What do TV drug commercials tell you about the medicine you might be taking? What other sources do you use to learn about your drugs? Join the conversation.
What Is the Other Drug Epidemic?
Researchers say there is another drug epidemic in addition to opioids. Doctors are prescribing more benzodiazepines than ever for longer periods of time.
Can You Overcome an Afrin Addiction?
One reader reports that spicy green chile salsa would open up the sinuses enough to help break an Afrin addiction. Others have used steroid nasal sprays or even saline spray to accomplish this goal.
Getting Off Venlafaxine Can Be Incredibly Challenging
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a frequently prescribed antidepressant. But getting off venlafaxine can be extremely difficult. Many patients are not told how to taper the drug VERY slowly.
The Zyrtec Itch is Unbearable | Where’s the FDA?
We have reported "the Zyrtec itch" to the FDA with disappointing results. Hundreds of people have reported problems with itching when they stop Zyrtec suddenly. The FDA doesn't respond to our concerns
Why Is Antidepressant Withdrawal So Hard?
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms were not recognized for decades. Now the FDA requires a warning about "discontinuation syndrome." Are patients warned about this devastating condition?
Stopping Duloxetine Leads to Terrible Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and 'brain zaps' can make coming off duloxetine (Cymbalta) a terrifying ordeal.
How Long Will Dizziness Last After Stopping Lexapro?
One reader still experiences bouts of vertigo a month after stopping Lexapro. When might this withdrawal symptom disappear?
Can You Avoid Family Fights Over the Holidays?
How will you cope with the stresses of shopping, cooking and family feuds? Do you need anti-anxiety meds or is there another way to prevent family fights?
How Dangerous Is It to Stop Taking Aspirin?
People who stop taking aspirin are at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Patients should continue aspirin unless there is a strong reason to stop.
Will Stopping Aspirin Lead to A Heart Attack?
Low-dose aspirin is frequently prescribed to heart patients to prevent blood clots. Can stopping aspirin suddenly increase the risk for heart attacks?
How to Stop an Antidepressant Without Difficulties
It can be hard to stop an antidepressant when discontinuation triggers horrible symptoms. Here's one way to get past them.
Stopping Cetirizine Led to Itching Like Crazy
Many people find that stopping cetirizine suddenly leads to itching that cannot be ignored. It may take several weeks of withdrawal for the itch to subside.
Could Mom Be Suffering Cough Syrup Withdrawal?
When an older person was suddenly deprived of her cough medicine, she developed nausea, diarrhea, back pain and malaise. Is it cough syrup withdrawal?
Do Doctors Know How to Help Patients Stop Medications?
Have you ever been told how to stop medications? It is rare for health professionals to provide detailed withdrawal instructions. The FDA has not helped.
How Can You Get to Sleep Without Zolpidem?
Can you learn how to sleep without zolpidem? There are many nondrug approaches, but you may need to taper the dose of zolpidem first.
How To Stop Tramadol Without Withdrawal Symptoms?
Tramadol has become a popular prescription pain reliever now that opioids are under a cloud. Have you ever tried to stop tramadol? It can be challenging!
Can an Antidepressant Really Help with Hot Flashes?
While an antidepressant might help with hot flashes and night sweats, stopping it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. A nondrug approach might be useful.
How Can You Stop Taking Klonopin for Insomnia?
Benzodiazepine drugs are frequently used to ease anxiety and sleep problems. It can be very challenging to stop a drug such as Klonopin for insomnia.
Serious Tramadol (Ultram) Side Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms
Tramadol works to ease pain for some patients. Others find that tramadol (Ultram) side effects and withdrawal can be unbearable. NEVER stop it suddenly!
Stopping Zyprexa Safely So You Can Lose Weight
A reader has gained a lot of weight while taking olanzapine and now would like to lose those pounds. Can she find a way of stopping Zyprexa safely?
Stopping Xyzal Triggers Horrible Itching
Many readers have found that stopping Xyzal leads to horrible itching. It may take several weeks for this withdrawal symptom to subside.