The People's Perspective on MedicinePopular Articles
How to Sleep During Anxious Times
Most people are finding the news of the day overwhelming. We offer tips on getting to sleep during anxious times like these.
Gabapentin Risks for Persistent Shoulder Pain?
Gabapentin is taken by nine million Americans. Many of those prescriptions are off label. What are some gabapentin risks? Beware confusion and depression.
Prednisone Withdrawal: Can You Ever Stop Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are prescribed to millions of people for a variety of medical conditions. Many may not be told about side effects or prednisone withdrawal.
Stopping Zolpidem (Ambien) for Insomnia Can Be Challenging
Have you ever had trouble getting a good night's sleep? Who hasn't? That's why sleeping pills are so popular. But stopping zolpidem can be a challenge.
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?