Drug Interactions? Wonder if Your Prescription Drugs Are Messing with Each Other? Check

By Benjamin Lynch

I found a great drug-drug interaction resource site today while in clinic. There is no reason why you cannot use the same reference. So many times people are on drugs, herbs or vitamins which interact with each other in harmful ways.

This drug interaction resource has the following types of drug interactions:

* Vitamin-Drug Interaction

* Herb-Drug Interaction

* Drug-Drug Interaction

* Alcohol-Drug Interaction

* Food-Drug Interaction

If you find something suspicious or not sounding that good, do not adjust your own medications. If you think you can, you cannot. If you change some prescription drugs too quickly, a serious side effect can occur causing death or a serious medical condition.

So - use this site as a reference - not to self-medicate and adjust your meds.

Drug Digest is an awesome easy to use tool that allows one to check two or more possible drug interactions. Simply search for a drug, vitamin or herb, add it to the drug interaction list and search for another. Keep doing this as needed. Once all drugs, herbs and vitamins are added to the drug interaction list, simply hit the button 'check interactions'

The drug interaction database will think for a moment and then spit out the possible interactions with explanations.

Again - do not self adjust your medications. Ever.

I discovered in clinic today that a patient's aspirin was altering his blood pressure medications. Aspirin works by limiting prostaglandin release and some blood pressure meds work by prostaglandins. Prostaglandins allow blood vessels to relax which is also what inflammation does. As aspirin decreases inflammation, this specific blood pressure med got affected. The outcome: he still had very high blood pressure.

Did I say don't adjust your meds? Good.

To give an example - if this patient did, he would be dead or suffer a large heart attack.

Here is the drug interaction website: Drug Digest [http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html]

Enjoy the database. Tell your physician about it. They will love it.

In health,

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben's natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service [http://www.healthegoods.com/content/health_tips.htm] where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog [http://www.healthegoods.com/blog.html]. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products. Products described in the article are available at HealthE Goods.

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How Not To Fall Into The Trap Of Using A Pill For Everything

The mass majority of drug abuse in our country, believe

it or not, is from prescription pills! Our lives seem to be

ruled by a pill to fix everything. From young children to

senior citizens the pharmaceutical industry has

capitalized on every facet they can, and are working on

more.



It seems that the people of the world are not

supposed to have emotions these days. They are even

trying to make bereavement (death of a loved one) a

disability! How crazy is that?



Do you ever feel depressed, anxiety ridden, experience

grief, stress or any other kind of overwhelming feeling?

Well apparently, you can fix it with medication. At least

that is what the pharmaceutical industry wants us to

believe. They are making billions, possibly even trillions,

each year because of people's unfortunate

circumstances. This type of mentality needs to stop

before the epidemic worsens.



In today's society we have been programmed to need

help for our every ill, and oftentimes that help in the

name of medicine can destroy us from the inside out.



The damage that can happen to the liver and other

organs due to over medication can cause irreversible

problems and sometimes even death. Long term use of

these drugs also causes a person to experience mental

disorders that they otherwise would not have ever had.



The physical, mental and emotional damage that can

occur from the use of these pharmaceutical drugs is

more devastating than the actual natural feelings a

person is sometimes faced with in life.



Coping with the stresses of life and what it sometimes

throws at us is hard, and there are times when we all

need a helping hand. It is important when looking for that

help to not get blinded by the quick and easy fix. There is

no quick and easy fix when it comes to handling your

emotions!



The only way to really move past the trails and

the verbal curve-balls we are sometimes thrown is to

confront and handle them with honesty. Have you ever

heard the saying "honesty is the best policy"? It applies

when we are dealing with the ups and downs of our lives.



Since every person on this planet will at some point in

their life time face depression, guilt, anger, shame, or

any of the other unwanted feelings that we as humans

will face, it must be dealt with.



It's extremely important to our freedom as a race to learn to handle

these feelings and not rely so heavily on the miracle cures that we

see advertised in main stream media on a daily basis. It's time to

wake up and stop being hypnotized by the suppressor's and dominator's

of the world!



Finding help to handle your problems is sometimes necessary but, don't

you don't need to lose yourself in the process. Addiction can happen

to anyone. It doesn't matter if you come from a well to do family or

that you are educated.



Addiction strikes its ugly head where ever it wants to! It

takes hold of a person and destroys them and their

family without any regret or remorse for the lives it takes.

To be addicted is like being chained up in a prison that

you can't break out of. The hold it can have on a person

can be so strong that they can't even see a way out!



If you or someone you know is struggling with an

addiction or contemplating the use of prescription

medication to help handle an addiction or some other

problem; please think twice and think hard before making

that plunge. It could be the worst decision you ever

make.



People who are struggling with an addiction

already definitely do not need to become reliant on

another substance to handle that what is already going

on. The goal of getting clean and sober is, after all, to be

free from the addiction, and getting on a medication will

only prolong the inevitable.



For those who have never suffered from addiction, don't

get caught up in the trap. If you have spent the majority

of your life drug free odds are, whatever you're facing

now can be handled without the use of drugs now.



Remember that emotions come and they go and

sometimes yes, we do need help to handle things. But be

careful on what kind of help you except. Being drugged

up for your emotions is a loss of freedom and we are

losing too many of our freedoms in this country already!



For more information.



If you know someone who has an addiction to

prescription pills or any other kind of drug and aren't sure

how to help or where to start give us a cal at

888-656-2111 and speak with a specialist

How To Select The Right Drug And Alcohol Rehab Center

A person suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction needs help immediately. Without it, it is highly likely he will continue down a never-ending path of self-destruction that could ultimately lead to death. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol addiction are both extremely difficult to overcome. Therefore, the only way most addicts are able to truly fight the battle against drugs and alcohol is to receive addiction treatment through a reputable drug rehab program. Furthermore, it is essential that the addict find the rehab center that is best suited for him and his personality because if care is not taken to find a program compatible with his needs, a relapse is highly probable.

* The Specialty

Not all drug rehab centers specialize in every type of addiction recovery. Therefore, the first step in selecting the right drug or alcohol rehab center is to identify those that specialize in the drug the person is addicted to. For example, an alcoholic will receive little help from a program specializing in addiction treatment for those who abuse heroin. While the basics of addiction recovery are the same regardless of the type of drug that is abused, there are special considerations to be made with different drugs. The withdrawal symptoms can vary from drug to drug. In addition, the exact approach used to help the person recover from addiction can be different depending on the drug. Addicts may find a higher level of comfort treating in an environment where other addicts have shared the same drug experience.

* The Location

The location of an alcohol or drug rehab center can have an impact on its success with the addict. For some, it is best to find a rehab center that is located near to family and friends. In this way, it is possible for them to maintain more consistent contact with the addict. For others, it is better to find a rehab center that is further away from home because the memories and the people there make it too difficult to refrain from abusing drugs or alcohol. The proximity to home may cause triggers leading to early relapse.

* The Program

The first consideration a person must make when attempting to select the right drug and alcohol rehab center is the treatment program. Most drug rehab centers offer both inpatient and outpatient care programs, but careful consideration must be exercised when making the decision for the level of care. For some addicts, an inpatient care program may be the best option because they do not have the strength or ability to fight the addiction without receiving 24-hour care. For other addicts, outpatient treatment may be sufficient for overcoming the problem while still allowing the person to live a semi-normal life. A preliminary assessment by a physician or qualified counselor/therapist will help determine what level of care is most appropriate.

* The Approach

Nearly all alcohol and drug rehab centers provide physical and emotional care to help addicts overcome their disease. The exact approaches used by various rehab centers, however, can vary. For example, some centers place a greater emphasis on the physical aspect of the addiction while others focus more on the emotional impact. In addition, the way these rehab centers address both components of treatment may vary.

In some rehab centers, patients are provided with another drug in order to overcome the addiction. For some patients, however, there is a risk of becoming addicted to the replacement drug. Therefore, this type of approach may not be best for some addicts. Yet other rehab centers simply have patients go cold turkey, but this approach can be devastating for some patients and can even cause them to give up hope and want to quit.

In addition, the emotional approach used by rehab centers to assist with addiction recovery can differ. For example, some drug rehab programs may utilize less known approaches, such as music therapy and art therapy. Similarly, some centers may focus on hypnosis or acupuncture. Yet other programs may utilize only counseling and group therapy. For an addict, the approach used can make a huge impact on the overall success because if the addict does not believe in the type of therapy being utilized, they will likely be defeated before the recovery program even begins.

There are other questions that should be asked when making a decision about admission into an alcohol or drug rehab facility. Staff credentials, medical supervision, cost, typical length of stay, aftercare programs, 12 step philosophy, sobriety success rates, and family involvement are a few other important considerations to think about when making perhaps one of the most important decisions in the life of an addict.

The California Rehab Guide. Lists and reviews drug rehab and alcohol rehab facilities, lawyers and interventionist and has articles on addiction recovery and addiction treatment.

Alcohol Poisoning - Diagnosis and Alcohol Treatment Methods

Alcohol poisoning usually results from excessive amounts of drinking. When any subject consumes an excessive amount of alcohol, it usually causes depression as well as discontinuance of the nerve cells. People cannot control their breathing. These abusers are also known to suffer from breathing problems and reduced ability to control gag reflex. An irreversible effect of alcohol poisoning is brain damage. Alcohol treatment methods are highly recommended for such individuals. The waning signs for alcohol poisoning are:

• Vomiting 

• Confusion 

• Passing out 

• Inability to awaken 

• Low body temperature 

• Irregular breathing 

• Seizures etc

Most people do not realize the effects of alcohol until it is too late. Another much unknown fact of alcohol use is that the level of alcohol continues to rise in the blood level even after an individual stops drinking. This is because alcohol takes about 30 minutes to 90 minutes time to find its ways to the blood stream and into the circulation. In case, an individual consumes excessive alcohol or practices binge drinking and shows any of the above symptoms of intoxication, then they require immediate alcohol treatment.

Treatment for Alcohol Poisoning

Hangover has nothing to do with alcohol poisoning. In case an individual is suffering from alcohol poisoning, administering coffee or sleeping it off will not serve the purpose. The person needs help from an emergency ward which can administer effective procedures to save life. Most alcohol Poisoning effects are observed when heavy drink is consumed with any medication.

The best approach to avoid the requirement for alcohol poisoning treatment is to shun away from alcohol. The person could also try out drinking as much water as possible in order to avoid dehydration. In case the person is suffering from breathing problem, the patient should be kept lying on their side. The basic approach is to keep the patient awake and alert, such that they do not pass out.

At the hospital, physicians usually pump out the abusers stomach to treat alcohol poisoning. The process is also called gastric irrigation or gastric problems. A tube is inserted through the patient's mouth up to the stomach. Small amount of warm water is incorporated repeated till the patient's stomach is cleared out of any contents.

Alcohol treatment and alcohol poisoning treatment is very different from each other. While alcohol poisoning treatment is more of an immediate help to an abuser due to overdose of alcohol, alcohol treatment is more of a long period of treatment for the patients who are alcohol addicts. In both cases the subjects require immediate help and enrollment to a facility which has experts with proper proficiency and experience to handle such cases. Alcoholism treatment methods include the 12-step method as well as different religious and non religious methods of treatment which has been incorporated recently. It also requires therapy through proper support group and psychiatrist who can handle the underlying issues about abuse and alcoholism. It uses medicine and psychotherapy to treat patients to complete recovery.

I invite you to learn more about Alcohol Treatment. that specialize in individual substance abuse treatment plans tailored to fit the person seeking drug and alcohol treatment. Please call 866-211-5538 or visit today and get a complimentary copy of an Addiction and Alcoholism E-book. Educating yourself on alcoholism treatment centers is key to getting the treatment needed. Choosing between so many Alcoholism Treatment Centers can be difficult without calling and speaking to the admissions department about the program.

Are You Drunk To Death? Revealing Alcohol Poisoning Treatment At Home

Drinks, parties, weekend fun, get-togethers and alcohol poisoning - these are the main constituents of a bash. Well, one of these, the last one, is not really required. But it comes along with the package. Drinking excess of alcohol leads to impairments with the central nervous system. This condition is no different than alcohol poisoning. There is a chemical formed in the body due to the interference of alcohol with the nervous system, which acts like poison for the person. Since, parties and get-togethers are known to be taking place in places away from the main town, medical help may not arrive as soon as you may need it. Hence, we have brought some tips on alcohol poisoning treatment at home.

The first thing to do when a case of poisoning due to alcohol unveils is to learn the symptoms and confirm if it is poisoning due to alcohol. The basic symptoms and signs for identifying alcohol poisoning are diminishing body temperature; heavy and tough breathing, as if the patient is struggling to inhale; seizures; continuous severe vomiting, long period of unconsciousness and so on. The difference between drinking too much of alcohol and alcohol poison must be understood and things must be acted accordingly so as to consider alcohol poisoning treatment at home or not.

Next step of performing alcohol treatment at home is to make the patient drink as much water as he can hold. Poisoning causes intoxicating substances to be produced in the body. Drinking water swills out the toxins from the body, causing some relief to the person suffering from poisoning. It can be taken in this way: Drinking a lot of alcohol makes it compulsory for you to drink even more lots of water, later on.

Care can be taken of the victim by providing somebody next to his seat continuously, to look after. Many times, the patient's breathing shows up and downs in the breathing behaviors. Make sure the breathing of the patient is constant and steady. The breathing patterns must show a minimum of 8 - 9 breaths per minute. To avoid choking up of the vomit in the patient's chest and throat region, make him recline on his side and not back. Preventing this choke up is important while alcohol poisoning treatment at home, in order to circumvent the possible fatal conditions.

Evade the person from dozing off. He should not fall asleep and should not faint down. If any of such things occur, it may be followed by the person landing into the critical of a coma, which is, obviously, undesirable. Keep the person busy in conversation, consoling and drinking water to keep him from the slightest snoozing. This is an essential function of alcohol treatment at home.

Keep the patient away from hangover fixes like coffee, tea, lemon and so on. Though hangover also occurs due to dehydration in the body due to excess of alcohol intake, anti- hangover measures cannot be used as a part of alcohol poisoning treatment at home. There is a difference between hangover and alcohol poisoning.

Till a medical help arrives, try out these alcohol poisoning treatment at home. But do grant the case in the hands of a professional. Continuous use of alcohol poisoning treatment at home may lead the situation to unwanted consequences. Avail medical care as soon as possible.

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How Marijuana Abuse Affects the Human Body and Brain

Marijuana is one of the commonly abused illegal drugs in the United States. Many people ignorant of its harmful effects are initiating and continuing marijuana abuse. It affects a person's mind and body including the vital organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

This article intends to throw some light on short and long-term effects of marijuana to help people stay away from it.

Short-term effects:

• Distorted sensory perception: Marijuana contains THC, a chemical that disturbs the optimal function of important senses such as vision, hearing and touch, by causing drastic changes in function of the brain. This results in the slowdown in responses such as seeing, hearing and touching.

It also leads to poor concentration and significant fall in problem solving and judging abilities.

• Increased heart rate: One of the common physical effect of marijuana abuse us increased heart rate. It leads to increased risk of a heart attack by 20% to 100% (Source: NIH, USA) within three hours of consumption.

• Poor memory and lack of coordination: Memory is impaired as THC in marijuana changes the normal course of processing information by brain. Thinking and judging abilities are hit. It also causes loss of coordination between sensory and reflex actions.

Long-term effects:

• Respiratory problems: Marijuana damages the respiratory tract and parts therein that save the body from harmful microbes inhaled. This causes decline in immunity because of inability of the cells to combat bacteria and other microbes. This results in high risk of pneumonia, tuberculosis and other diseases.

• Decreases reproductive hormones: The drug causes harmful effect on reproductive organs in the body. The amount of reproductive hormones declines. There will be lower sperm counts, their quality being suboptimal in men and erratic menstrual cycles in women. This results in weakening of reproductive ability.

• Anxiety and depression: Marijuana leads to severe conditions such as excessive fear, anxiety and depression.

• Impaired memory and learning: THC in marijuana alters the functioning of the brain. As brain is the organ reflecting all the normal activities involving intellect, the short and long-term effects are serious. Long-term marijuana abuse badly impairs critical skills such as memory and learning. The effect is worse if the person has any psychological disorder or is elderly.

• Cancer: Marijuana induces cancerous growth of cells in parts like lungs and others. It is 70% more potent than tobacco in enhancing cancer (Source: NIH, USA).

Now that you are aware of the harmful effects marijuana, make sure that you stay away from this harmful substance.

Drug Test Strips is an online store offering reliable and FDA approved drug testing kits at affordable prices. Our marijuana drug test kit is a rapid urine screening test. This marijuana testing kit is easy to use and can be performed without the use of an instrument.