Tag

Medications

All articles tagged with #medications

Beyond Fiber: Sleep, Meds, and Stress Behind Constipation
health8 hours ago

Beyond Fiber: Sleep, Meds, and Stress Behind Constipation

Constipation isn’t just about fiber and water. Doctors explain that factors like insomnia, certain antihistamines, calcium or iron supplements, ignoring the urge to go, and anxiety or depression can slow gut movement via the gut-brain axis. The piece advises ensuring adequate fiber and hydration, getting enough sleep and exercise, reviewing medications for constipation side effects, and consulting a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist or there are alarm signs.

Sterol-Pathway Meds in Pregnancy Tied to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds
science1 month ago

Sterol-Pathway Meds in Pregnancy Tied to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds

A national study of 6.14 million U.S. births links prenatal exposure to sterol biosynthesis‑inhibiting medications (SBIMs)—a class including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and statins—with increased autism risk in children. Any SBIM exposure raised ASD risk about 1.47-fold, increasing to 2.33-fold for four or more SBIMs used concurrently. SBIM exposure grew from 4.6% of pregnancies in 2014 to 16.8% in 2023. The researchers stress cautious prescribing during pregnancy, the need for safer options when possible, and further research into the mechanisms, noting many SBIMs are medically necessary.

Medications That May Trigger Gynecomastia in Men
health1 month ago

Medications That May Trigger Gynecomastia in Men

An article lists 10 medicines linked to gynecomastia in men, explaining how hormone balance shifts—lower testosterone, higher estrogen, or raised prolactin—can enlarge breast tissue. Drugs highlighted include spironolactone, finasteride, anabolic steroids, antipsychotics, nonsteroidal antiandrogens, diazepam, cimetidine, ketoconazole, and metronidazole. In many cases the condition resolves after stopping the drug, but it can linger and may require treatment or surgery in some men.

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern
policy3 months ago

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern

The VA issued a Federal Register rule allowing disability ratings to reflect improvements from medications or treatments, potentially lowering ratings during reevaluation even when the underlying disability remains. Veterans groups warn this could reduce benefits and deter care, especially for PTSD and toxic-exposure conditions, while VA officials say the rule formalizes a longstanding practice and won’t affect current ratings. The rule has drawn widespread backlash and thousands of public comments as questions about implementation and legal implications remain unresolved.

VA rule ties disability ratings to treatment relief, sparking veteran concerns
policy3 months ago

VA rule ties disability ratings to treatment relief, sparking veteran concerns

The VA published a final rule effective Feb. 17 that will determine disability ratings based on whether prescribed medications or treatments improve a veteran’s condition, potentially lowering ratings for those whose symptoms are alleviated. VA says it formalizes a longstanding practice, while veterans groups warn it changes how claims are evaluated, could discourage treatment, and may affect millions of beneficiaries.

Eno Valley mail delays linger as winter storms calm, USPS under scrutiny
local-news3 months ago

Eno Valley mail delays linger as winter storms calm, USPS under scrutiny

Residents of Durham's Eno Valley have faced about a two-week gap in mail delivery after back-to-back winter storms, with essential items like medications and bills affected; USPS says routes are resuming but some Triangle-area deliveries remain disrupted, prompting residents to call for clearer communication and a formal inquiry by Congresswoman Valerie Foushee's office.

Antibiotics and Common Medications That Can Permanently Harm Gut Health
health6 months ago

Antibiotics and Common Medications That Can Permanently Harm Gut Health

Recent research shows that many common medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and PPIs, can cause long-lasting changes to the gut microbiome, potentially affecting immunity, metabolism, and mood. The study emphasizes the importance of considering past medication use and adopting lifestyle and dietary strategies to support gut health. While medications are essential, awareness of their impact on gut microbes is crucial for overall health management.