Tag

Medications

All articles tagged with #medications

health1 day ago•16 min saved

Heatwaves Meet Your Meds: Why Some Drugs Heighten Heat Risk

Common medications, including antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), antipsychotics, ADHD stimulants, beta blockers, and diuretics, can disrupt the body's thermoregulation and fluid balance, increasing dehydration and heat‑related illness during heatwaves; risk is higher with drug combinations and among older adults. The article highlights personal experiences, calls for better clinician and patient awareness, and advises not stopping meds without a doctor, while emphasizing hydration, cooling strategies, and seeking medical care for serious symptoms.

via BBC|

#climate-change #dehydration #health

science1 day ago•3 min saved

Past prescriptions leave lasting fingerprints on the gut microbiome

A large study using Estonian Biobank data shows that a wide range of medications—including antidepressants, beta-blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, and benzodiazepines—can cause enduring shifts in the gut microbiome that persist years after stopping them, suggesting past medication history can influence current microbiome profiles and should be accounted for in research and clinical interpretation.

via Science Daily|

#antibiotics #benzodiazepines #gut-microbiome

crime13 days ago•5 min saved

Lindsay Clancy trial weighs pre-crisis medications and mental state

At the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, testimony from psychiatric nurse practitioner Rebecca Jollotta described late-2022 messages in which Clancy reported intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, and worries about medication dependence while seeking the right drug mix; Jollotta offered various treatment options but emphasized patient autonomy. She noted concerns about stopping antipsychotics like Seroquel and recommended higher-level care at times, yet Clancy was discharged and later reduced dosages. The defense contends bipolar disorder/postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors say she killed her children with intent, and the trial is assessing whether her mental illness absolves criminal responsibility. The proceedings have highlighted gaps in Jollotta’s access to other records and external care across facilities.

via NBC News|

#crime #lindsay-clancy #medications

us-news14 days ago•128 min saved

Medications Take Center Stage in Lindsay Clancy Trial

As Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial progresses, focus shifts to the medications she was prescribed before the killings, with investigators and lawyers weighing whether pharmacology or underlying mental health factors influenced the tragedy.

via apnews.com|

#bipolar-disorder #lindsay-clancy #massachusetts

health26 days ago•5 min saved

Five+ Medications Linked to Higher Death Risk in Seniors

A University of Michigan study of 7,828 adults aged 65+ (1999–2016) found that taking five or more prescription meds—polypharmacy—was linked to a 38% higher overall mortality risk over ~8.5 years, with each additional drug adding about 7% risk. More than half the participants fell into at least one high-risk category (40% on 5+ meds, 37.6% on meds risky for older adults, 11.4% with major drug interactions). The total number of medications was the strongest predictor of death after accounting for health conditions. The findings could guide deprescribing, but limitations include observational design and a single 30-day medication snapshot, so causation can’t be proven.

via Fox News|

#aging #elderly #health

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Hot Weather, Higher Risk: Common Meds That Can Elevate Heat Illness

A heat wave can make it harder for the body to cool and stay hydrated, and several everyday medications can increase the risk of dehydration, dizziness, and heat illness. The article outlines drug classes to watch during hot weather, including diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, mental-health meds (antipsychotics, SSRIs, TCAs), ADHD stimulants, allergy/sleep aids like diphenhydramine, and diabetes medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 drugs, insulin). It emphasizes not stopping medications without a clinician, suggests a “hot day plan,” and advises hydration, avoiding peak heat, breaks in shade/AC, proper medication storage, and recognizing warning signs of heat stress or heat stroke requiring urgent care.

via ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4|

#dehydration #diabetes #diuretics

health2 months ago•9 min saved

Heat waves heighten heart risk, experts warn

Summer heat can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, as higher temperatures make the heart work harder and can trigger problems, especially for older adults. Hydration with electrolytes is essential, but sugary or caffeinated drinks can worsen dehydration. Many heart medications can increase sun sensitivity, shortening safe outdoor time; knowing your condition and meds and staying mindful of exposure is key to protecting heart health in heat.

via KSL TV 5|

#aging #health #heart-health

health2 months ago•6 min saved

The Aging Gut: Why Digestive Woes Worsen as We Get Older

As we age, the GI tract’s nerves and muscles can slow and coordinate less effectively, leading to reflux, slower gastric emptying, and changes in bowel habits. A thinner stomach lining, reduced protective prostaglandins, and dry mouth from medications raise risks of gastritis and ulcers, while slower small-bowel movement can cause bloating or diarrhea and slower colon motility can lead to constipation or diverticulosis. Chronic conditions and NSAID use can worsen symptoms, but practical steps—chewing well, staying hydrated, eating more plant-based fiber, moving after meals, prioritizing sleep, and consulting a doctor about medications or new red-flag symptoms—can help manage digestion as you age.

via HuffPost|

#aging #digestion #gerd

health3 months ago•8 min saved

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.

via HuffPost|

#anxiety-depression #constipation #gut-health

science4 months ago•7 min saved

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.

via SciTechDaily|

#autism #cholesterol #medications

health4 months ago•5 min saved

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.

via New York Post|

#estrogen #gynecomastia #health

health4 months ago•173 min saved

Rethinking lifelong beta-blocker use after a heart attack

CNN reports that the traditional lifelong beta-blocker therapy after a heart attack is under scrutiny, with evidence suggesting that 1–2 years of use may suffice for many patients to reduce side effects and costs. CNN invites readers to submit questions for Dr. Sanjay Gupta to answer in an upcoming video.

via CNN|

#beta-blockers #cardiology #health

policy6 months ago•9 min saved

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.

via Task & Purpose|

#disability-rating #medications #note-not-used

policy6 months ago•4 min saved

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.

via Task & Purpose|

#disability #medications #policy

local-news6 months ago•4 min saved

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.

via ABC11 Raleigh-Durham|

#durham-nc #eno-valley #local-news