Once a patient, addicted to pain killing drugs, has completed detoxification, the treatment provider must then work with the patient to determine which course of treatment is best for the patient. Often people who are addicted to pain killers are plagued with a variety of symptoms; many times they don't associate these symptoms with the pain killing drug. 2.2 million people aged 12 and up abused painkillers for the first time within the past year; this is more than the number of people who started using marijuana and has overtaken use of cocaine.
If you think you're addicted and want to get off pain killers or other drugs, it's best to get detoxified as fast as you can and then go through some type of rehabilitation; it's important to have others to lean on and learn from and offer support to you also. When you're addicted physically to a drug, like pain killers or alcohol, etc., it's because you've suppressed or shut down your body's production of endorphins, which are natural opiate pain killers; when this happens you start craving the drug that you replaced the endorphins with whether it is alcohol, any of various drugs or pain killers. More than 415,000 people received treatment for pain killer abuse or addiction in this past year.
There are many side effects and serious adverse reactions that can occur with the use of opioids as pain killers. Many other drugs can interact with the opioids and cause a variety of unpleasant or dangerous symptoms; this can be fatal. Addiction to pain killers is an escalating problem, especially the abuse of opioid pain killers.
The common side effects and adverse reactions of pain killers are: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis (contraction of the pupil), orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon sudden standing) -- often happens when getting up too fast when getting out of bed in the morning, urinary retention, constipation and fecal impaction. Opioids, used as the doctor has prescribed, are supposedly not dangerous according to some well-established medical groups; but if that's the case, why then are so many people addicted to them? If you're addicted to pain killers or other drugs or think you may be, you can start working to increase the body's endorphin production naturally; some of the ways are laughing, touching, massage, acupuncture, acupressure, walking, and anything that makes you feel good that is natural.
There are quite a number of effective treatment options to treat pain killer addiction to prescription opioids and to help manage the sometimes severe withdrawal symptoms that can accompany the sudden stopping of pain killers or drugs. Pain killer addiction includes: opiate dependency, opiate addiction, narcotic dependency, narcotic addiction, and pain killer dependency. Less common side effects and adverse reactions of pain killers are: confusion, hallucinations, delirium, hives, itching, hypothermia, bradycardia (slowed heart rate), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), raised intracranial pressure, ureteric or biliary spasm, muscle rigidity and flushing.
The longer you wait to get treatment the worse it'll get; so take action now. If you don't have insurance, check with your local mental health agencies to see what's available that is free. All other demands like that of children, a job, school, or any other responsibilities may make inpatient treatment seem like an intrusion but it is not.
It's important to get help and not try to get off pain killers on your own. Many insurance plans will cover inpatient detox; check yours if you have insurance. Some insurance companies will pay for one or two weeks; some may also pay for rehabilitation too.
Today's pain killer treatment options are drawn from long-time experience and clinical research from studying and treating all types of drugs and even heroin addiction. The body's natural pain killers, endorphins, have been replaced by these pain killing drugs; get them flowing again with lots of laughter and other natural endorphin generators. The potential for pain killer addiction in patients with chronic pain conditions is often overlooked by physicians.
For more information on pain killer addiction symptoms and pain killer treatments go to http://www.Pain-Killer-Addiction.info specializing in pain killer addiction with nurse's tips, help, quiz, blog and resources including information on pain killer treatment centers and natural addiction treatment
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Free Drug Samples in Texas A Bad Idea?
"Free" is a great thing. It costs you nothing if you get something for free, right? Or does it? It the world of medicine, drug company sales reps in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas try keep sample cabinets in healthcare providers' offices well stocked with the latest medications for doctors to give out when needed.
Most individuals like going home with free samples because it saves them a trip to the drugstore, plus their co-pay, if they have one. And MDs are happy to pass them out because samples often help patients get immediately started with a treatment.
But several leading medical centers are now restricting the use of samples. In addition, a small group of doctors are shutting down their sample cabinets. They say that medical professionals should be selecting the most appropriate medication for a patient based on the best scientific evidence available, not just grabbing something from the sample cabinet that might fit the bill.
“The doctor will say, ‘Here, start on this, and let’s see how it works,’ ” said David J. Rothman, president of the Institute on Medicine as a Profession, a research group at Columbia. “The question to the doctor is: If you didn’t have it in your drawer, would that have been your drug of choice?”
The free samples crackdown is due in part to the growing concern about the close ties between physicians and drug companies. Rothman says that physicians don’t realize the extent to which their medical judgment is influenced by their acceptance of the samples. He pointed to recent studies finding that the number of doctors who treated high blood pressure with the “first line” drugs recommended by national guidelines was low, but increased sharply when free samples were removed.
Currently, the University of Michigan Health System has completely banned free samples, and the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University medical schools have prohibited staff members from accepting them, although samples can be given to Stanford’s pharmacy for use in free clinics.
A number of medical groups and practitioners have also changed their policies. Dr. Jonathan Mohrer, an internist in Forest Hills, Queens (NY), said he closed his sample cabinet in part because his office was overrun with pharmaceutical sales reps. “It was totally spinning out of control,” Dr. Mohrer said. “They were meeting each other and schmoozing in the waiting room — it was like a party.”
Mohrer's staff spent a portion of their time arranging the cabinet, throwing out expired medications and trying to locate the right drug. Patients were kept waiting while sales representatives were ushered in.
And yet, some medical professionals say there’s an upside to the passing out of free samples. Using samples, a doctor can see if a patient can tolerate a new medication before the patient buys a 30-day supply. Physicians who treat low-income individuals like to have samples for them, as well as for uninsured patients.
Samples also provide patients with the convenience of one-stop shopping. If a patient has waited some time to see a doctor and rearranged their whole working schedule, it may be another four or five days before they can fill a prescription. Some doctors feel that for individuals who are busy, working people, with family responsibilities, there shouldn’t be any further delay. In addition, many MDs say they like using samples because the sales reps are an important source of medical education, keeping doctors current regarding the latest drug therapies.
The drugs promoted through free samples have a tendency to be newer medications that doctors are less familiar with, some experts report. Critics of samples say they prefer using older drugs, because the side effects are already known. They also say that helping poor and uninsured patients is not the intent of the sample distribution. Critics feel that Medicare’s prescription-drug coverage, the proliferation of generic drugs and improvements in drug company patient-assistance programs have all made access to medication much easier these days.
It's also not at all clear whether or not samples save patients money. Critics say samples may actually drive up the cost of health care in the long term, because the drugs being promoted are the most expensive, brand-name types. And, since many medical conditions require lifelong treatment, the patient would have to purchase the drugs sooner or later.
Free drugs from your doctor may or may not be the best thing for your health or bank account.
Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com
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Acid Reflux Heartburn and Medications
Anyone suffering from severe and chronic acid reflux heartburn symptoms should see their family physician for a proper diagnosis. Many people delay this important step toward recovery and cure of this serious condition. They prefer to take the route of self diagnosis and over the counter remedies instead. This can lead to serious problems especially if you are already taking prescribed medications for other medical conditions. The most common problems associated with taking these medications are side affects.
Probably the most common side effect associated with prescription medications relates to their affects on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle that is located where the esophagus joins the stomach. Some medications cause this muscle to become relaxed to the point where stomach acid is allowed to enter or reflux up into the esophagus damaging the lining and causing severe discomfort and or pain. This most commonly happens when you lay down to rest which increases the pressure on the LES muscle.
Many times patients will not even inform their physician of their heartburn or acid reflux symptoms. You doctor cannot read your mind and unless you keep him informed of you symptoms and what over the counter medications you are taking for the condition he cannot effectively treat your medical condition. In addition delaying treatment increases the risk of developing a more serious condition. Certain medications like calcium channel blockers used to treat cardiac problems and high cholesterol levels, cause the LES muscle to be less efficient thereby allowing to acid reflux up the esophagus. In addition some anti-depressant medications also cause the LES muscle to become relaxed causing acid reflux.
Today there are several very good acid reflux and heartburn medications that your doctor can prescribe to reduce your symptoms and heal acid reflux damage. H2 blockers are the most commonly prescribed medication for acid reflux. In general this group of medications reduces the amount of acid that the stomach produces thereby reducing the damage done by acid reflux. The Idea is to give the body a chance to heal the damaged tissue and prevent GERD (gastoesophageal reflux disease). Zantac is the most common H2 blocker prescribed but all appear to work equally well in treating acid reflux heartburn when taken in accordance to directions. Changing to a more healthy life style will also enhance the effectiveness of these medications.
If you take medications that are required for other serious health conditions you will have to consider alternative methods of treating your heartburn and acid reflux condition. If you have severe heartburn and or acid reflux, surgery is a good alternative. Endoscopic surgical methods are directed to the LES and the area of the stomach just below the lower esophageal sphincter. Stitches are placed in strategic locations to strengthen the muscle or reduce the pressure on the sphincter itself. Published result show that this method is very effective in patients that have severe acid reflux heartburn and or cannot take commonly prescribed acid reflux medications.
If you are self diagnosing you heartburn and treating it with over the counter medications you may have hidden risks. Especially if the symptoms do not improve. Contact your physician for a proper diagnosis. He can prescribe the proper medication or procedure that will reduce your symptoms and allow your body to heal itself from the affects of acid reflux.
James Kesel, MS. is the publisher of Acid Reflux Heartburn Cure. The site provides information on GERD, Acid Reflux Disease, Heartburn, Heartburn Medication, Gastric Reflux or Acid Reflux Disorder
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Kesel
Rest Your Trust With Canada Drug Pharmacy
Among the current run of things, there are two fundamental issues that the US government needs to look into. These are healthcare coverage, and the high cost of prescription drugs. To put it differently, the average American can hardly afford a life if he has to invest his money in purchasing prescription medications without health insurance or the benefit of prescription drugs. Such is the cost of drugs in the US that a person is compelled to chose between buying his daily essentials or purchasing prescribed medicines.
It is infact, surprising that the US has created such a precarious situation for its ordinary citizens. The answer perhaps lies mutually between cash and politics. Whatever the reasons be, it has become extremely essential for the common man to avail the services of online Canadian pharmacies, overlooking its US counterpart. The cost of medicines available at online Canadian pharmacies is significantly lower by 40 to 90%. Cost is thus one of the prime factors that motivating customers to make their purchase. As such, more and more Americans are lured to purchase drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
Before settling for any drug purchase, it is extremely necessary to approach the right online pharmacy. There are websites that report the credentials, prices and customer feedback of various Canadian pharmacies, side by side drawing a parallel with their US counterpart. This allows the customers to investigate each pharmacy closely and finally settle their choice. Questions have always been raised by the US government regarding the quality of prescription drugs offered. But it is astonishing to find out that in 2004, the GAO (government accountability office) reported fewer problems with Canadian pharmacies than their US counterparts. Another report by Paul Doering of the University of Florida College of pharmacy mentions that the FDA's director of pharmacy affairs, when questioned, failed to provide even one instance of someone being harmed by Canadian pharmacy drugs. This settles the issue that has been raised quite often with respect to the quality of drugs offered by Canada drug pharmacies.
However, it is to be kept in mind that ordering drugs from online Canadian pharmacies requires time before being finally delivered at your doorsteps. Depending on the kind of pharmacy choose, your deliverables can be shipped within 4 to 21 days. Hence, it is inconceivable to expect emergency drugs to be shipped via a Canada drug pharmacy at a short notice. Customers need to plan their orders ahead so as to avoid running out of medication. An overall observation clearly reveals that Canada pharmacy drugs definitely prevent customers to feel a pinch in their pockets. It would be all the more better if the US government makes little more concessions regarding the purchase of Canadian pharmacy drug by the US citizens.
Suzanne is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries.
Canada drug pharmacy
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Lowering Cholesterol Naturally
Various tests conducted in the US and other countries prove that there are several effective natural herbs and supplements that may help lower LDL and raise HDL or "good" cholesterol. Since the causes of high cholesterol levels are wide and varied by person to person, having different methods to lower LDL is very important. Natural remedies such as Guggul, Pantethine, Policosanol, Curcumin, and Beta-Sitosterol are just a few supplements that are easily available at low cost compared to prescribed drugs.
Guggul
Guggul - Guggul, the gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, when compared to the drug clofibrate in clinical trials, the average fall in serum cholesterol was slightly greater in the guggul group. While clofibrate did not increase HDL levels, a 60% rise in HDL levels was noticed in people responding to guggul.
Policosanol
Patients who had been given Policosanol for a period of twelve weeks showed a 25% reduction in LDL cholesterol, a 17% reduction in total cholesterol, and a 28% increase in HDL cholesterol.
Niacin
Niacin or vitamin B3 is the most common treatment for normalizing the blood lipid levels. From various trials conducted consumption of the drug niacin increased HDL (good cholesterol) by 30% or more while reducing total cholesterol by 10-25% and triglycerides by as much as 50%. Flushing is a very common side effect in people taking niacin. Flushing is the result of blood vessels opening wide. Another form of Niacin called Inositol Hexanicotinate (IH) or "No-Flush Niacin" is proven as an effective and safer alternative to niacin
Circumin
500 mg of circumin for seven days at a trial shows a 29% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction of 11.6% total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation was also reduced by 33%. Curcumin was effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation and lowering LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides Latest research says, curcumin reduce cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids.
Chromium - Polynicotinium
Chromium supplements increased HDL cholesterol levels by an average of nearly 6 points, a 16 percent increase. No side effects were observed. According to Harvey Simon, MD of Harvard Medical School, a 6-point increase in HDL, which was achieved in the chromium trial, should reduce the risk of heart attack by about 20 percent.
Calcium Citrate
In randomized controlled trial calcium citrate was shown to increase HDL levels. The study showed that 1 gram of calcium (as the citrate) taken daily lowers the damaging component of blood cholesterol and increases the protective cholesterol (HDL). The mean HDL concentration increased by 7%, LDL cholesterol declined by 6% resulting in an improved HDL/LDL ratio of 17%.
This Article is Originally Published here: Lowering Cholesterol Naturally
Learn More:
Vasacor Cholesterol Treatment - Vasacor helps to reduce LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels and improve HDL (Good Cholesterol) levels.
Cholesterol Reduction - Information, news & advice on cholesterol.
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Sudhani is a Search Engine Management expert and enjoys writing on various subjects. Learn more about his company and services at Search Engine Management.
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Is There A Genital Herpes Cure & How Can You Best Treat Viral Outbreaks?
When most people find out that they have contracted the virus, their first question is often - Is there a genital herpes cure? The answer is no, there is no known way to cure the virus itself, but because more than three-quarters of the American population is afflicted with some strain of the herpes virus, many studies are being done to find a cure for it. Until the cure for genital herpes is found, a large variety of treatment options are available to help manage outbreaks.
Several forms of prescription drugs are available to those with the condition. These prescriptions help to lessen the frequency of outbreaks. They also serve as a temporary cure for genital herpes outbreaks. The antiviral effects of the prescriptions are key elements in speeding up and ultimately completing the recovery process during outbreaks.
If herbal treatment is the preferred option for you, natural products are becoming increasingly popular and readily available to those in need of pursuing natural treatments for their symptoms. As mentioned earlier, no treatment methods are available to provide users with a genital herpes cure, but many of these options expedite the healing process and provide users with a healthy way to manage their discomfort.
By taking the proper steps to increase immune support, increase the intake of lysine into the diet, and managing the outbreak discomfort with aloe vera products, natural options are recently becoming the closest option available to a cure for genital herpes.
The Medical College of Georgia has recently published a study which celebrates a possible genital herpes cure through the gradual phasing out of people who would be able to contract the virus. This new study indicates that they are working on a vaccine that will prevent the transmission of the herpes virus between two people.
The vaccine will introduce a small amount of the herpes virus protein into the body of a person who has not already been exposed to the virus. This injection, which will be administered a total of three times before the immunity to the virus will be in effect, will cause the body to develop antiviral agents against the virus.
Once the immunities are formed, a person who later comes in contact with the virus will be able to destroy the virus before it is able to take hold within their system. Although this is a far cry from a cure for genital herpes, it is a huge step in the process of causing the herpes virus to eventually die out.
It is unfortunate that an end to genital herpes is not immediately in sight, but it is evident that research is bringing scientists closer to a cure for genital herpes. Numerous studies are being conducted regarding the virus, and a constantly increasing number of people are dedicated to the fight against herpes. Scientists and researchers are hopeful that the future will bring a much anticipated end to the herpes virus.
Sheldon Miller is a health researcher who has been studying natural remedies for herpes and other STDs for many years. He is a regular contributor to http://herpes-treatment-guide.com. Find out if there is a cure for genital herpes as well as various treatment options on the site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheldon_Miller
Why Rate Doctors?
As with all skills, talents and pursuits, some men and women are more capable, better suited or better adapted than others. All men can run, but some can run faster than others. All women can jump, but some can jump higher than others. The profession of medicine, like law and education combines learning with practice. The learning period involves acquisition of knowledge and information; the practice involves application of that knowledge for patient, client or student benefit. Clearly, some are better at this than others, and to assume otherwise would be disingenuous. The free market assumes that ‘we get what we pay for’. To assume that all doctors are created equal means, we can pay less and get more. This is clearly in the interest of managed care. It is not in the best interest of patients – it takes the patient longer to get better, if the diagnosis is incorrect or the therapy inadequate. It is in the patient’s best interest to have an obscure diagnosis made more expeditiously and the treatment started more promptly. It is not in the best interest of doctors, because he/she is not adequately compensated for the increased amount of time involved in acquiring increased and necessary skills to make more obscure diagnosis and treat more difficult problems. It is in the best interest of doctors to see and do more of what they do best, and refer out patients that might take up too much of their time and end up in frustration for both patient and doctor.
Rating Doctors – What’s in it for the Patient?
Imagine that you are a patient with a simple headache. Left alone, most headaches go away anyway. Any doctor capable of prescribing headache tablets would do, really. Take two aspirins and call me in the morning! If two weeks later, the headache persists or is getting worse, a doctor that is more specialized in headaches, such as a neurologist would suffice. If after multiple tests, the headache persists, then you might need a better neurologist and so on, until the problem is solved and fixed. This is not to imply that the first doctor was useless or inept. Not at all! Merely, that his level of training and skill or interest may not have been up to the more complex problem. Given a decent rating system and access within a free market, you might have opted earlier to see the more highly rated doctor within that field.
Myself webmaster of http://www.findadoc.com deal in catering services to find a doctor, find a physician, rate doctors, rated doctors, featured doctors and other health medical services
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