2008 m. rugsėjo 29 d., pirmadienis

Ultram Story: Keeping Pain Control Under Control

When Aspirin Isn’t Enough

It’s surprising how clearly we can recall getting hurt. Years later, we can recount our first fall from a too-tempting tree, a bee-sting, the birth of a child. We can even tell humorous stories about those events because the pain was transient – it passed.

But many illnesses and conditions can make pain a daily visitor, interfering with our jobs, family lives, even sleep. Even ancient people tried to relieve the devastation of chronic pain using surgeries and medicinal herbs. By the 1800s, people started using narcotics (drugs like opium) to reduce pain. Even the narcotic heroin was originally developed as a pain medication! But many narcotics were found to be addictive, to interfere with digestion and mood, and even to slow or stop breathing!

Fortunately for us, modern research has uncovered safer pain-relief drugs for chronic conditions. One of these drugs is Ultram (the generic drug Ultram contains is called tramadol). Ultram’s effect on your body is similar to the effect of narcotics and is as effective in relieving pain. But since it isn’t a narcotic, it doesn’t have as many of the side-effects which have made medical narcotic use so dangerous.

The Wonder Woman of Pain Control?

Ultram drug can help manage pain from many sources, just like comic-book superheroes can foil thieves, kidnappers, and polluters! Ultram can reduce pain from cancer, spinal problems (kyphosis, scoliosis), arthritis –even surgery !. Some physicians report using it to help people with severe, chronic headaches and endometriosis.

The Dark Side of Ultram

While Ultram is not a narcotic, both physicians and patients have reported cases of dependence on it. Signs of dependence (addiction) include getting tolerant to the dose (not getting the effect you used to from one pill), a continuing feeling that the dose needs to be increased, and withdrawal symptoms (sleeplessness, jitteriness, mood disorders) if you stop taking the drug. Checking in with your physician regularly while on this medication helps both of you notice any symptoms of addiction so you can stop any problems before they start!

The other effects of Ultram tend to be mild and transient. You might notice dizziness, drowsiness, stomach or intestinal distress (usually constipation). People taking Ultram are discouraged from driving – driving under it’s influence is a bit like driving after having a few drinks. Ultram requires a prescription, so while you’re talking with your doctor about using it, schedule a regular time to discuss any side-effects or difficulties you experience while on this medication.

Control the Medication - Don’t Let It Control You

How can you benefit from this drug while minimizing its risks? First, when deciding whether to start on Tramadol, be candid with your physician about any dependence issues with alcohol or other drugs you’ve had. People who have struggled with other addictions may be more susceptible to Ultram dependence. Remember - your physician is on your side and telling her about your history will help her tailor pain medications to your needs!

Second, be aware that Ultram is pretty powerful stuff and treat it with respect! Any change in dose should be discussed with your doctor; mild drowsiness at one dose can become a deadly blackout in another. Never “lend” this drug to a friend, even if he’s in great pain – what works for you could be fatal for him.

Thirdly, make sure that you tell your physician about other generic drugs you’re taking: many drugs (including alcohol and over-the-counter medications) can enhance the effect of Ultram, making it act like you’re taking a much bigger dose.

These sound like dire warnings, but remember: by working with your physician, this drug can be a powerful tool to help you reach the active, pain-free life you were meant to have.

2008 m. rugpjūčio 6 d., trečiadienis

Check Out The Side Effects Of Oral Contraceptives Including This Popular One

Nah - You ain't getting to MY egg boy! I am on Mircette

Okay, sperm has a specific job to do but so does Mircette - like other oral contraceptives, it is taken by women as a means of preventing pregnancy. A combination of synthetic female hormones, (active ingeredients, ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel) stops the egg from being released from your ovary (I'm sure you know this 'releasing of an egg each month is called 'ovulation'). A sperm cannot 'do its job' i.e. fertilize an egg if it can't find one. If you take this particular medication it will cause certain changes within your body, namely, it that will affect the consistency of the mucous in your cervix by making it thicker and it will also affect the lining of your womb. Both of these 'jobs' done by this pill work in tandem to stop you from getting pregnant- and frustrate the hell out of all those little 'swimmers'.

The furiously swimming sperm have to swim through your cervical mucous in their efforts to reach your egg so they can 'get lucky' and fertilize it. Here is where Mircette foils them- by making the mucous thicker than normal which really slows down those little swimmers, making it a Herculean task for any of them to even meet an egg in the unlikely event of one escaping from the ovary.

Should one little 'hero' sperm be congratulating himself on surviving the cervical 'mire' and making its way up to the egg, boy, is he in for a shock! Defeat awaits the successful little zygote ( fertilised egg) because this powerful little pill then stops it from attaching to the wall of the uterus, hence no pregnancy this month guys.

Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel - what can you tell me about these drugs?

Well, as for ALL oral contraceptives, Mircette included, there are certain situations where they should not be used , check the guide below:

  • if you have recently had a baby or are currently pregnant
  • you should not take these drugs if you have a history of stroke or blood clotting or problems with high blood pressure
  • you should not take these drugs if you suffer any type of liver or kidney disease, circulation problems or have any heart valve disorders
  • if you suffer from constant headaches, hormone related cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding or have a history of jaundice, you should not take these drugs unless specifically prescribed to do so by your doctor

When you first start using Mircette

It's no big deal, ladies, TO BE SURE you are managing your birth control effectively, yes? SO..just at the beginning of a new medication trial, use extra birth control protection for a while, such as a spermicide and a condom- your medical practitioner or clinic will advise which is best for you.

Warnings

Taking any medication can carry risks, this one is no exception but there are a couple of risks that should be well noted and understood including:

1. Oral contraceptives can increase your risk of heart disease/stroke and clotting (especially if you are 35 years of age or older)

2. Even vitamins and minerals and other 'over the counter' self administered drugs can alter the effectiveness of birth control pills so please don't forget to tell your doctor the names of ALL other pills /liquids etc. you are using.

It would be impossible to put a warning on every medication covering every combination with all other drugs so do not construe that a lack of warning on any drug indicates that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for anyone. Double check.

Prior to taking an oral contraceptive, tell your doctor if:

  • you ARE pregnant now or you have missed your last two periods and there is a chance you may pregnant, as oral contraceptives have been linked to birth defects
  • you are breastfeeding a new baby- medications pass through breast milk and can adversely affect a baby. You may find that your doctor will allow you to resume taking a hormonal birth control pill after a certain period of time
  • you have any of the following conditions: heart disease eg. angina, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, epilepsy, or gallbladder problems. It is possible that your doctor will prescribe an adjusted dosage for you and monitor you with regular tests during treatment so that you can continue to use Mircette as your preferred method of birth control.

What is the best way to take Mircette?

Use according to your doctor's prescription and do not take in higher doses. The pack contains 28 birth control pills - but only 21 contain the 'active', ingredients- the other 7 are there to keep you in a 'pill taking routine' so you don't forget. You should take the first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins. You will probably find that you get your period during the week that you are taking the 'inactive' pills.

Mircette is meant to be taken once a day but don't let more than 24 hours lapse before you take the next day's pill- you will increase the risk of getting pregnant if you do. Follow the packet instructions unless your doctor has advised you to the contrary. Store the pills at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

It is also wise to make sure you are not 'stranded' without your supply of pills so make sure you have the next month's prescription on hand to avoid any 'gaps' in between courses.

Breakthrough Bleeding is 'common' to many women during the first 3 months but.....if it persists or gets particularly heavy, let your doctor know.

Due for any medical testing or surgery?

If you are, tell the surgeon or doctor who is treating you that you are currently taking an oral contraceptive, since you may be required to stop the course before the procedure and maybe for a little while afterwards.

Weight Loss Tips

Loosing weight can really be a big concern. America is getting fatter almost everyday. The number of Americans who are gaining weight and are inclined towards getting severe obesity is growing at an alarming rate. Morbid obesity is a big problem. It can cause a lot of disease and ailments that can hamper the usual activities of a person. Obesity dampens the self confidence and the self worth of the person because being fat is unacceptable in our society nowadays. Being fat has several setbacks to the personality of a person. It can bring insecurities and negative feelings towards others and self.

A lot of men and women are so preoccupied of loosing weight. This is to fit in with what the society dictates how women and men look alike. We are living in a competitive world where everybody wants to keep a notch higher. We want to achieve things and lead to gain respect and distinction.

Loosing weight is a must for people suffering from morbid obesity. Obesity has major setbacks like developing major cardiovascular diseases in life. If you want to loose weight, it is best that you try to determine how you will keep yourself firm and fit. With the right attitude things, will never be difficult. A lot of people do see loosing weight to be a major crack down, but who knows. It is the ultimate life changing decision you will ever have in your life.

Here are few healthful and helpful tips on how to go about with your dieting. This can serve as your guide as you start your loose weight program.

Water plays a big role in loosing weight. Drink a lot of water every day. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses per day can help you get rid of the toxins in your body. Water can help you create a feeling of fullness when you are hungry. You need to drink water to care for your skin and your body. Water prevents you fro dehydrating especially when you are on a weight loose remedy which fosters loosing weight through getting rid of all the fats in your digestive system. Diarrhea is possible to happen because all the fats are being eliminated in your digestive tract from the food that you eat.

You need to consider exercise as a part of your weight loss remedy. A 30 minute walk every day can make you sweat that fat away. The point is to move the body in anyway possible. There are a lot of good exercise remedies that you can find. Exercise is important since physical activities are the most important way of burning that stubborn. Remember, loosing weight does not mean starving. Starving is not the best way of loosing weight. It will add insult to injury because starving is never a healthy option to include in your diet plan. What you need to do is decrease the portion size of your food.

Try eating on a saucer and not on a plate. This will make you avoid piling food on the saucer as much as you do when you are eating on a plate. You have to avoid eating junk food and sodas. It is one of the biggest factors why you get bigger everyday. Too much salt and sugar can never be healthy. You do not have to abruptly stop drinking soda. All you have to do is cut down on it gradually. A bottle off each meal a day is helpful. Soon you will no, you are off soda and junk food.

Set realistic goals when you want to loose weight. Keep that positive attitude towards loosing weight. It can take you a long way in your weight loose goal.

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