Can I take plavix with pepcid?

When you buy plavix online, you will be told exactly how to take it. Always read the label on the package before you take plavix. Plavix is usually taken once a day with or without food. If you develop stomach upset, plavix can be taken with food. Sometimes plavix may be combined with antacids or an acid suppressing medication to avoid side effects. The dose of plavix is based on your medical condition and response. 

For maximum benefit, plavix must be taken every day at the same time. Never increase the dose of plavix without first speaking to your doctor. In most cases, plavix is started soon after a heart attack or after coronary artery stenting and continued for 3-9 months.

Can plavix cause flu like symptoms?

When you buy plavix, the pharmacist will tell you all the potential side effects of the medication. Common side effects of plavix include easy bruising, joint pain, back pain, flu like symptoms, headache, stomach pain, easy infections of the mouth and throat, and indigestion. These side effects do not occur in everyone and are usually well tolerated. However, if they persist you should tell your doctor. 

In rare cases, plavix can cause mood changes, muscle pain depression, irregular heart rate, headache, skin ulcer, cataracts, anemia, gout, nosebleeds or constipation. Like all medications, there is a small risk that plavix can induce an allergic reaction which may present with a skin rash, itching, dizziness or trouble breathing.

I have been given a prescription of plavix. Just what does it do? It is very expensive.

If you have recently had your coronary arteries dilated (ballooned) or have had a stent placed, you need to take plavix. The minimum time is 1 month but sometimes your heart doctor will make you take it for 6-9 months. Plavix is a blood thinner and widely used to treat patients with heart disease. Many doctors  order plavix prescription if you have recently suffered a heart attack or if you have had stents placed in your coronary blood vessels. Plavix prevents the stents or blood vessels from clogging up and thus improves blood flow to the heart. Often plavix is combined with aspirin for maximal benefit.

I have high blood pressure but often miss my plendil. Can I double my tablets the next day if I miss my tablets the previous day?

Absolutely not.  If you miss a dose of plendil, never double the dose at the next setting. Excess plendil can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and may cause dizziness or chest pain.

I have high blood pressure but often run out of my medications. Is it safe to take my brother’s blood pressure medication?

There are many types of medications to lower blood pressure and one should not combine them without first speaking to the doctor. The best advice is to ensure that both you and your brother take the same medication, so that if you run out of pills, you can take his instead.

I take several heart medications. Is it safe to take them all at once?

If you do take other medications, spread the dosing by at least 30 minutes. Medications can interact with each other and thus it is vital to make sure that there is adequate spacing between each pill. This is especially important if you take several types of heart medications

I have been on plendil for my high blood pressure for a few months and have become constipated. is this related to the medication?

One of the most annoying side effects of plendil is constipation. To prevent this complication drink lots of water and add fiber to your diet. In some cases, the constipation can be so severe that you may need a change in your medications.

I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and my doctor has given me plendil. Is this an effective medication?

If you are not African American, dump your doctor because he knows little about high blood pressure. Plendil is also known as felodipine and classified as a calcium channel blockers. This class of drugs are usually more effective in African Americans and some elderly patients. The rest of the population does not seem to have a great response to these drugs. Plendil is often combined with other blood pressure medications for maximal response.

The drug works by opening your blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, plendil can reduce your risk of a stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Besides high blood pressure, plendil is also used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain (angina) and very mild heart failure. If it is working for you, then I would not recommend stopping it. However, if your blood pressure is still high after plendil, it is time to have a chat with your doctor.

When does one see lowering of blood cholesterol after taking pravachol?

Pravastatin does not work immediately and it may take several months before you notice a change in your blood cholesterol. Because there are many types of cholesterol lowering medications, it is important not to combine them or interchange them with pravastatin. It is vital that you start some type of exercise to further help you lower blood cholesterol and lose weight while taking pravastatin. If your cholesterol levels have not dropped in 2-3 months, then the pill is not working and you may need either a higher dose or a different medication

I am 33 years old and have high cholesterol. Can I take two tablets of pravachol everyday to speed up the cholesterol lowering?

No, you cannot. When you buy pravastatin, you will be told exactly how to take it. Always read the label on the package before you take pravastatin. Pravastatin is supposed to be taken once a day with or without food. The dose of pravastatin is based on your cholesterol levels and response. Do not take grapefruit juice at the same time as pravastatin as this may lead to fluctuations in the level of the medication. If you are taking other heart medications, than space the dosing by at least 60 minutes. All individuals who take pravastatin should get regular blood work to ensure that the medication is working and that both the liver and kidney are functioning well. It is important not to change the dose of medication without talking to your doctor.

I have been taking pravachol for a few months and feel bloated all the time. Is this a side effect of the drug?

Yes, Pravastatin has a number of side effects that include stomach upset, bloating and nausea.  These mild side effects do not occur in everyone and are usually well tolerated. However, if they persist one should tell the doctor. Bloating often does not subside and you may have to take an antacid if you develop gastritis. In rare cases, pravastatin can cause muscle and joint pains. The muscle pain may start at any time and can be intense. The pain is usually from breakdown of muscle and is considered serious. If this happens, you must notify your doctor immediately. Like all medications, pravastatin can induce an allergic reaction that may present with a skin rash, itching, dizziness or trouble breathing

Are the cholesterol drugs recommended in young obese children?

Absolutely not. There is no statin drug that is recommended for use in children under the age of 12. If you do have a prescription like that, then it is time to take your doctor to court. Children do not need drugs but a change in life style, exercise and better parenting.

My doctor has prescribed me pravachol for cholesterol. Is this an effective drug?

Pravachol is also known as pravastatin and widely prescribed for people with high cholesterol. When you have high cholesterol levels, it can lead to premature development of atherosclerosis and increase your risk of developing a heart attack and stroke. Pravachol works by inhibiting an enzyme that makes cholesterol in the body. However, in order to get the maximal benefit from the medication, you must also incorporate a change in your diet and start an exercise program. By decreasing weight and lower cholesterol levels, you also decrease high blood pressure and gain better ability to control blood sugars. Pravachol is for life- so if you want to stop wasting your money on this drug, stop smoking and start walking. 

I have had a nerve injury for many months and my doctor has prescribed me lamotrigine for pain. Does it work?

Many doctors appear to be prescribing lamotrigine (lamictal) for nerve pain. Lamotrigine is actually an anti seizure drug and during the initial clinical trials the pharmaceutical company reported that patients with nerve pain did well. Well we know one thing about most drug companies – they do have a habit of lying about effectiveness of drugs.

As far as lamotrigine is concerned, most clinical trials performed independent of Drug Company reports indicate that it is useless. In the trials, there was little or no benefit from the drug. More important, Lamotrigine was also associated with severe skin rashes. The drug is also very expensive. If you have nerve pain, a better option may be pregabalin or gabapentin. Throw the lamotrigine script in the garbage as it is only a waste of money.

I have been given a prescription for cyproheptadine for my allergies; does this drug cause weight gain and dry mouth?

Cyproheptadine has many more side effects than just dry mouth and weight gain. Other side effects include dizziness, blurry vision, drowsiness, stomach upset, constipation and thick/viscus mucus. These effects are not well tolerated at all. In rare cases, Cyproheptadine may cause your heart to beat fast, cause confusion, anxiety, and difficulty urination. Since the medication can cause dizziness, it is important not to get up rapidly from a lying or seating down position. Like all medications, Cyproheptadine can also cause an allergic reaction that may present as a skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing and face swelling. The drug can also cause dense adhesions and fibrosis in your abdomen that can cause other problems. Best advice, dispose the drug and go get yourself some anti histamine.

My doctor recently gave me a prescription for cyproheptadine. Can you tell me something about this drug? I cannot find much data on it.

Cyproheptadine is a very old drug and you must be the only one in the entire world to have a prescription. In fact, your doctor must not only be very old but I doubt if he/she has kept up with medical literature. Cyproheptadine is not used in clinical medicine. There are many far better and safer drugs available. Perhaps your doctor owns a pharmacy and wants to get rid of his drug supplies from the 2^nd world war. Cyproheptadine was once used to treat allergies and certain endocrine disorders like Cushing’s syndrome. However, your doctor must be living in the dinosaurous age to write you such a script as the drug has many dangerous side effects. Best advice- throw the script, change your doctor or leave town.

How does one use Buspar?

Buspar is taken by mouth usually 2-3 times a day for anxiety. For sleep it is best taken 60 minutes prior to bedtime. Buspar is best taken on an empty stomach. Taking Buspar with food delays it actions. The medication should be swallowed and not crushed or chewed in the mouth. Individuals who have no trouble sleeping more than 7-8 hrs on a regular basis should not take Buspar. Buspar should only be taken as prescribed. If you miss a dose of Buspar, never double the dose at the next setting. Excess Buspar can cause lethargy, sedation, lethargy and can even slow down your breathing

What are common side effects of Buspar?

Mild side effects of buspar include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry cough or blurred vision. To minimize the dizziness, one should get up slowly from a seated or lying position. Buspar should not be taken during day time as it can cause sleep. In rare cases, Buspar causes mood changes, sleep walking and depression

Long term use of Buspar has been associated with physical dependence and withdrawal reactions can occur.

In rare cases, the drug may cause an allergic reaction which may present with itchiness, unusual thirst, confusion, fast heart rate, decreased libido, skin rash, swelling of the face or mouth, fainting and difficulty breathing. 

My doctor has prescribed me buspar for my anxiety. Is this a good drug?

Buspar is a pill used to treat sleeping difficulties and anxiety. It is a very old drug and has been replaced today by the benzodiazepines. The drug can help one fall asleep faster and also allow for longer peaceful sleep. Buspar belongs to a class of drugs known as anxiolytics. The drug works on the brain and produces a calming effect. The drug is also used to treat panic attacks, sweating and alcohol withdrawal. The biggest advantage of buspar is that unlike the benzodiazepines, it does not lead to rapid development of physical dependence or addiction. The generic pills are relatively cheap

What is a safe dose of Viagra? I am a 22 year old male with impotence.

The dose of Viagra for an erection varies from 25 mg to 100 mg. if one pill does not generate an erection it is important to wait at least 2 hours before taking another pill. If the second pill does nothing, then one should not take any more pills. There are some individuals who continue to take Viagra every few hours to maintain the erection. This is not a safe practice and can easily lead to overdose. Viagra is a safe medication but at doses greater then 400-500 mg, it can cause a number of disturbing side effects. The initial symptoms and signs of an over dose generally includes intense nausea, stomach upset, an irregular or fast heart beat, dizziness or chest pain. There have also been reports of black outs when excess Viagra is ingested.