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Medications Archive
Articles
Ask the doctor: What can I do for antidepressant "discontinuation symptoms"?
Image: Thinkstock |
Q. I took a low dose of the antidepressant desipramine for more than two years for chronic pain. Once I started physical therapy, my pain improved so much that I quickly tapered off the medication. I have been off of it for a month now, but am still experiencing "discontinuation symptoms." I can't sleep well and feel a little dizzy. What can I do for this?
A. It can be liberating to realize that you no longer need to take a medication. However, sometimes you can't just throw your pills away. There are many medications (both psychoactive and otherwise) that require you to taper off slowly when it's time to stop them. Stopping such a medication too quickly will cause what are called rebound side effects. Desipramine (Norpramin) is a tricyclic antidepressant, one of the drug categories that require a slow taper.
Staying healthy while using PPIs
Be mindful of risks for fracture, low B12, and a spike in stomach acid.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) help treat symptoms of heartburn, but these powerful medications also carry their share of risks. "The risks are for long-term use," says Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a Harvard Medical School associate professor. "Three months of use should be okay, but if someone needs a PPI longer than that, a doctor should be supervising use."
4 myths about statins
Some side effects attributed to taking a statin may be caused by a different problem. |
Don't let misconceptions about these medications prevent you from taking them.
Ask the doctor: Bleeding risks from low-dose aspirin
Q. I had a heart attack several years ago and have been taking low-dose aspirin ever since to prevent a second one. But I keep hearing about the bleeding risks caused by aspirin. What should I be watching for?
A. Aspirin prevents tiny cell fragments in the blood called platelets from clumping together and forming clots. But it also increases the risk of minor bleeding. You may notice that cuts bleed a little longer than usual. Bruises, which happen when blood leaks out of small vessels (capillaries) after an injury, may also be more noticeable.
Recent Blog Articles
Why follow a vaccine schedule for children?
CAR-T immunotherapy for prostate cancer?
Boosting your child's immune system
Gratitude enhances health, brings happiness — and may even lengthen lives
The popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters is soaring, but are they safe?
Helping children make friends: What parents can do
Want to stop harmful drinking? AA versus SMART Recovery
Mpox is back: What to know and do
How well do you score on brain health?
When should your teen or tween start using skin products?
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