Medications and treatments Archive

Drug ads appear everywhere in the US, but how do highly promoted new medications stack up against other available treatments? Aside from cost –– including billions spent on marketing –– there may also be health implications.

Using recreational drugs—including methamphetamine, opiates, cocaine, or cannabis—may increase a person's risk for atrial fibrillation.

People on blood pressure drugs should take them at whatever time is most convenient for them and minimizes any side effects.

A 2022 study found that antidepressant use during pregnancy is not associated with problems in children's future brain health or behavior patterns. The medications were not linked to conditions such as autism, ADHD, or problems in speech, language, learning, and coordination.

The new year is a good time for people to take a good look at their medication regimens and consider if they need to make any changes. That could mean talking to a doctor or pharmacist to see if all the drugs in a regimen are still necessary. Or it could mean looking for ways to save money on prescriptions — perhaps using an online pharmacy (which might have cheaper prices) or applying for a drug manufacturer's patient assistance program. Other things to consider are ways to become more organized about taking medications reliably, such as using an automatic pill dispenser.

A fever is the immune system's response to an infection or invader. Most fevers drop after people take over-the-counter medications. People should call a doctor if their fever reaches 103° F and go to an emergency room if it reaches 105°.

A 2022 study found a 31% reduction in Americans' use of prescription sleep aids from 2013 to 2018. The drop-off was even sharper among people 80 and older, who were 86% less likely to use FDA-approved sleep drugs by the end of the study period.

Women are twice as likely as men to develop plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of chronic heel pain. Pain is worst in the morning and eases over the course of the day. Older adults, some athletes, and people who are overweight or obese are likelier to develop plantar fasciitis. Mainstay treatments include stretches, medication, night splints, and supportive shoes. Emerging treatments include injections of botulinum toxin (Botox), platelet-rich plasma, or fat.

Science suggests that the placebo effect, in which a person derives a physical benefit from a fake treatment, can have real health benefits for managing pain. It may even work if people are aware that the treatment is a sham. The ritual of receiving treatment is essential for the placebo effect to work, and it's possible for people to tap into its benefits by adopting healthy habits that require rituals and procedures like healthy eating, exercise, and meditation.

Many medications can affect sleep. These include prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter remedies. For example, decongestants, certain antidepressants, or beta blockers can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, and nicotine replacement medications can cause a person to have nightmares. Strategies to avoid drug-related sleep problems include taking the medication during the day, taking a lower dose, practicing good sleep hygiene (such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day), or switching to a new medication.