Medications and treatments Archive

Heart Health

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Published August 1, 2021

All episodes of fainting results from insufficient blood flow to the brain. But there are many underlying causes for that diminished blood flow, ranging from common, usually harmless issues to rare, potentially serious problems. Common causes include vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension; rare causes include carotid sinus hypersensitivity and rotational vertebral artery syndrome.

Men's Health

Help for erectile dysfunction

Published August 1, 2021

Taking erectile dysfunction pills is still the easiest way for most older men to manage their ED. The drugs are more affordable than in the past. But sometimes they don’t provide the help men need, and some men are bothered by side effects, such as headaches, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness. These individuals may get extra assistance by exploring alternative therapies or devices to help them get and maintain erections.

Diseases & Conditions

Chronic gut inflammation: Coping with inflammatory bowel disease

Published August 1, 2021

Chronic inflammation in the gut may be due to inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It’s unclear what causes IBD. Doctors suspect it’s a combination of factors, such as eating an unhealthy diet or using certain medications; altered gut bacteria; having a leaky gut; or genetics. The goal of IBD treatment is remission: suppressed symptoms, lower blood levels of inflammatory markers, and normal-looking bowel and tissue biopsies. Approaches to achieve remission and prevent flare-ups include medication, a healthy lifestyle, and possibly surgery.

Diseases & Conditions

High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number

Published August 1, 2021

People with a high risk for heart attacks and strokes might benefit from taking blood pressure–lowering medications, even if their blood pressure is in the normal or "high normal" range and they have no clear signs of cardiovascular disease.

Healthy aging and longevity

A vaccine that can prevent shingles

Published August 1, 2021

The best way to avoid shingles and long-lasting pain that may result from it is to get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), given in two doses. The vaccine contains a protein from a dead varicella-zoster virus. The shot is 90% effective and is recommended for adults ages 50 or older, even those who have had shingles before, received an older shingles vaccine called Zostavax, or don’t recall having had chickenpox. People should avoid the vaccine if they currently have shingles, are allergic to components of the vaccine, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Healthy aging and longevity

Battle of the bulges

Published August 1, 2021

A majority of people over 60 have diverticulosis, a condition in which tiny bulges (called diverticula) appear in weak areas of your colon’s inner wall. The bulges themselves don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to bleeding or diverticulitis, which occurs when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or infected. People can reduce their risk by eating more fiber and staying physically active.

Pain

Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery

Published July 29, 2021

It's common for doctors to prescribe opioid pain medications for their patients after surgery; however, prescribing large numbers of pills increases the possibility of dependence and overdose. Writing prescriptions for smaller quantities of pills while still monitoring people's pain is one way to reduce the likelihood that a person develops a problem.

Mind & Mood

Nicotine addiction explained — and how medications can help

Published July 27, 2021

Addiction is now understood to be a neurological disorder that results from changes to the brain's reward center caused by addictive substances. Ideally, treatment for nicotine addiction combines medication to suppress cravings with counseling to help patients reprogram their behavior.

Mind & Mood

A new Alzheimer's drug has been approved. But should you take it?

Updated July 15, 2021

The FDA has granted accelerated approval to the first new drug in nearly two decades for Alzheimer's disease. But there are potential side effects, and results of studies of this drug have been mixed. It is not yet known whether the drug truly works, or how effective it will be, so the approval is contingent on the drug's maker conducting further studies over the next several years.

Mind & Mood

Ask the doctor: Which antidepressants have anticholinergic effects?

Updated July 14, 2021

An article in your April issue, ?Common drugs linked to dementia,? states that anticholinergics are used to treat depression. I wasn?t aware of this. Which types of anticholinergics are used for depression?

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Medications and treatments Archive

Articles

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Help for erectile dysfunction

Chronic gut inflammation: Coping with inflammatory bowel disease

High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number

A vaccine that can prevent shingles

Battle of the bulges

Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery

Nicotine addiction explained — and how medications can help

A new Alzheimer's drug has been approved. But should you take it?

Ask the doctor: Which antidepressants have anticholinergic effects?

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