Medications and treatments Archive

Since its introduction in 1998, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has greatly improved, thanks to advances in the instruments, imaging techniques, and energy sources used during the procedure. The resulting increases in safety and effectiveness have transformed ablation into a routine procedure. For many people newly diagnosed with this heart rhythm disorder, ablation is now the first treatment offered.

In the last few years, the prescribing rate for zolpidem, a popular sleeping pill, has been declining in favor of the "off-label" use of an antidepressant called trazodone, which is known for its ability to make people drowsy. But doctors are concerned that trazodone hasn't been well studied for insomnia, it is not FDA-approved to treat the condition, and there are sparse data showing that it is safe or that it works for patients with insomnia. Experts advise choosing medications based on a patient's specific needs, not a trend.

In its 2025 guidelines for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine stopped recommending the long-term use of dopamine agonist drugs, since they can eventually make RLS symptoms worse. Instead, the guidelines strongly recommend another class of medications as the first-line treatment: alpha-2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), and pregabalin (Lyrica). Alpha-2-delta ligands do not make RLS symptoms worse.

Certain medications can leave people more vulnerable to heat-related effects or the sun's rays. The medications can raise the risk of dehydration, make people sweat too much or too little, impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, or raise the risk of getting a bad sunburn. In addition, higher temperatures may damage some medicines, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, some antidepressants, thyroid replacement hormones, and some over-the-counter antihistamines.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for prostate cancer in men older than 70, but as life expectancy for this group increases and treatment options evolve, it's important for men to be aware of their options.

A 2025 analysis suggested that GLP-1 medications used for diabetes and weight loss are associated with lower risks for an array of conditions, but that they increase risks for several others.

While there are limited studies about the health benefits of cold-water immersions, a 2025 analysis found regular ice baths or cold showers may help reduce stress levels, improve sleep, and increase quality of life.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug ads promoting treatments for arthritis, cancer, heartburn, psoriasis, flagging memory, and more are all everywhere you look. All too often, the information shared is incomplete, biased, or confusing--here's what to watch out for and how to get the whole story when considering treatment options.