Saturday, July 12, 2008

Are Medications for the Treatment of Enlarged Prostate (Benign ...


Alpha adrenergic receptor blocker medications, including doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and terazosin (Hytrin), cause a relaxation of prostate smooth muscle and increase urine flow (Lepor et al 1996; McConnell et al 2003). The FDA has approved all of these medications for the treatment of BPH, with the exception of Minipress. Minipress is a medication that has been on the market for the treatment of hypertension for many years; your doctor has the right to prescribe it for you "off label" for the treatment of BPH if he or she thinks it is indicated. There are no current plans to obtain an indication for Minipress for the treatment of BPH, since it has been off patent for many years. All of the alpha adrenergic receptor blocker medications have similar side effects including dizziness, postural hypotension, and fatigue. The potential benefit from relief of BPH symptoms is usually worth the side effects of these medications. However, Uroxatral should not be used in patients with liver problems and causes cardiac effects (lengthening of the Q-T interval).

Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a selective blocker of the ±-1A adrenergic receptor that has fewer side effects than the other alpha-blockers because it is more selective to the ±-1A adrenergic receptor than the other drugs reviewed above. The other alpha blockers block adrenergic receptors in both the heart and the brain as well as in the prostate. For this reason they can block the smooth muscles in the blood vessels in these areas and cause the blood vessels to dilate. This changes blood flow in the brain, with associated dizziness, fatigue, or the possibility of passing out if you stand up too quickly (postural hypotension). Since Flomax is more specific to the adrenergic receptors in the prostate, it has fewer of these side effects.

5±-reductase inhibitors include drugs like finasteride (Proscar). One of the most important factors contributing to BPH is the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT normally stimulates prostate tissue in adolescent males, which leads to the ability to produce semen and therefore become fertile. In later age, however, DHT can stimulate prostate tissue in a counter-productive way. Proscar inhibits the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT, 5±-reductase, thereby reducing DHT levels as much as 80%. This is associated with a decrease in prostate volume of 20%, since this hormone stimulates prostate tissue growth. Side effects include decreased libido, impotence and ejaculatory disorder. Dutasteride (Duagen) blocks both types 1 and 2 5±-reductase and has a similar side effect profile as finasteride.

In the PROscar Safety Plus Efficacy Canadian Two Year Study (PROSPECT), 613 men with moderate BPH symptoms were started on a two year treatment course with Proscar or placebo (Nickel et al 1996). Finasteride resulted in a statistically significant reduction in symptom scores compared to placebo, with a baseline score of 15.8 the difference between finasteride and placebo was only 0.4, not a very big difference. There was about a 10% increase in urinary flow rates. Over twice as many (15.8%) of finasteride patients developed impotence as patients on placebo (6.3%). In a study comparing finasteride to the alpha blocker terazosin and placebo, 1229 were randomized to blinded treatment for one year. Change in symptom scores were 2.6 for placebo, 3.2 for finasteride, 6.1 for terazosin, and 6.2 for terazosin and finasteride.(Lepor et al 1996) Similar improvements were seen with urine flow, with greater increases in urine flow for terazosin. Finasteride was no better than placebo, while terazosin was statistically significantly better than both finasteride and placebo. Impotence was higher with finasteride (9%) than placebo (5%) or terazosin (6%). Another study looking at the long term effects of these drugs studied 3047 patients for five years on placebo, doxazosin (alpha blocker), finasteride, or combination therapy. The outcome was a four point increase in BPH symptom score, urinary retention or incontinence. Doxazosin reduced progression by 39% and finasteride by 34% compared to placebo (both statistically significant) (McConnell et al 2003). Combination therapy was even better (66% reduction) and was associated with a reduction in the need for surgery, as was finasteride alone.

Based on these findings I recommend the use of the alpha blockers initially (doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and terazosin (Hytrin) and Flomax) with addition of Proscar or Duagen depending on symptom response and side effects. Talk it over with your doctor.

Lepor H, Williford WO, Barry MJ (1996): The efficacy of terazosin, finasteride, or both in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Study Group. New England Journal of Medicine 335:533-539.

McConnell JD, Roehrborn CG, Bautista OM (2003): The long-term effect of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. New England Journal of Medicine 349:2387-2398.

Nickel JC, Fradet Y, Boake RC, Pommerville PJ, Perreault JP, Afridi SK (1996): Efficacy and safety of finasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a 2-year randomized controlled trial (the PROSPECT study). PROscar Safety Plus Efficacy Canadian Two year Study. Canadian Medical Association Journal 348:602-606.

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ixnay's weblog

Elavil Therapy For Use in Interstitial Cystitis


Although only one drug has been FDA approved specifically for interstitial cystitis, Elmiron, treating interstitial cystitis has always been a "brand off" approach. "Brand off" is where drugs not specifically designed for the illness or disease are used because of their side effects. For example, interstitial cystitis patients are given anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antispasmodics, pain medication, and even some antiseizure medication.

Elavil is the brand name for the drug amitriptyline. The other brand name for the drug is Endep . It is given to mental health patients to elevate mood by increasing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Typically, this drug is prescribed for more than one reason to interstitial cystitis sufferers. It is available in tablet form in the dosages of 10mg, 25 mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg and in 150mg.

Sleep Effects


Elavil tends to make one drowsy after taking, and therefore is typically prescribed to be taken at night before bed. For this reason it is given to interstitial cystitis sufferers to help them sleep through the night without having to wake up to go to the bathroom multiple times. Also, even if one doesn't typically get up at night, it will still give them a better night sleep and will help them feel better throughout the day because they were able to rest. According to Dr. Robert Moore (Director of Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Co-Director of Urogynecology at Atlanta Urogynecology Associates, a "low dose helps to elevate the patient's pain threshold, i.e. the level that the pain fibers fire at in the spinal cord. These nerves are super sensitive and fire very easily at very low input levels; Elavil helps to elevate these levels so they don't fire so easily at low levels."

Pain Effects


Elavil will give a slight boost to treating and dealing with pain. It isn't a pain medication, but it does "take an edge off". This makes living with interstitial cystitis a bit easier. Its sedative effects help with the pain of the bladder. It raises your pain threshold so that lower level pain isn't felt as much, and you are much more able to cope.

Warnings


There are many drug interactions with Elavil. If you are taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs) you may get a high fever, convulse, or even die while on Elavil / Endep.

If you have seizures or are at risk for having a seizure, you should not take this drug.

You should not take Epinephrine (what is known as an Epipen, given to those with severe allergic reactions) while on this drug as it raises your chance of severe high blood pressure. If you have risk factors for allergies severe enough that you carry an Epipen you need to let your doctor know prior to filling this drug prescription.

You can buy Endep here

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therealmonkey's weblog

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Treximet - A New Migraine Medication


On May 16, Glaxo-Smith-Kline Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Imitrex, announced that they were releasing a new drug for the treatment of migraines. The new drug was to be called Treximet and according to the makers, was to be a vast improvement over Imitrex. Like Imitrex, it is made to be taken at the onset of a migraine, but is supposed to work faster and better to reduce migraine pain. GSK has spent several years and millions of dollars researching and "pre-marketing" Treximet in anticipation of FDA approval and product launch.

So what's the deal? Is this really better than Imitrex alone? From a strict treatment point of view, yes, the medication probably is better than Imitrex alone for a migraine. The reason for this is twofold. First of all, several years ago, Dr. Silberstein of the Jefferson Headache Center was able to demonstrate through research, that Imitrex combined with naprosyn taken at the onset of a migraine was better in treating that migraine than either drug alone. Such a combination is deemed synergistic, meaning basically that two plus two equals ten. Naprosyn is the prescription form of Aleve which is sold over the counter and is an anti-inflammatory. Once this research was confirmed, GSK began to develop a combination drug.

The second reason this drug might be better is something called RT technology. GSK has developed this and uses it currently for its Imitrex tablets. Think of it as "burst" technology as the tablet does burst apart when it begins to dissolve. This may speed absorption, and speed is of the essence when treating a bad migraine.

All treatment benefits aside, is Treximet really a great deal? Well for some, maybe not. One of the reasons a combination drug is usually developed is because the patent on the original drug is about to expire. And sure enough, that is what is happening to Imitrex this year. Unfortunately, samples of Imitrex are rapidly disappearing from doctor's offices. For those who have prescription coverage, the best answer is to ask for a prescription for naprosyn and take both pills at the onset of a migraine. Failing that you could just take two Aleve tablets with your Imitrex.

For those with no prescription coverage, hang in there! Two pharmaceutical companies who make generic drugs have announced that they will be manufacturing sumatriptan (generic Imitrex) by the end of 2008. Once that is available, it will open up the availability of the drug for millions of migraineurs who previously could not afford the drug. Even with no prescription coverage, the generic may be cheap enough to afford by paying cash. The downside to generics is, different fillers which are cheaper are used in manufacture. GSK still holds the patent on RT technology so it most probably will not be available in the generic sumatriptan.

As will all medications in the class of triptans, you cannot take these medications if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled hypertension or heart problems such as coronary artery disease. Check with your provider to be sure before taking any new medication and remember, treat early and treat fast to get rid of migraines.

You can buy Naprosyn here

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Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Anticonvulsant Uses - "Off-Label" More Than "On-Label"?


Topamax is indicated (FDA approved) for the treatment of seizure disorder (epilepsy) and prophylaxis of migraine headache.

In the United States, the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permit physicians to prescribe approved medications for other than their approved label indications. This practice is known as off-label use. Some drugs are used more frequently off-label than for their original, FDA-approved indications.

Topiramate has a long list of off-label uses.

Bipolar Disorder

The evidence that anticonvulsant agents are useful for treating bipolar disorders has prompted preliminary studies of Topamax. However, research evidence does not strongly support use of this medication as a "mood stabilizer".

Topamax lacks efficacy in the treatment of acute mania. The manufacturer conducted several studies looking at the effectiveness of the medication to treat acute mania or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. These studies showed that the drug by itself was not effective in treating bipolar symptoms.

However, some evidence, based on small studies, supports the use of Topamax in bipolar disorders in depressive phase and as adjunctive treatment. The results of the open-label study indicated that adjunctive topiramate was associated with a significant reduction of new manic and depressive episodes in patients who fail to respond completely to mood stabilizers (Lykouras L , Hatzimanolis J.; Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Jun.) One of the advantages is that it causes most bipolar patients to either lose weight or at least not gain it.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a common side effect of Topamax. In general, it is not considered a good choice for weight loss due to high rate of side effects, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, which can make it difficult to tolerate the medication.

Several high quality studies have shown strong weight-reducing potential of Topamax. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of this drug in obese patients. Topiramate therapy over the course of 1 year resulted in clinically significant weight loss. In addition, improvements were also observed in blood pressure and glucose tolerance. (Wilding J, Van Gaal L, Rissanen A., Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2004 Nov.)

Nerve Pain

Antiepileptic drugs are useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. There are good theoretical explanations how Topiramate can alleviate neuropathic pain. It acts on neuronal transmission in at least five ways: by modulating voltage-gated sodium ion channels, potentiating gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibition, blocking excitatory glutamate neurotransmission, modulating voltage-gated calcium ion channels, and by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase.

In randomized, double-blind trial Topamax reduced pain visual analog score, worst pain intensity and sleep disruption in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

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Redwizard's weblog

Cymbalta Medication - Uses & Side Effects


Cymbalta is brand name from Eli Lilly and called duloxetine.Cymbalta is a special drug which belongs to the group of Dual Uptake Inhibitors.Cymbalta medically formulated as Duloxetine Hydrochloride is a new revolutionary antidepressent. Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes. Cymbalta is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The effectiveness of Cymbalta for longer-term (more than 9 weeks) use has not been systematically evaluated in clinical trials. Cymbalta targets two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, that are believed to play a role in how the brain and body affect mood and pain. Cymbalta is contraindicated in anyone who has shown a sensitivity to duloxetine or any of Cymbalta's inactive ingredients. It should not be used concommitantly with an MAOI. In clinical trials, Cymbalta was associated with increased mydriasis in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma and should not be used by patients with this condition.

Cymbalta increases the risk of elevated serum transaminase. It has been associated with an increase in blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored throughout treatment. Cymbalta till now is generally not being prescribed to pregnant women. Cymbalta is a class C drug, which means that it can and will be passed onto your baby and he or she could develop medical conditions as a result. Many women become pregnant when taking Cymbalta and their doctors typically choose to take them off the drug during the third trimester, when medical complications usually arise as a result of taking this drug. Cymbalta is also known to be passed through the mothers breast milk hence doctors suggest to refrain from taking the drug while breast-feeding an infant. Cymbalta should be used with caution in patients with a history of mania or seizures. Cymbalta is used to treat depression.

Cymbalta can cause the side effects which can deteriorate your thought or reactions. If you are taking Cymbalta Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of damage to your liver. Avoid. Somnolence caused by Cymbalta. Cymbalta can cause the side effects which can deteriorate your thought or reactions. Made attention if you lead or do all that requires you to be waked up and alert. Cymbalta should be administered at a total dose of 40 mg/day (given as 20 mg BID) to 60 mg/day (given either once a day or as 30 mg BID) without regard to meals. Cymbalta is not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease (requiring dialysis) or in severe renal impairment.

Uses of Cymbalta Medication

Cymbalta Medication use very safely. Cymbalta Medication dose use daily one. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Do not stop using Cymbalta without first talking to your doctor. Store Cymbalta at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not take the medication in larger amounts and take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or longer for your symptoms improve. Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release capsule.

Side Effects of Cymbalta Medication

Cymbalta most common side effects is Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, rash and itching and other Less Common Side Effects is Abnormal orgasm; acid or sour stomach; belching; change or problem with ejaculation; decreased interest in sex; difficulty in moving; erectile dysfunction; fear; feeling of warmth or redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest; heartburn; indigestion and joint pain. Generalized anxiety disorder is generally recognized as a chronic condition.

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Archus's weblog

Sweet Treatment From Ayurveda For Diabetes


Ayurvedic management of Diabetes depends on the strength of patient and type of diabetes he/she has. But some generalized management are mentioned below.

If the patient has sufficient strength panchakarma treatment can be started with snehana followed by vamana and virechana. Virechana can be repeated frequently. Dhanwantharam Gritham is apt for snehanam. Pizhichil is good for a week. Takradhara can also yield good results. Internal medicines that can be used are katakakhadiradi kashayam, aragvadhadi kashayam, nisadi kashayam, mehari dravakam. Apart from these ayaskriti and lodhrasavam are good.

Mehasamhari gulika, brihantmehantaka gulika, niruryadi gulika, svetagaunjadi gulika, haldi (turmeric), amalaki (gooseberry) choorna, nyagrodadhi churna, nisosiradi tailam,or eladi tailam can be added to the kashayams as the case may be. Shilajit, vasntakusumakara rasa, nag bhasma, vanga bhasma, and chandraprabha vati can be used favorably.

Hyponidd tablets, Diabecon tablets, Mehanil tablets, Glucova, Nishakatakadi qwath tablet can be used on regular basis.

Sugar in any form like rice, especially from fresh grains, potato, banana, and other such cereals and fruits are to be avoided. Fat intake should also be avoided. Tamarid and salt intake should be minimal. All bitter things are of help in general. Vegetables like bitter gourd, drumstick, patola(sponge gourd), okra (ladies finger) are good. So is neem (Azadirachta indica) and bilva (Aegle marmelos). It is also advised to decrease all food intakes by three quarters of normal. Wheat, barely and all millets are good. Some cases recover fully just with exclusively meat diet. Don't use polished grains as bryan is good for diabetes.

Shadangapaniyam or water boiled with ekanayakam (Salacia reticulate) is excellent to quench thirst in diabetics. Exercise within limits is advisable, yogic exercise, particularly matsyendra asanam is useful.

Sleep during daytime, sex, not resting after food intake and excessive labour is to be avoided.

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Gnarl's weblog

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Why Erection Oils can Increase Your Sexual Pleasure and Intimacy


Will there be any woman who will complain if their partner puts erection oil on their penis? I don't think so. In fact, they would probably even help in its application. Why? I guess the answer is obvious. Erection oil does what it is named to be, to cause an erection to occur in the penis, and prolonging it until much pleasure is derived from it. It is quite common for the average man to be able to have about three rounds of sex in a night, depending on their stamina and the quality of the sexual act had. For more rounds that this, help is needed, in the form of either a pill or an oil. This will further stimulate the penis and make it stand at attention and perform with great gusto, much to the pleasure of both.

Why do men feel the need to have a longer erection? The answer to this is because females like to have a prolonged erection. A woman's pleasure is also the reason behind why men would like to have something on hand that will help them have an erection even if it is already not quite possible for them to do. As all men know, women have the privilege of having multiple orgasms. To be able to fulfill most of those orgasmic experiences, man has to learn to keep up and to keep it up. And this is where the use of the erection oil comes into play.

Imagine the sensations that you will feel as you allow her to rub the erection oil up and down your penis, as blood rushes into it, making it grow bigger, longer and harder than you never thought it possible to achieve. Imagine her applying it on you without using her hands. The pleasurable sensations that you will be feeling are already quite enough to sustain you for the rest of the night. And that is just during the application of the erection oil.

You can buy Penis Growth Oil here

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MadandAngry's weblog