Rebecca Prescott asked:


If pain killers are taken exactly as prescribed, they are safe and will rarely cause addiction. And yet addiction to prescription pain killers is growing. The most common medications that can cause this are opiods (sometimes called narcotics) and include morphine, codeine and others in the same group.

Research shows that every year, almost 2 million Americans use prescription opiod painkillers. In some communities, addiction to painkillers has now overtaken the use of cocaine and marijuana. 9% of the population admit to having used pain killers illegally.

Morphine is often used after surgery for the control and alleviation of severe pain. Codeine is more common and can deal with milder pain. Opiods work by attaching to proteins in the brain, spine and digestive tract. These proteins are called opiod receptors. When an opiod attaches to a receptor, they can change the way a person feels pain.

SO HOW DO PEOPLE GET ADDICTED TO THEM?

They can also affect how pleasure is experienced and this is why many opiods give a feeling of euphoria when they are taken.

People who become addicted start out by taking pain killers for longer than they should do, to get this intial euphoria. The problem is that if pain killers are used for a long time, the body can become tolerant to that medication. This means that higher and higher doses must be taken to get the same effect. It also means that the body has adjusted to operating normally with that level of pain killers, and so if the pain killers are stopped, or reduced, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

COLD TURKEY

Symptoms of drug withdrawal ae extremely unpleasant and can involve restlessness, pain in the bones and muscles, insomnia, diarhea, vomiting and involuntary leg movements. Withdrawal is called ‘cold turkey’ because another major symptom is cold flashes with goose bumps on the skin.

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED HELP TO QUIT - CAN’T THEY JUST STOP?

If these drugs are used for a long time, they will eventually change the brain in fundamental ways. They take over the normal pleasure and motivational systems of the brain - pushing the need for drugs up to the highest priority. The need for drugs therefore overrides all of the person’s previous motivations, behaviours and drives. This is the domineering compulsion to find and use drugs, and what is called addiction.

Once addicted to drugs, people feign illness and visit different doctors to obtain prescriptions, buy drugs on the street, steal and lie to obtain their ‘fix’. It is not a personality choice - it’s a medical need or craving, generated by the affect that the chemical has imposed on the brain.

WHAT HAPPENS IN REHAB?

Celebrities seem to go into rehabilitation {rehab) with alarming frequency. Rehab is a place where people are medically supervised to come off their addiction, in an effort to reduce or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The addiction can be to pain killers, recreational drugs or alcohol.

The client is medically detoxified - which means that medications may be given to help them through the withdrawal phase. Detoxification is not a treatment for addiction - it simply removes the addictive substance from the person’s system so that they can start thinking clearly again. Detox is usually followed by counselling and behavioural therapy to try and help the client to avoid returning to the addiction.

Celebrities and their alleged pain killer addictions:

* Kathleen Turner - pain killers and alcohol.

* Daniel Baldwin - pain killers originally for a back problem.

* Anna Nicole Smith - vicodin.

* Matthew Perry - vicodin.

* Jerry Lewis - allegedly went into rehab for prednisone addiction at the age of 77!



THEODORE

Rich jammes asked:




Everyone knows what hearing is. Hearing loss, or deafness, is the partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears. The human ear is remarkable as is the smallest and most complex organ in the body. Considering the ear’s delicacy, it is remarkably resilient. Nevertheless, illness or injury can impair our ability to hear properly.

It is possible that someone who has hearing loss may be able to hear some sounds or simply nothing at all. Often people also call it deaf, deafness, or hard of hearing when they’re talking about hearing loss.

It has been observed that out of 1000 babies born, three may have hearing impairment. This is the most common birth defect. Although there is a possibility that hearing problem can also develop later in life, there are many types of hearing loss:

Causes

The first obvious cause of a loss of hearing is repeated exposure to high levels of noise. Many people work in jobs where they are around large pieces of machinery that emit an extreme amount of noise. If you wish to protect your hearing, you should make sure that you use protective equipment whenever you are around this level of noise.

There are some medications that can cause a hearing loss and this is called ototoxic hearing loss. There are some painkillers such as Vicodin that can cause a loss of hearing for those who are taking it for a long period of time. If you are concerned about a hearing loss, you should check with your doctor to find out if any of the medications that you are taking will cause you to lose your hearing.

Researchers are busy trying to determine the reasons for a variety of types of hearing loss. When there is research in an area like hearing loss there will be many things that can be done to prevent the problem from occurring. If you know what is causing the problem you will be able to prevent it.

Information on Hearing Aids

Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal. As a general rule, a hearing aid usually improves hearing by one-half of the loss. Hearing aids are typically worn on the outside of the ear by people who still have some natural hearing. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted into the ear and pick up lost middle- and higher-frequency sounds. Hearing aids are battery-operated devices that amplify sound. A microphone receives the sound and amplifies it so that it is louder to the child.

Levels of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss & deafness covers a wide range of hearing difficulties and a patient is often confused about the state of their condition. As a result many people buy inappropriate aids to meet their individual needs, especially if purchased without a professional assessment.

Generally hearing loss can be categorised into 4 ”types” Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound.

Mild - Patients with Mild hearing loss have difficulty hearing sound between 20-39 decibels. This condition often leads to difficulty hearing a television & radio at normal levels as well as conducting conversations over distances. Ambient noise can also increase the effects of this hearing loss.



ROSANNA

glenbourg2002 asked:


I thought taht you guarretted all your drugs!!!!

Vlad Kott asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 Vlad Kott

Tramadol (Ultram) is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain, to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. It works by decreasing the body’s sense of pain.

Gelonida is a narcotic analgesic used to treat or prevent moderate to severe pain.

* Most important fact about Tramadol (Ultram)

You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how Tramadol Ultram affects you.

It’s important to take Tramadol exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dosage or length of time you take Ultram without your doctor’s approval.

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ultram.

Side effects may include:

Agitation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of elation, hallucinations, headache, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness.

Avoid Tramadol Ultram if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Also avoid Tramadol Ultram after taking large doses of sleeping pills such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Restoril; narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol, morphine, Darvon, and Percocet; or psychotherapeutic drugs such as antidepressants and tranquilizers. And do not take Tramadol Ultram after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

If you have stomach problems such as an ulcer, make sure your doctor is aware of them. Tramadol Ultram may hide the symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

Tramadol Ultram can cause mental and physical addiction. If you’ve ever had a problem with narcotic painkillers such as Percocet, Demerol, or morphine, you should avoid Tramadol Ultram. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking Tramadol Ultram abruptly. Such symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual decrease in dosage will help prevent these symptoms.

Do not take more than the recommended dose of Tramadol Ultram, since larger doses have been known to cause seizures, especially if you have epilepsy or are taking medications that also increase the risk of seizures. Among such medications are almost all antidepressant drugs, plus narcotics and major tranquilizers such as Loxitane and Stelazine.

If you have liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Your dosage may have to be reduced.

Before you have any kind of surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Tramadol Ultram.

If you have any kind of breathing problem, use Tramadol Ultram with caution or take a different kind of painkiller. Tramadol Ultram can impair respiration, especially if taken with alcohol.

If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Tramadol Ultram. The medication’s effects may be stronger and could hide warning signs of serious trouble.

Tramadol Ultram may increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol Ultram.

There have been reports of serious harm to developing babies when Tramadol Ultram was used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Tramadol Ultram appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Tramadol Ultram is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Avoid Tramadol Ultram, too, if you are taking the seizure medication Tegretol.

Symptoms of Ultram overdose include:

Difficult or slowed breathing, drowsiness, coma, seizures, cardiac arrest. Tramadol can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

***** Gelonida *****

Gelonida - generic name is parecoxib sodium. It is used to treat or prevent moderate to severe pain.

* Side effects

That may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor if you experience vomiting, skin rash, itching, slowed or difficult breathing, difficulty urinating, or fainting.

Don’t take this drug if you are also taking Quinidine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Avoid alcohol while you are using this drug. This drug will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.

Don’t drive, don’t operate machinery until you know how you react to this medicine? Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Don’t take this drug if you have had a severe allrgic reaction to Codeine, Hydrocodone, Dihydrocodeine, or Oxycodone (such as Tylox, Tylenol with Codeine, Vicodin).

A severe allergic reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.



STACY

Todd Lange asked:


Both club and prescription drug abuses are quite significant in the overall problem of drug abuse in Wyoming. These are apart from the other common forms of addiction such as heroin addiction, cocaine addiction, marijuana addiction and even alcohol addiction, which is the most prevalent form of chemical dependency in the state.

Here we shall see some details on these two forms of drug abuse in Wyoming. Here are some statistics and trends on club and prescription drug abuse in the state.

Club Drug Abuse in Wyoming

By definition, club drugs are those that people use in party and rave circuits. These are drugs that are typically popular among the youth, because these are the kinds of people that frequent such areas. The main forms of club drugs that are popular in the state are methamphetamine and ecstasy.

Methamphetamine is one of the most popular forms of club drug addiction in the state. This substance was not present on the drug addiction scene of Wyoming until about ten years ago, but in the last few years, the drug has become much more prevalent than other forms of addiction in the state. Methamphetamine comes into Wyoming mainly from Mexico, through road trafficking methods. The drug is brought here both in its original form a purer form known as crystal meth, locally known as ice.

Another source of methamphetamine in Wyoming is through the various meth labs that are secretly operating within the state. These labs work through the agencies of one or two people and can produce up to ten pounds of methamphetamine and crystal meth each day from some crude materials such as cough syrups, antifreeze and other such easily available materials.

Though there have been various crackdowns and patrolling on the highways have become stricter in recent times, methamphetamine and crystal meth still continue to flow freely into Wyoming, thus adding considerably to the problem of drug abuse in the state.

Other popular club drugs in the state are MDMA (also known as Ecstasy) and GHB. These drugs are sourced from the state of Colorado. They are locally distributed in the youth-centric areas of the state such as in nightclubs and rave party zones. These drugs are popular because they are cheaply available and they have a capacity to produce an immediate high. Psilocybin mushrooms and LSD are also popular on the scene of club drug abuse in Wyoming among the other substances already mentioned.

Prescription Drug Abuse in Wyoming

Prescription drugs are those drugs that are administered for the treatment of certain diseases or illnesses. However, a lot of these substances are habit forming. They are used by a wide cross section of people in Wyoming for recreation. This contributes to the problem of prescription drug abuse in Wyoming.

There are several drugs that are a part of prescription drug abuse in the state. The most significant of these drugs are Valium, Vicodin and Dilaudid. Valium is a benzodiazepine and th others are painkillers. They have a mild habit forming effect due to which they can be used for recreation.

This causes several supplementary problems in the state, such as making fake prescriptions, shopping for prescriptions, etc. There are several healthcare professionals involved in this activity. In any case, the problem of prescription drug abuse in Wyoming is quite prominently present within the state.

This problem is quite significant in two groups of people in the state. The most significant population is the senior population. These people are usually prescribed these drugs due to geriatric problems. The substances can become habit forming over time and this makes the addiction treatment more difficult too. This is a common issue in senior alcohol and drug abuse treatment in the state. The main reason why the drug abuse is common among the seniors is because of the ready availability (through prescription) to them.

The second group of people who abuses prescription drugs is the adolescents. These youngsters frequently find these substances within their own homes and that is the reason why they also have a ready availability of the substance. Youngsters who check in for drug abuse treatment in Wyoming are often found to have supplementary problems of a prescription drug abuse, most of which are narcotic painkillers that have been prescribed by a physician to an elderly person in their own homes.

These two kinds of drug abuse form a big share of drug addiction in the state. Several methods of treatment are used in various rehab centers to combat prescription and club drug abuse.



HILDA

Todd Lange asked:


Prescription drug addiction in Arizona has become one of the most serious issues in the state today. There are no fixed statistics on this kind of usage because it mostly goes on surreptitiously in the homes of the people. At the same time, there are no fixed trends and no data on the kinds of people that are into this kind of addiction.

However, it is assumed that people of two age groups are more vulnerable to this kind of addiction. One group is that of senior persons. They are assumed to be predominantly into prescription drug addiction in Arizona for the simple and obvious fact that they have access to most of these drugs. Since most of the prescription drugs that are available for various geriatric problems in Arizona are also habit-forming, this possibility cannot be refuted. The other group is of the very young people, i.e. of people who are in the age group of 10 to 14 years. Prescription drug addiction is possible here because they can obtain the drugs lying in the house and discover that they can use it for their recreational purposes. Younger people are found to be more into this form of addiction because of their inherent curious and experimental nature.

There is a mentality among drug abusers in Arizona that makes them think that getting hooked to prescription drugs is not as dangerous as using the mainstream street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. That is one of the reasons why most people are indiscriminately into this kind of drug abuse. However, people who check in for treatment of prescription drug addiction in Arizona in rehab centers are counseled on how prescription drugs are just as dangerous as the narcotic drugs and how their addictions can prove to be just as fatal. Hence, counseling becomes an important part of the treatment of prescription drug addiction in Arizona.

Let us check out some available trends on prescription drug addiction in Arizona.

1. The highest prevalence of prescription drugs that are used in Arizona falls into three groups. The first group is of the drugs that contain the chemical substance oxycodone. Examples of this drug which is very highly abused in Arizona are OxyContin and Percocet. The second group is of the drugs that contain the chemical substance hydrocodone. Examples of this type of drug are Vicodin and Lortab. The third class is of phentermine addiction. Together, oxycodone, hydrocodone and phentermine form the major bulk of the prevalence of prescription drug addiction in Arizona. Other substances that are very commonly abused in the state are the benzodiazepines such as Xanax, and opiate products such as codeine. Even methadone, which is used for heroin addiction treatment in Arizona, is widely abused, especially when provided in an outpatient treatment format. Tramadol (brand name Ultram), Nubain and Soma in conjunction with other drugs are also very commonly abused in the state.

2. Though there are no concrete figures for overall prescription drug addiction in Arizona, from the number of people that check in for rehab treatment in the state, it has been assumed that at least 50% of all addicted people are into some or the other kind of prescription drug abuse in the state.

3. The region where the prevalence of prescription drug abuse is highest in the state is in the capital city of Phoenix. This is where about half of all addicted people are using some kind of prescription drug on the sly.

4. The most common method of obtaining prescription drugs for recreational drug abuse in Arizona is through doctor shopping. This is where a person will visit a number of doctors for the same ailment, which might be faked, and get multiple prescriptions for it. There are also other criminal methods in which these substances are obtained in the state. These include ordering over the Internet, thieving from chemist stores mostly by involving one of the employees of the store, forging prescriptions, etc.

5. It is also seen that prescription drug addiction in Arizona usually occurs in conjunction with some other kind of addiction, usually smoking or alcoholism. People who are alcoholics, for example, will lose their taste for the alcohol quite soon. After a prolonged addiction with alcohol, the person will not be able to feel as much of a high with the substance as they once used to feel. This is when the person begins to look for other forms of addiction. Prescription drugs can look quite appealing for people who are looking for a higher addiction after getting into a smoking or alcoholism habit.



KENNY

Jesse Cannone asked:


Each year, more than 2 million Americans are given powerful prescription painkillers that contain opiods (sometimes called narcotics) for the relief of pain and discomfort brought on by injury, surgery, menstrual cramps, and even headaches. But a growing number of people taking these medications are becoming addicted to them. And it’s not hard to understand why.

Drugs such as Vicodin, Percocet, and Methadone block pain all the way from the nerve endings in the skin to the spinal cord to the brain. Once these drugs reach the brain, they open the floodgates for the chemical dopamine, which triggers feelings of well-being. Dopamine, in effect, rewires the brain to become accustomed to those pleasant feelings. So when you stop taking the pain-killer, your body will still have a strong craving for the dopamine. This is what makes it so hard to quit. Symptoms of withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (which is the origin of the term “cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements. Better to avoid getting hooked in the first place.

Chemical dependency can happen to anyone, and it can easily sneak up on you. Here are 10 things you should look out for if you or someone you know is currently taking prescription painkillers:

1. An increase in usage

As time goes by, the effects of the initial dose will lessen, prompting a desire for stronger or more frequent doses of the prescribed medication. This is a clear indication that whatever amount they have been taking is no longer providing the same level of relief.

2. Personality changes

Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription provides.

3. Withdrawing socially

This is one of the clearest signs of a dependency problem. Spending more time alone and away from friends and family and social gatherings is a cause for concern.

4. Continuing meds too long

Extending the prescription beyond the initial period, especially after the condition has improved, can be the beginning of an endless cycle. The patient may even believe he or she is still in pain and simply needs to stay on the meds for a few more weeks or months. He or she might even express anger toward a doctor who questions the need to renew the prescription.

5. Too much time spent getting meds

There are no lengths to which a chemically dependent person will not go to obtain the drugs they think they need. This can become an all-consuming obsession, including traveling long distances and visiting many doctors. When getting the drugs seems to be the number one priority, the situation is getting out of hand.

6. Habits and appearance changes

A deterioration in physical appearance and grooming—including not bathing or shaving regularly—is a common result of drug addiction. There may be a general look of unhealthiness, such as persistent coughing and red eyes. Sleeping and eating patterns often become irregular.

7. Failure to meet responsibilities

Sudden changes in work or school attendance and a decline in quality of work or grades are common, as well as forgetting to pay bills and missing appointments.

8. Becoming oversensitive

One consequence of using potent drugs is that the body’s response to any sort of stimulation is heightened. For example, a person may have an overly emotional reaction to traffic noise or bright lights—possibly including hallucinations.

9. Forgetfulness and blacking out

A person who is suffering from chemical dependency will forget things that have happened and may even experience memory gaps of several hours.

10. Denial and becoming defensive

Presented with even a hint that they may be addicted, those hooked on drugs will vehemently deny it. The harder you push, the more defensive they are like to get. They might even react to simple questions with an angry outburst.

Additional signs of chemical dependency include an inability to relax or have fun, talking incoherently or making inappropriate remarks, and expressing feelings of exhaustion, depression, and hopelessness.

Remember that painkillers are a blessing that can turn into a curse. And that it is a lot easier to avoid becoming addicted than it is to recover from drug addiction. As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions (and you have others around you to make sure you do), these prescription medications will what they were designed to do—and nothing more.



NEAL

RT asked:


Soma, a prescription drug is prescribed for muscle relaxation. Soma can be fatal in overdose or combined with some medicines. Strict guidelines are required to stop abuse of Soma.

Carisoprodol, the generic name for Soma is prescribed frequently by physicians for muscle relaxation. Carisoprodol and Soma prescribers should be aware of the potential of abuse. Stricter controls may be necessary in the future to properly control the prescribing and distribution of this potentially addictive agent.

To start with, some of the possible Side Effects are:-

Soma may cause dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, depressive reactions, syncope, agitation, irritability, headache and insomnia. Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions occasionally develop. They are usually seen within the period of the first to fourth dose in patients having had no previous contact with the drug. Skin rash, pruritus, erythema multiforme, eosinophilia, and fixed drug eruption with cross reaction to meprobamate have been reported with Soma. Severe reactions have been manifested by asthmatic episodes, dizziness, angioneurotic edema, fever, weakness, smarting eyes, anaphylactoid shock, and hypotension.

Soma, a non-scheduled prescription drug, is a centrally acting synthetic skeletal muscle relaxant structurally and pharmacologically related to meprobamate. This is a potential addictive agent.

Soma is ingested orally. Many abusers take it in combination with other drugs to enhance the effects of those drugs. Alcohol, codeine, diazepam, heroin, hydrocodone (especially Vicodin), meprobamate, and propoxyphene commonly are abused in combination with Soma. Abusers who combine Soma with Vicodin claim that this combination produces effects similar to those of heroin.

The substance undergoes hepatic biotransformation to three primary metabolites: hydroxycarisoprodol, hydroxymeprobamate, and meprobamate. The significant serum levels of meprobamate after chronic use of carisoprodol may lead to meprobarnate dependency:

Meprobamate dependence is a possible complication of chronic carisoprodol use due to hepatic conversion of carisoprodol to meprobamate.

Withdrawal from meprobamate may result in severe reactions including seizures and coma.

There have been reports of abuse of Soma, which is readily available on the internet, in the past and some of the cases were fatal.

A stern warning is issued to all users and would-be users of the drug to be very particular on prescribed dosages.

Soma is one of the most effective pain killers available today, but when mixed with other drugs, it could harm the health.



CLARK