Posts Tagged ‘side effects’
Question by Aedah: Bulletin board ideas for Students against substance abuse?
We have this program “SASA” at our school, what would be some good ideas..so far I’ve got putting up a different drug every month with it’s side effects, and how many people die from it. Anything else?
and any other creative ideas to help middle school and elementary kids keep focused with this sasa project?
Best answer:
Answer by cjvw622
I’d be careful about posting too much drug info. I was at one school where the kids wrote down the drugs and the effects so they could try them! Try to get the kids involved in contributing ideas. Most will pretty much ignore anything an adult tells them. Also, check out different substance abuse websites. There is lots of free stuff available for display.
Question by Liza Shevchuk: Natural Remedies For Brain Damage After Drug Abuse?
My older brother has done many drugs from about 16-21. Its been a year since his last use, and he’s been having some serious problems. He has high anxiety and he’s been having frequent episodes of “weird” (as he calls it) feelings. He doesn’t label it as feeling sick. During these episodes he feels jittery, emotional (even cry’s sometimes) out of control, his heart rate goes up. This also causes him to have insomnia. Maybe they’re panic attacks, but the thing is, what triggers it? This occurs randomly on a normal day. We believe its typical withdrawal symptoms, because he abused quite a few drugs. (Marijuana, cigarettes, ecstasy, crystal meth, shrooms, hookah, cocaine, inhalants, “uppers” (as he calls them))
He has gone to see his doctor several times to get treatment, and his doctor said he has migraines.
-____-
He prescribed him anti depressants and that didn’t help my brother AT ALL.
He does this herbal drop treatment (echinacea, other oils, etc) That help him sleep.
Now we’re trying to find him herbal remedies that would help repair his brain damage from all of the abuse he has done to it.
Thank you very much.
Best answer:
Answer by jannsody
I’m not sure that there will be repairing of the brain damage (presuming that he has that as I’m not a medical doctor :), but researchers believe that the brain is very “plastic” and may form new nerve pathways to *help* compensate for the injured areas.
With regard to inhalant use, my friend actually has a severe Brain Injury from huffing at the age of 12, now in her 30s. The chemicals in products used for huffing are actual *poisons* that were never meant to go through the bloodstream.
Please be *very* careful with herbal supplements or “remedies” (e.g., echinacea, ginkgo biloba, chamomile) as they can result in side effects and/or drug (medication) interactions. It’s best to check with a licensed pharmacist before taking any of them. Not everything that is “natural” is safe 😉
Regarding the panic attacks, some people have generalized anxiety (to know specific event) or other types of anxiety. The antidepressants may help to lessen the intensity and/or frequency of the anxiety symptoms. Such medications tend to take about 6-8 weeks before possibly noticing results. A caveat (warning) is that some antidepressants may cause insomnia (trouble getting to and/or staying asleep). However, there are medications that one may take to help counteract the insomnia.
Even though benzo’s (e.g., ativan, valium, xanax, klonopin) may be prescribed to help with sleep, they’re not always recommended as a medication due to their physical addictiveness. (Some withdrawal symptoms from benzo’s may include seizures, psychosis/mental break from reality, or even death.) Some psychiatrists (it’s best to get medication for mental health issues from a board-certified psychiatrist as opposed to “just” a family doctor) prescribe seroquel (or other medications), which is classified as an antipsychotic but in smaller dosages may help with sleep.
You’d mentioned that he’s gone to the doctor several times, and I’m wondering if he’s gone to a neurologist which is medical dr who can help rule out disorders of the nervous system – brain, spinal cord, nerves. I’m just thinking that to help “cover all the bases” (not trying to give false hope though, know what I mean).
I’m not sure that he’d still be going through withdrawal symptoms a year after stopping the drugs, but it’s a good idea to ask a doctor about that as well.
Pertaining to the anxiety, please show him this government site which may have some local counseling agencies: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ and can click the second link. Then one can click “near you” on the left-hand side of the page under “find facilities” and can type one’s city and state of residence into search. Their toll-free 24/7 referral helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Just an fyi that the first link is for those looking for substance abuse counseling/treatment, and that may be an option if he’s still “using” or having cravings for substances.
A 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), may have some local support groups. The only requirement is having a desire to get sober. One may attend an “open” AA meeting if there is no drinking problem: http://www.aa.org
This site has some common mottos pertaining to those 12-step programs, including “One day at a time”, “First things first” and “People, places and things”: http://www.royy.com/toolsofrecovery.html
Al-Anon is a 12-step program for the *friends and family* of the problem drinker, but one may attend an “open” Al-Anon meeting if the loved one doesn’t have a drinking problem: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
Drug settlement funds to benefit recovery centers
In addition to the $ 500,000 to build the new Recovery Kentucky facility in Ashland, Independence House in Corbin and Chrysalis House in Lexington will share $ 1 million to offer substance abuse treatment to pregnant women. The plan also provides $ 2.52 …
Read more on The Independent
Question by Chris the 4th: How do I find out if I have Cognitive dysfunction or brain fog?
I use to be sharp and smart. I graduated early when i was 16 by getting much more credits. Anyway the last few years I seem to have lost my sharpness. But it comes and goes. Sometimes I am but most of the time seems like I am not. I am forgetful and sometimes something will be right in front of me but i cant find it. I also take 6 percoset a day so this may have something to do with it. Also I feel tired a lot.
Best answer:
Answer by **Ghosty**
Hi. The following is an extract from the Internet (no wonder you feel tired and light-headed!):
‘Percocet, or oxycodone with acetaminophen, is a narcotic used to treat pain. The acetaminophen actually boosts the potency of the oxycodone and makes the drug all the more dangerous. It is habit-forming, so its use should be monitored closely by doctors. Percocet should not be used in instances where people are expected to be alert, mainly while driving and working. Percocet does have side effects, but it is usually tolerated quite well by users with minimal or no side effects as users become more used to the drug.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions with Percocet include unexplained rashes, hives, swelling of the face, throat or mouth, and difficulty breathing, including wheezing. Itching must be accompanied by at least one or more other signs to be a true allergic reaction. According to an eMEDTV July 7, 2008 article, “Percocet Side Effects,” authors Kristi Monson, Pharm.D. and Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., write that initial feelings of nausea, vomiting or itching may lead people to believe that they are allergic to Percocet. However, that is not the case, as the nausea and vomiting usually dissipates with continued use of Percocet. The itching, as long as it is unaccompanied by other allergic reactions, is just a side effect of opiates, which release histamine.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Percocet does not require medical attention unless the user finds that these side effects are interfering with his daily routine or functioning. Common side effects include vertigo or feeling lightheaded, drowsiness and fatigue, constipation, unexplained euphoria or dysphoria, itching and nausea with possible vomiting.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects do not occur often, but when they do, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. Upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine are all signs of liver damage. The urge to take more Percocet than prescribed is a sign of addiction. Other side effects include confusion, anxiety or panic, constipation, shallow breathing, difficulty passing urine or decreased urination, fainting and drowsiness.
Other Side Effects
Some side effects reported by individuals while taking Percocet do not necessarily pose a threat to the majority of the population that take prescription Percocet on a daily basis. The FDA maintains a hotline to call if someone wishes to report a side effect they have experienced with prescriptions that is unique and does not apply to usual side effects. These side effects include low or high blood pressure, fatigue and drowsiness, thirst, migraines, irregular heartbeats, sweating, convulsions, dehydration, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, hearing loss, dry mouth, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), low or high blood sugar, red eyes, and flushing of the skin (“blushing”).
Conclusion
Percocet is a useful pill for pain management. However, it should be used with care since it traps users in an addiction and tolerance if used incorrectly. Users should contact their doctors if they become worried about the side effects of Percocet that they are experiencing. Overdoses of Percocet can destroy the liver quickly, and addicts should be aware of all of the side effects of the drug.’
I think you need to speak to your Doctor, see if this is the appropriate meds for you and your situation now.
Good luck.
Answer by Mad Mac
I doubt you have cognitive dysfunction or any other mental impairment because, as you say, it comes and goes. In any case if you continue feeling you have this see a doctor who can test you.