|
Prescription Medicine
Over-the-counter and prescription medicine is used to allay the symptoms of allergy. Over the counter and prescription medicine includes antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, etc.
Antihistamines comprise a broad class of pharmacological agents that include the first-generation, H1-receptor antagonists, H2 receptor agents which act by inhibiting gastric secretion and the newer H3 receptors.
First-generation H1-receptor blockers also are potent competitive inhibitors of muscarinic receptors and may cause anticholinergic syndrome. Antihistamines generally disrupt cortical neurotransmission and block fast sodium channels. Antihistamines result in accentuated sedation and seizure activity and may cause cardiac conduction delays. The phenothiazine class of antihistamines has alpha-adrenergic blocking activity and may cause hypotension.
Allergy Medicine
Allergy shots gradually increase your tolerance of allergens. Allergy shots work best for those who suffer from allergies more than three months in a year. Antihistamines have been the allergy medicine used for years to treat the symptoms of allergies. Pills, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops - antihistamines come in various forms. When you are exposed to an allergen, the immune systems release histamines that attach it to the receptors in the blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Antihistamines block the histamine receptors and prevent the symptoms. Some over the counter medicine may cause drowsiness.
Decongestants are used to relive nasal congestion. They are usually prescribed along with antihistamines. They come in spray, drops or pill form. Pills may be taken for a longer period of time safely, but sprays and drops can be used for only about 3 days. Decongestants are not recommended for people with blood pressure problems or glaucoma. Some combination medicines contain both antihistamines and decongestants to relieve the symptoms. Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation that is associated with allergies. Corticosteroids are available as pills, nasal sprays, creams or drops. This allergy medicine is highly effective, but they must be taken everyday to be of some benefit. When used short term, the side effects are weight gain, fluid retention and high blood pressure. Long-term use of corticosteroids leads to growth suppression, diabetes, cataract of the eye, etc. Bronchodilators are used to control asthma symptoms and are primarily prescription medicine. Broncholdilators are potent drugs that may cause dangerous side effects such as a high blood pressure and a fast heartbeat. Mast cell stabilizers are used to heal mild to moderate inflammation in the bronchial tubes and are available only as a prescription medicine.
Migraine Medicine
Migraine is a vascular headache associated with changes in the size of the arteries within and outside the brain. Many medications are used to treat migraines: over the counter pain relievers, anti-nausea medicines, abortive medicines, and preventive medicines or prophylactics. Ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol and acetaminophen are over the counter pain relieving medicines. Over the counter pain relieving medicines may cause a dependency problem, or cause rebound headaches.
Sometimes their use can contribute to a headache. Anti-nausea medicines are another migraine medicine used to relieve the nausea that often accompanies migraines. In many cases, the newer triptans type of drug is proving very effective for the control of Migraines after they occur. Triptans are selective serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists. In one clinical trial the efficacy of Naratriptan has been proved to be very effective in arresting migraines.
Abortive medicines when used at the first signs of migraine may stop the process that causes the headache. Prophylactics reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. All migraine medicine should be taken under the supervision of a specialist or a doctor familiar with treating migraines.
Depression Medicine
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) is the most widely prescribed medication for depressive disorders. A study is being funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and conducted by UT Southwestern researchers. Exercise can change the neurotransmitter levels like those of serotonin in the brain. The goal of the study is to determine whether exercise can enhance the SSRI treatment to the degree of reducing symptoms of depression. Preliminary results indicate positive response from the patients.
We thank you for visiting our directory, and wish you well in whatever endeavor brought you here. We are constantly adding new information and resources to our site, both general and state specific in nature, so check back often. |
