St John's Wort scientifically proven at last!

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been a natural alternative for depression for a long time. However, being a herb there has been much sceptism on it's effectiveness.

However, a recent Cochrane Review, found that there was a 95% decrease in the melancholic symptoms associated with depression (ie lack of energy, enthusiasm and eagerness for activity). They found this was the case when comparing St John's Wort with a sugar pill (placebo) and also St John's Wort with standard prescription medications).

A bit more on this review at http://www.slideshare.net/Cochrane.Collaboration/linde-johanniskraut-webseite-080402-378667

Great to see some solid scientific evidence for the herbal treatments come through at last!

On another note, a lot of people taking St John's Wort think that because it is a herbal medication, it is completely safe. However, St John's Wort can interact with other medications so make sure you always check your medications with a pharmacist before commencing it. Feel free to post me if you want to check your own medications.

Iron can turn things black

Many women are deficient in iron. The general name for iron deficiency is called anaemia. A primary reason for this is due to blood loss during menses. For other women, a diet low in iron is to blame. Inadequate iron consumption a common cause, and is often due to a women attempting to keep her body weight low.
Iron is important for a number of roles in the body. One of the main roles of iron is to ensure the blood is healthy and that it is capable of fulfiling it's primary purpose - that is, to get oxygen to all parts of the body. Without iron, a person can suffer a large number of symptoms; including tiredness, lack of energy, fainting, and shortness of breath. Often the person is very obviously pale, although this is not always the case in less severe deficiencies.
Luckily, many cases of anaemia can be corrected by simply taking an iron tablet. These are available from pharmacies. The most common side effects are problems with the tummy, that is, either constipation or diarrhoea.
The other less known side effect of iron supplementation is black stools. Many people may become alarmed by this side effect and stop taking iron. However, this side effect is completely harmless, normal, and completely reversible when the tablets are ceased.

Is Ritalin "Kiddy Cocaine?"

Is Ritalin “Kiddy Cocaine” ?
Ritalin is a stimulant that is used for children and adults with ADHD. The real name is methylphenidate. The brand name being Ritalin. Ritalin is similar to an amphetamine but not an actual amphetamine. It is a stimulant medication.
Children who have a difficult time sitting still, talk excessively in class, have somewhat disruptive behavior, and can’t focus, as well as a number of other possible symptoms, when the problem is to the point of being excessive and disruptive, as well as persistent, that is, it is an ongoing problem for several months or more, can be classified as ADHD, which means Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADD, was the term that was most common some years ago, Attention Deficit Disorder.
There are different forms of Attention Deficit Disorder, but there are basically three main categories, with hyperactivity, without hyperactivity, and combined type.
Is Ritalin “Kiddy Cocaine,” as some have dubbed it ? Well, yes and no. Ritalin and other stimulants have chemical properties similar to cocaine. They react with the same basic chemical structures in the brain, and stimulate the mind through elevating the level of dopamine, which is the same neurotransmitter involved in the rush of cocaine. Indians in Peru have long used coca as a stimulant to help them in day to day tasks requiring endurance and energy. It is used as a performance enhancer. Children, in general can focus better with stimulants, in a similar way.
However, Dr. Russell Barkley, who is a leading authority in the field of ADHD explains, that while cocaine and stimulants share the same chemical properties, cocaine is snorted and finds its way rapidly into the bloodstream and brain, producing, not only stimulating effects, but also, a head rush that becomes very addictive.
Stimulant medications, are released gradually when taken orally, so while the dopamine level is raised in the brain, it is done so more gently, and therefore, there is usually no head rush or high that results from taken Ritalin or other stimulants for attentional disorders. If you were to say that stimulants were “time-released” cocaine, that might be closer to the mark. Also, if one was to snort stimulant medications of mainline them, one might achieve a similar feeling as cocaine as well.
At one time in U.S. history, cocaine was obtained legally at pharmacies. This practice ended in December, 1914 with the Harrison anti-narcotics Act.
So, like many medications, when used medicinally or therapeutically there are both similarities and differences between stimulant medications such as Ritalin and amphetamines, and the illegal drugs that they mirror.

Tablets for asthma

Singulair is a popular brand name for the generic family of drugs known as Montelukast. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of chronic asthma. Other uses of Singulair include using it to minimize breathing problems caused by exercising or sensitivity to aspirin. It is important to bear in mind that while the drug should continue to be taken during an asthma attack, it will not stop the attack. As with most prescribed drugs, Singulair has a few side effects that one should know about before starting on a course. Singulair is a prescription drug and it is in one’s best interest to follow the doctor’s instructions and the prescribed dosage as closely as possible. Singulair is taken once daily, one hour before or two hours after a meal on a regular basis. It is meant to lessen the number and severity of attacks. Singulair is generally regarded as a safe drug. It is widely prescribed by doctors worldwide to people with asthma and related breathing troubles. Of all the observed Singulair side effects, headache, nausea and diarrhea are the most frequent ones. If these continue to persist, or get bothersome, one is advised to consult one’s doctor promptly. In some rare cases, serious liver diseases may occur. If you notice any side effects such as persistent nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine, fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, seek immediate medical attention. These side effects are extremely rare but very serious. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, use of this drug may need to be stopped. If treatment is stopped due to those effects, one should never take this drug again. Women carry a larger risk of getting liver problems from Singulair. Other rare but potentially dangerous Singulair side effects that need prompt medical attention are sore throat, bleeding, bruising, muscle aches and unusual weight loss. Allergic reaction to Singulair is highly unlikely. However, should one develop an allergic reaction to the drug, medical attention should be sought without delay. Symptoms of an allergic reaction typically include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and trouble in breathing.

Pain relief in pregnancy

I often get asked whether pregnant women can take paracetamol. My answer to this is YES! Paracetamol is very safe in pregnancy. It is a Category A drug - this means it has been taken by millions and millions of women and there has not been any unwanted or suspect reactions to it. The brand doesn't matter - ie Herron, Panadol, No Frills - they are all safe as long as they are paracetamol.

Note- aspirin, nurofen, voltaren and naprosyn are NOT safe in pregnacy. Steer well clear.

If you find your pain is a little bit stronger and panadol is not quite cutting it, try a codeine based product. eg. panadeine. Codeine is also very safe in pregnancy. It is also Category A. It is also good where you get a troublesome cough and need something to help. Funny enough, if you get a case of the runs, codeine will help settle this too!

Of course, no medications at all is the safest bet in pregnancy. However, this is not always possible. Furthermore, sometimes the stress of illness and pain can be more detrimental than the risks associated with taking any sort of product into the body.

Our next topic will be stomach upsets in pregnancy. Stay tuned!

Champix (varenicline)

Champix (varenicline) is a new drug is for smoking cessation. You need to ask your doctor for Champix (varenicline) as it is a prescription only medication. However, you can always ask your pharmacist for advice on champix and smoking cessation. Often the pharmacist has a little bit more time available to help sort out your questions and concerns.
So far varenicline appears to be well tolerated by patients. I have heard a few complaints about difficulties sleeping and some mild depression, however these have been relatively mild and transient. These symptoms are very common with those smokers who also go cold-turkey and it is thought that these may be symptoms of nicotine withdrawals rather than side effects of varenicline. A few people have also complained of a little bit of nausea and some of them have commented that taking the medication with a meal helps reduce this.
I have been impressed by the number of people who have positive results with this method of smoking cessation by remaining smoke free.
There are other things you can do to improve your chances of quitting for good on champix. Your doctor and pharmacist can discuss these with you. Alternatively, feel free to post your questions here.

Difference between Estalis Continuous and Sequi

I have been asked this countless times. So here is an easy to understand answer!

Both are used for HRT in menopausal women. Both have an oestrogen bit (oestradiol) and progesterone bit (norithesterone).

But in Sequi, the first weeks of patches is ONLY oestradiol. 4 patches release ONLY the oestrogen and the patch is changed every 4th day. The second half of the month you use the next 4 patches and change every 4th day but these patches have BOTH oestrogen plus progesterone.
Women often experience bleeding at the end of a cycle of Sequi because of the withdrawal of the progesterone component. So why do we sometimes use it? But some women are sensitive to the progesterone so providing a progesterone free period helps reduce uncomfortable side effects such as nausea and swelling.

Continuous patches are oestrogen/progesterone combined for the whole month of patches. Generally a woman needs to become tolerant to the progesterone to be able to use this patch.

Got more questions? Post me!

Antidepressants

Antidepressants work on the natural chemicals in your brain. If you don't have enough of the "happy chemicals", you can feel sad and more prone to depressive disorders. Antidepressants drugs can help boost the levels of happy chemicals and help you to overcome depression. Because new chemicals need to be made, the time taken for antidepressants to make you feel better is up to 4-6 weeks. So BE PATIENT and don't give up. Give the medication time to work and before you realise it, you will be feeling 100%.

Here is some interesting sites on antidepressants:
http://www.beyondblue.org.au
http://www.appgonline.com.au/drug.asp?drug_id=00099006&t=cmi

Stop smoking fast and easy!

Champix is now on the PBS for smoking cessation.

Varenicline is the drug name and it has been shown to reduce cravings for nicotine and also to reduce the pleasure you experience when you have a cigarette.

It has been shown so far to be really effective, and many people tha have failed miserably on Zyban have managed to finally kick the habit on Champix.

The australian government recognises it as a good way of reducing deaths and illness from smoking and so subsidises everyone to have one supply a year. Great news for most of Australians - only $31.30 and only $5 for concession card holders!

ASK THE PHARMACIST

WOW!

Ask the Pharmacist is now online!

Send me all your drug questions!