Serotonin Syndrome

Poly-pharmacy or the use of multiple drugs to treat a condition has always been a situation that bears watching. In some conditions drugs are purposely prescribed in combination in order to create a synergistic affect - leading to a more effective outcome in symptom management or resolution.

There are times however, when a combination of drugs can be lethal if not watched carefully. In these situations, it is important for doctors to have a heightened awareness of these potential complications and avoid prescribing such combinations for their patients.

One condition that seems to be on the rise again is serotonin syndrome and it is seen most often in patients being treated for migraine headaches because of the combination of drugs involved. This syndrome is a result of too much serotonin in the body and it presents with a variety of symptoms that resemble neuroleptic malignant syndrome--a serious condition seen in patients taking neuroleptic drugs.

This article is very good as well. It has a bit more clinical information related recognition and management. It contains lists of specific drugs to be aware of. It also includes some case studies and differential diagnosis information I think might be interesting and helpful.

If you find you are taking any medications or have any concerns about your medication regimen, I encourage you to talk to your physician promptly and discuss appropriate alternatives.

Related Topics: Study: SSRI Antidepressants Save Lives, Preventing Migraine Pain

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Heat Waves

Heat can be comforting to folks with pain syndromes. Hot weather, however, can do a number on us if we are not careful. Getting around may be a challenge on a comfortable day but when the heat rises and the heat indices run extremely high, we can become very uncomfortable.

During those days, stamina can decrease markedly and we may have aching and heaviness. The extent of how we feel may also be directly related to the level of humidity. Barometric pressure changes can also dictate how we may feel to an extent.

We have to be careful about the sun, especially if we are on certain types of medication. If we do not drink enough fluids and sweat profusely, dehydration may set in quickly. This can lead to another whole host of problems if not cared for quickly.

It might be best if we can plan ahead for heat spells or for times when the weather is predicted to be very hot and humid. On these days it might be best to plan indoor activities and rest rather than try to be too busy. If you must venture out in the heat, be careful about the sudden extremes that can occur when going from vehicle to store and back again. I remember this being a headache trigger for me.

Here are some tips that work for me to beat the heat:

• Stay hydrated. If you must go outside for extended periods of time, plan to have refreshing fluids around and drink often.
• If you sweat profusely and are allowed some salt in your diet, perhaps a couple of pretzels or chips might not be a bad thing to help replenish the salts sweated away.
• Drinking some of the Gatorade-type beverages out there should also help keep your body chemistry in balance.
• Keep your clothing loose-fitting and absorbent and using powders might help you feel more comfortable after a cool bath or shower.

Hopefully you can find ways to stay comfortable during the heat waves. They don't usually last for long and if we keep reminding ourselves that in a few months we will probably be wishing for these heat waves, we should be fine.

Related Topics: Surviving Summer Scorchers, High Humidity Boosts Heart Attack Risk

Technorati Tags: heat wave, pain management

Arthritis Pain Avoidance

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects almost everyone at some point in their adult life. It is a condition that can rob folks of their golden years. Pain and stiffness interferes with normal activity and once the spiral of inactivity starts the more difficult it is to regain previous capabilities.

What can you do to remain active and comfortable during your adult life? I think the key is to keep moving. Perform some sort of exercise on a regular basis in order to keep your range of motion.

Gentle stretching can be very beneficial. Just be sure to warm muscles before stretching so you don’t tear or sprain them.

Watch your diet and avoid extremes in weight. Being overweight can add its own host of problems that aggravate arthritis. Have you exercised in water? Aqua therapy can be really beneficial for keeping muscles limber. Gentle stretches in a tub or shower may also help - at least a little.

Taking vitamin supplements may be helpful. As we age, we might find a decrease in appetite-taking vitamin supplements will ensure we get the nutrients we need.

These are a couple ways to cope with arthritis. Perhaps you suffer arthritis yourself. I would love to hear about ways you have found to control your pain. Leave a comment or stop by my Pain Management board here on WebMD.

Related Topics: Exercising with Arthritis, WebMD Video: Fixing Your Framework

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See a Doctor!

Quite often people will ask health professionals on the message boards what we think their diagnosis is and of course we say that we can't answer their question.

It is impossible to diagnose someone without seeing them, hearing them, assessing them. And I am a nurse, not a doctor. I can not, nor do I want to be, in the business of diagnosing! I share and educate and I offer support and encouragement.

If you have a new symptom that persists and doesn't respond to simple interventions or if there is a significant change in an existing condition, then I encourage you to see your doctor and have a follow-up evaluation to determine if perhaps there is a new condition developing. Tests may be necessary to gain a definitive diagnosis.

Related Topics: Needless Medical Tests Costly, Risky

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