Prescription Pill Treatment
Prescription medications are used to treat a variety of health conditions. Patients must take them exactly as prescribed to maximize their benefits.
Medication non-adherence is a common problem. It can occur for a number of reasons, including cost and forgetfulness.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that acts on the body in a similar way to morphine. It’s used to treat severe pain.
Like other narcotic medications, it can cause serious breathing problems or death if used by people who are not tolerant to them. It may also cause sedation or a coma.
Overdose symptoms include drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. They usually go away after a few days of treatment.
Patients may also become weak or unable to stand. Their skin and nails may feel clammy or discolored.
The effect of fentanyl on the body can affect breathing and cause a patient to die from lack of oxygen. You can see this effect in other organ systems as well, so you may notice a patient who is not walking or feels very weak and unable to move.
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a prescription pill that’s used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a narcotic pain reliever that is often used after other pain medicines don’t work well enough or aren’t tolerated.
You may get drowsy or dizzy while taking this medication, especially when you first start it or after a dose increase. You should not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you.
Do not take this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or a slow heart rate. These medications can add to the effects of hydrocodone or acetaminophen, leading to serious or life-threatening side effects.
This drug may be habit-forming, so it is important to take it only as prescribed and at the right dose. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent addiction.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that are used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep problems. They work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain.
They are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause addiction. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them, which could be dangerous and even life-threatening.
People with a history of substance abuse are at higher risk of addiction to benzodiazepines. The drug can also become addictive if it is mixed with alcohol or other drugs, such as opioids.
It is a good idea to try non-drug approaches first, like exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to a friend or therapist, before relying on medication. Then, if they don’t help, a doctor can prescribe benzodiazepines for a short period of time to reduce your symptoms. Ideally, you should slowly cut back your use over 4 weeks or more with your doctor’s support to minimize withdrawal effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is used as a prescription pill to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than others who are the same age) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep). It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain.
Children and teenagers should not take this medicine. It may cause problems with growth or weight gain. Your child's doctor will watch his or her height and weight regularly to make sure they are going in the right direction.
This medication is not safe for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or Tourette's syndrome (a condition that causes repeated uncontrollable movements, such as facial or motor tics). It may also worsen pre-existing anxiety or agitation.
This drug can also cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior). It can also affect blood circulation, which can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your fingers or toes. It can also make you feel cold, light-headed, or short of breath.
Prescription medications are used to treat a variety of health conditions. Patients must take them exactly as prescribed to maximize their benefits. Medication non-adherence is a common problem. It can occur for a number of reasons, including cost and forgetfulness. Fentanyl Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that acts on the body in a similar…