10 Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Guess what? Did you know that the American people are prescribed more drugs more than ever before? Yes, it is true! Prescription pain medicines may be dominating our headlines, whether on television or on social media, but what are exactly the ten most prescribed drugs in the United States?

The following are the ten most commonly prescribed drugs that are present in the United States:

-Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl)

-Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

-Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

-Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza)

-Simvastatin (Zocor)

-Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (OxyCotin, Percocet, Vicodin)

-Metoprolol (Lopressor, Metoprolol Tartrate)

-Amlodipine (Norvasc)

-Omeprazole (Prilosec)

-Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Provertil HFA)

Now that we know the name of the ten most commonly prescribed medications in this country, what are the functions of these medications?

-Levothyroxine: This medication treats thyroid disorders as well as giving more thyroid hormone when thyroid levels are very low.

-Lisinopril: Lisinopril is ideal for high blood pressure and ACE inhibitor that makes the blood vessels become wide; this will allow the blood to flow more freely.

-Atorvastatin: This drug is used for treating high cholesterol and it lowers bad cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol levels.

-Metformin: Metformin is oral medication for controlling diabetes; it controls blood sugar levels in people that are living with Type 2 diabetes.

-Simvastatin: Like atorvastatin, simvastatin is used to treat high blood cholesterol and it also boost good cholesterol levels and lowers the bad cholesterol.

-Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen: It is used as a pain reliever and it plays a vital role in disrupting the pain signals in the brain.

-Metoprolol: Metoprolol is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and in addition, it reduces heartbeat and force, which allows for the relaxation of blood vessels.

-Amlodipine: This treats high blood pressure and it keeps calcium from entering the blood vessels and heart cells; makes the blood vessels become wide.

-Omeprazole: This medication is for acid reflux treatment. It reduces the acid levels that are present in the stomach.

-Albuterol: Albuterol is a bronchodilator for asthma or COPD. It also relaxes that muscles in airways for the purpose of increasing the airflow in the lungs.

So, why are these ten prescribed drugs so common here in the United States? These are reasons that we hear about in the headlines: poor diet, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of physical activity, and of course, smoking.

The bottom line: we all should try to adopt a healthier lifestyle and maybe there will reduce the chance of us depending on prescription medications for our bodies to stay in shape.

What are your experiences with prescription drugs? Please feel free to make comments or provide feedback in the Comments box.

The 9 Dangerous Medication Combinations

For many of us, medication is a big factor in our lives in terms of treatments of many diseases and conditions that millions of people would otherwise succumb. However, sometimes we may tend to combine these medications--without having any knowledge about the interactions of these drugs and without consulting a physician. As a result, we may be paying a very fatal price.

The following are the nine dangerous medication combinations:

1) Tylenol and antibiotics: Mixing Tylenol with any type of antibiotics is more likely to cause an interaction in terms of liver function, as in its processes.

2) Aspirin and diabetic medications: When taking aspirin along with diabetic medications is more likely to boost the blood-sugar lowering effects.

3) Sleeping aids and Benadryl: This is a very lethal medication combination. Taking these two medication combinations can result in very serious problems with the central nervous system, or CNS.

4) Antidepressants and St. John's Wort: These can result in serotonin syndrome, which features delirium and diarrhea, just to name a few.

5) Anticoagulants and Vitamin K: Vitamin K produces blood-clotting substances that can have a negative impact on your anticoagulant medications.

6) Antibiotics and birth control contraceptives: We are talking about antibiotics again, but this time, it involves birth control contraceptives. Taking antibiotics may limit the birth control contraceptive's effectiveness. In the event that an antibiotic medication has to be taken, use an alternative method of contraceptives for pregnancy.

7) Grapefruit and cholesterol medications: Grapefruit and any type of cholesterol medications taken together may result in kidney damage and cause the muscle fibers to become weak.

8) Coffee and asthma medication: Drinking coffee and taking medication for asthma can increase the heart rate as well as blood pressure.

9) Blood pressure meds and licorice: This combination of medication can cause hypersensitivity with a hormone involving the adrenal cortex.

There are some ways of avoiding drug interactions: 

-Never take any medications involving alcohol
-Never combine medication without consulting a physician
-Always talk with a pharmacist about medication interactions
-Take medication with water only
-Please read the warning labels

Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia

Since we are on the topic of talking about diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2, we might as well continue to talk about it--this time it is hypoglycemia vs. hyperglycemia.

What does these two have in common with diabetes? It has something to do with our blood sugar levels, either too low or too high.

What is hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose, or blood sugar level. Our body needs glucose in order for us to have enough energy to function. During the time that we eat, our blood absorbs glucose. If we have eaten just a little bit too much, or more that what our body need, then your liver and muscles will store the extra glucose. When our blood sugar level decreases, a hormone will send a message to your liver to release glucose.

The following are some symptoms of hypoglycemia:

-Fast heartbeat

-Sweating

-Hunger

-Weakness/Fatigue

-Sweating

-50 to 54 mg/dL

People who are suffering from diabetes, this is often a side effect as a result of diabetic medications. We can increase our blood sugar level by eating or drinking something that have carbohydrates.

This is not limited to people suffering from diabetes. Non-diabetics can also have hypoglycemia; some of the causes could come from medications, hormones, enzyme deficiencies, just to name a few.

Unlike hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia is the result of having a blood glucose level that is abnormally high. The blood sugar level with hyperglycemia is above 200 mg/dL. This is usually a likely sign of diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2 and/or prediabetes.

Other causes of hyperglycemia may include pancreatic cancer, certain medications, pancreatitis, and Cushing's Syndrome, just to name a few.

These are some symptoms of hyperglycemia:

-Frequent urination

-Dry skin

-Blurred vision

-Extreme thirst

-Hunger

-Drowsiness

Severely high blood sugar levels may cause a medical emergency as in diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, or hyperglycemic hypersmolar non-ketotic syndrome, or HHNS (also known as hyperglycemic hypersmolar state).

With Type 1 diabetes, insulin is the go-to treatment and for life-threatening increases in blood sugar levels. As with Type 2 diabetes, a combination of oral and injectable medications is usually the best solution in controlling diabetes.

Now that we know the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, we can more likely manage our blood sugar levels at a reasonable level. If your blood sugar level becomes unmanageable, please consult a physician or doctor.

Have you had experiences with either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia? Please feel free to post your comments or give feedback in the Comments box.


Next post: What are the Dangerous Medication Combinations?

How to Take Charge of Your Diabetes

Did you know that approximately 700 people every day are diagnosed with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2? This number is very alarming, but this is the state of our healthcare system.

When most people think of diabetes, they are often thinking about Type 2 diabetes, which is more common. In addition, Type 1 diabetes also exist, but it does not get talked about as much. Many people think that all diabetes is the same, but it is not. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

First of all, Type 1 diabetes develop when the insulin that is making cells in the pancreas; the glucose stays in the bloodstream. It is often diagnosed during childhood when children are experiencing high blood sugar signs and symptoms; it is insulin-dependent. This causes the sugar levels in the blood to increase when it cannot be corrected naturally. Increased blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia can affect the body in a negative way. If levels become super high and/or remain high for a substantial period of time, ketoacidosis is likely to occur; this can be fatal.

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is insulin-resistant, which causes the body not to produce enough insulin or when the body is resisting the insulin that it is producing. High blood sugar levels and obesity plays a huge role in Type 2 diabetes. It affects more than 3 million people. Sometimes, a person with Type 2 diabetes may be asymptomatic. Usually, as Type 2 diabetes progresses, it can become worse in the case that the pancreas produces less insulin.

Have you heard of prediabetes?

Yes, there is a such thing. Prediabetes occur when you are a likely high-risk candidate of developing Type 2 diabetes based on high blood glucose (sugar) levels, family history, just to name a few.

The question is how can you take charge of your diabetes?

For Type 1 diabetes, it is important to take insulin on a daily basis, either with injection or an insulin pump. Also, check your blood sugar levels throughout the day, eat a healthy and well-balanced meal, and participate in regular activity.

With Type 2 diabetes, you should work on and keep a healthy weight, exercise on a regular basis, and also eat a healthy meal; the impact of Type 2 diabetes can be greatly reduced or slowed down by doing these things that I just mentioned.

Just because you may have or been diagnosed with diabetes, it is not the end of the world! You can still live a normal life, with a few lifestyle changes.

Do you have a personal story about living with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2? Please feel free to comment or give feedback in the Comments box.


Next post: Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia

Which is More Suitable for Pain--Ice or Heat?

We all have those moments that we are experiencing excruciating pain with certain parts of our bodies and we are looking for a quick fix--sometimes to no avail, as in getting some pain medication. If we cannot get any medications for our pain, then what are we suppose to do to alleviate it?

The answer may be in front of you! Have you thought about alleviating your pain with ice or heat, depending on your pain problem? Many of us haven't thought much about it!

The following are few of the common ailments that many of us suffer from and how to relieve your pain with either ice or heat:

Arthritis: This is worn-out cartilage that exists in your joints, as in your knees, shoulders, elbows, fingers, etc. Heat is the best solution to this problem; moist heat will relieve your stiff joints and it also gives your muscles some relaxation.

Headache: Of course, a headache is caused by pain from your nerves or blood vessels from the head or the neck muscles. Solution: Ice and heat--it gives that headache much needed relief; moisture from the heat will relax the neck spasms.

Sprains: This comes from ligament and/or stretching in joints, as in the ankle, foot, elbow, knee, etc. What is the solution for sprains? Ice and heat. In the case of ice, it reduces and eases inflammation and numbs the pain. With heat, it brings relief to the stiffness after the inflammation goes away.

Why should we use ice for injuries that are less than a month old? This is due to the fact that ice tightens blood vessels. As a result, it numbs the pain, reduces bruising, and alleviates inflammation.

Why use heat for injuries that are more than a month old? Heat boosts blood flow, which allows tight muscles to become relaxed and it relieves aching joints.

The bottom line: there is hope when we have injuries and suffering from aching and debilitating pain when there is no medication in sight--ice and heat should solve some of the pain problems. Of course, if your pain is more serious, you should consult with a physician.

Warning: It is suggested that heat should not be used in injuries that are acute; this will increase the inflammation and it may take longer for your injury to heal.


Did you have an injury recently? What did you use to get rid of the pain--ice or heat, or both? Please feel free to comment or give feedback in the Comments box.


Next posting: How to Take Charge of Your Diabetes

What Does the Color of Your Urine Indicates?

Every time that we have to go to the bathroom, we are releasing that liquid coming from our bladder--urine--well, that's very obvious, right? Yes, it is very obvious. But how many of us really look back in the Porcelain Bowl to examine the color of our urine? Probably not too many of us--in fact, most of us do not even give it a second thought. Well, it is time to take your urine more serious.

Urine comes in different color variations. The colors can be anywhere from a deep amber or a copper color to a very light yellow color, with different hues of yellow in between.

Did you know that your urine color can tell a story about your body? Of course, it can. The following are the urine colors that tell the state in which direction your body is headed:

If blood is present in your urine, then this is an indication that there a serious condition going on with your body; sometimes the blood is hidden and you cannot see with your naked eye. In addition, your urine can be tested for diabetes, as in the blood sugar levels. 

The bottom line is that your urine can tell a story about your body as a whole. But with the help of urinalysis; this is what you should be getting on a regular basis during a routine physical examination from your physician. Learn more about the color of your urine and get it tested!


Have any comments about "What Does the Color of Your Urine Indicates?" Please feel free to comment or give feedback in the Comments Box.


Next posting: Which is More Suitable for Pain--Ice or Heat?