Methylphenidate

More commonly known as Ritalin, Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant approved to combat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy and other syndromes, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia. Methylphenidate may also be prescribed—by licensed medical doctors—for the treatment of depression, lethargy, obesity and neural insult.

Methylphenidate increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the human brain by inhibiting reuptake of the monoamine transporters. Methylphenidate’s side effects are more similar to those of cocaine–though Methylphenidate’s duration is diminished and the intensity of such side effects are exponentially weaker when compared to cocaine.

Medical Uses of Methylphenidate:

Methylphenidate is commonly prescribed to combat ADHD, narcolepsy and in some cases, depression. The psychostimulant works by increasing the activity of the central nervous system; Methylphenidate augments alertness, combats fatigue and improves the user’s attention. That being said, a cost/benefit analysis concerning the long-term effectiveness of Methylphenidate is relatively unknown. Methylphenidate is currently not approved for children under the age of six.

Methylphenidate is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to combat the ill-effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. To secure a prescription for Methylphenidate a patient must be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis must be confirmed and the risks associated with the use of stimulants should be thoroughly discussed before the user begins taking Methylphenidate.

Adverse Effects Regarding Methylphenidate:

Adverse effects will typically emerge if the patient or individual is habitually using Methylphenidate. The most common side effects of Methylphenidate use include:

• Insomnia

• Drowsiness

• Nervousness

• Abdominal pains

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Lethargy

• Fluctuations in the user’s libido

• Dizziness

• Fluctuations in the user’s blood pressure

• Loss of appetite

• Anxiety

Risks Associated with Methylphenidate:

Although the long-term health risks (specifically the effect on the user’s brain) are unclear, constant use of Methylphenidate presents a high potential for abuse and addiction. The potential for abuse and addiction is tied into the drug’s pharmacological similarity to amphetamines and cocaine. Like other stimulants, Methylphenidate increases a user’s dopamine levels in the brain. The potential for abuse increases when Methylphenidate is crushed and snorted, or when it is injected. These forms of ingestion produce effects almost identical to cocaine.

Cocaine-like effects will also be present if the user consumes large doses of Methylphenidate orally. The primary source for Methylphenidate abuse stems from a diversion of legitimate medical practice; when the drug is abused for recreational purposes the user becomes susceptible to the aforementioned adverse effects.

Methylphenidate abuse is higher amongst college students and young adults. College students commonly use Methylphenidate as a study aid or to stay awake longer. When Methylphenidate is paired with alcohol additional negative effects on health will be realized. Methylphenidate’s pharmacological effect on a user’s central nervous system is almost identical to that of cocaine.

Because of these risks—and because the drug is an amphetamine—the United States Food and Drug Administration classifies Methylphenidate as a Schedule II controlled substance; these drugs have an affirmed medical use, but also present risks when abused.

What are SSRI Antidepressants?

SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) Antidepressants are a class of compounds primarily used as antidepressants in the treatment of anxiety disorders, personality disorders and depression-related ailments. The efficacy of these drugs is widely disputed; the magnitude of benefit is contested when compared with placebo extermination. This new-found analysis discarded the majority of FDA-approved antidepressant research, including those that utilized placebo washout periods typically positioned as control groups.

Although the effectiveness of the family is often disputed, SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. SSRI Antidepressants ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression disorders.

SSRI Antidepressants are thought to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin through its ability to inhibit its reuptake into the presynaptic cell—a process that would effectively increase the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft accessible to unite to the postsynaptic receptor.

How Do SSRI Antidepressants Work?

SSRI Antidepressants work (theoretically) in the treatment of depression disorders by altering neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) used to communicate between brain cells. The majority of antidepressants are effective in changing the levels of these naturally-occurring brain chemicals.

SSRI Antidepressants block the reuptake (reabsorption) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the human brain. Altering the serotonin levels is thought to help brain cells with their ability to send and receive chemical message, which in turn bolsters the user’s mood. This classification of drugs is labeled “selective” because they will primarily alter serotonin levels and no other neurotransmitters.

Forms of SSRI Antidepressants Approved by the FDA to Treat Depression:

SSRI Antidepressants that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to clinically treat depression include:

• Escitalopram (better known as Lexapro)

• Citalopram (better known as Celexa)

• Fluoxetine (better known as Prozac)

• Sertraline (better known as Zoloft)

The above SSRI Antidepressants—as well as other forms of the drug—are available in a controlled-release or extended-release method. These SSRI Antidepressants will either provide the medication throughout the day or for a week at a time with just one dose.

Side Effects Associated with SSRI Antidepressants:

All SSRI Antidepressants work in uniformity, which of course, gives way to the presence of similar side effects. That being said, each SSRI Antidepressant is composed of a different chemical structure, so one may affect a patient a little differently from another. The common side effects of SSRI Antidepressants include the following:

• Dry Mouth

• Nausea

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Nervousness

• Rash

• Erectile dysfunction

• Insomnia

• Weight gain

• Drowsiness

Viagra: What You Should Know

What is the Viagra?

Viagra, generically known as Sildenafil, is a pharmaceutical drug developed and manufactured by Pfizer Inc. used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that regulates blood flow to the penis. The drug has been shown to decrease sexual dysfunction in not only men but also women. In studies it has been shown that this works for individuals suffering from depression and diabetes. In its use as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension the drug relaxes the arterial wall and increases the function of the right ventricle as well as decreases incidences of right-sided heart failure. Because the company did not want to have consumers confuse the uses of the drug it has been marketed as Viagra for erectile and other sexual dysfunction and Revatio for Pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Side effects

Side effects associated with Viagra include headache dyspepsia, nasal congestion and impaired vision. Although rare, some serious side effects have been connected to Viagra. These include priaprism, hypertension, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, increased intraocular pressure, sudden hearing loss and optic neuropathy.

Government Regulation

The FDA has weighed in on Viagra a number of times. In 2005 the FDA linked Viagra with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In 2007 the FDA required a prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss. In March 2012 the patent on Viagra would have expired in the United States. Recently Pfizer won a case over patent litigation that effectively allowed their drug to have patent protection until 2019.

Lawsuits

There have been a total of 38 cases involving blindness associated with the use of Viagra. If you or someone you know has taken Viagra for erectile dysfunction or any other condition and you have any of the side effects associated with the drug, especially blindness or heart condition then it may be actionable. seek advice from an injury lawyer.

Identifying and Treating Drug Abuse

What is Drug Abuse?

Drug Abuse is a medical classification implemented with regard to the classification of the rate of drug usage undertaken by an individual in conjunction with the nature of the substance habitually used by an individual – or individuals – suspected of drug abuse.

This process of drug abuse determination undertaken by medical professionals and drug counselors utilizes a wide range of factors, analysis, and observation of habitual behaviors concerning both the usage, as well as the reliance on illegal drugs. Due to the fact that drug abuse is considered as rooted within the psychological profile of an individual, as well as their physiology, the classification of the risks, levels, and severity of drug abuse is rarely uniform:

The Identification of Drug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has furnished 4 primary parameters that may be implemented with regard to the analysis of the degree – or determination of drug abuse undertaken by an individual; although these parameters are not uniform in nature, they allow for a catchall categorization allowing for introductory analysis of drug abuse:

Compromised priorities; individuals considered to be at risk for the development of a drug abuse problem are observed to allow their daily responsibilities and interest to fall to the wayside in lieu of searching for – or using illegal drugs or controlled substances

Recklessness; individuals considered to be at risk for the development of a drug abuse problem are observed to participate in dangerous, reckless, and generally risky behavior and activity upon the search for – or subsequent to the ingestion of illegal drugs or controlled substances; this may include the participation in unsafe sexual relations or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs

Criminal Behavior; individuals considered to be at risk for the development of a drug abuse problem are observed to be subject to legal troubles, arrests, and punitive recourse concerning their use of illegal drugs or controlled substances – in many cases, individuals who have previously been without any legal trouble are commonly observed to develop criminal patterns of behavior in conjunction to drug use

Destruction of Networks; individuals considered to be at risk for the development of a drug abuse problem are observed to experience the bulk of their personal relationships – ranging from familial to romantic, to fall victim to their suspected drug abuse; in many cases, personal relationships will not only suffer, but also dissipate with regard to the life choices undertaken by the individual suspected of drug abuse

Drug Abuse: Getting Help and Treatment

The analysis of drug abuse statistics furnished by government reports illustrate that not only the use and abuse of both illegal drugs and controlled substances is a growing epidemic within the United States of America, but also the proliferation of the illegal trade, sale, and purchase of illegal drugs enables potential circumstances within which drug abuse may result:

Drug Abuse Rehabilitation

Drug Rehabilitation Treatment Centers are facilities providing resources, programs, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from drug addiction and drug abuse; due to the varying degree of addictedness to which the vast expanse of both illegal drugs, as well as controlled substances are classified, drug rehab treatment centers offer a wide range of treatment programs suited to meet the needs of individual cases of drug abuse and addiction.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

What are Tricyclic Antidepressants?

Tricyclic Antidepressants are chemical compounds typically used to treat depression. Discovered in the early 1950s—and introduced later in the decade– Tricyclic Antidepressants are named for their chemical structure, which is comprised of four rings of atoms.

Tricyclic Antidepressants are used primarily for their clinical treatment of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant variants. Moreover, Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the treatment of several medical disorders, including social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Tricyclic Antidepressants may also be used to treat chronic pain, smoking cessation, migraines, tourettes, irritable bowel syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, chronic hiccups and schizophrenia.

Tricyclic Antidepressants Side Effects:

Side effects associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants are related to the drug’s properties. These side effects are common and will include dry nose, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, memory impairment and increased bodily temperatures. Other side effects may include anxiety, apathy, drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, hypersensitivity, and swings in appetite/weight, sexual dysfunction, weakness and irregular heart rhythms. Toxic effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants will include delirium, hallucinations and coma if the patient overdoses.

The presence and tolerance of these side effects is dependent on how often Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the particular patient’s treatment. The side effects will be lessened if treatment is initiated with a low dosage then gradually increased.

Although the side effects are somewhat marginal, Tricyclic Antidepressants may produce a severe a discontinuation syndrome. It must be understood that a discontinuation syndrome is held separate from drug withdrawal—the pharmaceutical public and the medical profession differentiates between the two terms because a discontinuation syndrome does not produce severe side effects linked to addiction. The discontinuation symptoms associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants are managed through a gradual reduction in dosage over a period of days, weeks or months to mitigate the attached symptoms. With Tricyclic Antidepressants, discontinuation symptoms include insomnia, headache, nausea, motor disturbances and anxiety.

Tricyclic Antidepressants overdose is a primary cause of fatal drug poisoning. An overdose concerning Tricyclic Antidepressants is typically fatal as the drugs are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of the small intestines. As a result, toxicity becomes apparent shortly after the patient overdoses. That being said, symptoms associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants overdose may take several hours to appear.

According to the United States Government, the potential for abuse concerning Tricyclic Antidepressants is very low. Although several cases of misuse have been reported, there has been only a handful of cases involving the non-medical use of Tricyclic Antidepressants over the past 30 years.

Rohypnol: What You Must Know

Commonly referred to as the “date rape drug” or “ruffies”, rohypnol is an ephemeral benzodiazepine with properties similar to those of Valium. Rohypnol, aside from its illegal use, is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a pre-medication in surgical procedures. It must be noted that these medical uses are not used in the united States—the U.S. has never approved Rohypnol for medical use. The drug is, however, legally prescribed in over 50 countries throughout the world.

Similar to other benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium), the effects of Rohypnol include the following: muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, sedation and prevention of convulsions–Rohypnol is 7 to 10 times more potent than Valium. The effects of “ruffies” will appear approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the drug is ingested and last for up to six hours.

Important Information Concerning Rohypnol:

Rohypnol is deemed a Schedule IV drug of the Controlled Substances Act. This classification yields the following characteristics:

• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential—relative to other drugs listed in Schedule III and above—for abuse

• Rohypnol and other drugs listed under Schedule IV have a currently accepted medical use (the legal use in the United States regarding medical use of Rohypnol is not affirmed)

• Abuse of Rohypnol and other drugs listed under Schedule IV may lead to limited psychological or physical dependence relative to other substances listed in the more severe schedules

Rohypnol causes transient amnesia; users will not recall certain events that they experienced while under Rohypnol. This effect is dangerous when the drug is used to aid in the commission of sexual crimes; a victim of sexual assault will not be able to recall the assault, the aggressor or the events precipitating the attack.

While Rohypnol is known for its use as a date-rape drug, it is often abused for other reasons, including rave parties and as a compliment to other dangerous drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. The drug is consumed orally or snorted and combined with alcohol to intensify the effects.

Rohypnol yields the following side effects: dizziness, loss of motor skills, lack of coordination, slurred speech, partial amnesia, slurred speech, drowsiness and respiratory depression for larger doses. Chronic use of the drug will result in a physical dependence and withdrawal.

Legal Issues Surrounding Rohypnol:

Although the drug is classified as legal in over 50 countries, Rohypnol is considered illegal in the United States. The drug is illegal because of its connection to sexual assaults and rapes; the high number of sexual attacks that involved the drug led the government to pass the Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996. This legislation states that any person who uses drugs in coordination with a sexual attack will receive harsher punishments, such as longer prison sentences or higher fines. Possessing the drug—without committing or conspiring to commit a further crime—is punishable by a fine and up to three years in prison. Although the drug is categorized under Schedule IV, the penalties for use and possession reflect those listed in Schedule I.

Last Person Sentenced in Operation Woodchop

On November 13, 2012, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced that Willie Shelly received three years in prison for distributing BZP pills—similar to Ecstasy. He is the last defendant sentenced who was connected to Operation Woodchop.

The investigation was led by the DEA’s Orlando District Office Enforcement Group along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit. The defendants arrested during the investigation regularly communicated with each other and were part of two gangs, the “Zellwood Boyz” and the “Tangerine/Terrell Boys.”

A total of 24 individuals were charged in Operation Woodchop. All of the defendants were subsequently convicted of felonies, and 20 were charged with state crimes like murder, property crimes, and drug violations. The defendants are listed below:

Daniel Baldwin, 90 months for distributing crack cocaine
Darius Bentley, 60 months for distributing crack cocaine
Quentin Bradford, 36 months for distributing crack cocaine
Stanley Campbell, 100 months for distributing crack cocaine
Tramyian Doston, 120 months for distributing crack cocaine
Daciane Hill, 60 months for distributing crack cocaine
Samantha Hill, two years probation for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Tywon Hill, 110 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Michelle Julien, three years probation for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Christopher Lenoir, time served for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Travis Rollins, 108 months for cocaine distribution and firearms charges
Willie Shelly Jr., 36 months for distributing BZP pills
Brandon Smith, 123 months for cocaine distribution and firearms offenses
Addison Smith Jr., 60 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Nathanial Walker, 110 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Kemo Dowe, 240 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Travion Barnes, 18 months for distributing BZP pills
Clemente Blocker, 37 months for distributing crack cocaine
Frederick Bodison, 100 months for distributing crack cocaine, MDMA, and BZP pills
Robert Hardwick, 82 months for distributing crack cocaine
Willie Slydell Jr., 48 months for cocaine distribution
Lawrence Lockhart, 96 months for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute
Roderick Mobley, 32 months for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute
Teresa Hawkins, time served for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency

Advair Diskus 500 50

A brief guide to Advair Diskus 500 50

Patients whose asthma symptoms are extremely severe may be assigned Advair 500 50 Diskus to temporarily supplement their long-term medication. This medication is solely intended for short-term asthma use–Asthmatics face an increased risk of death if treatment with Advair 500 is prolonged. It is important to closely monitor all adverse effects when taking Advair Diskus 500 50 to safeguard your health.

Advair 500 50 Diskus is the strongest possible dose of the medication. If a physician prescribes you Advair 500 50 Diskus, treatment will begin with 100 mg applications. Should this not prove effective, your dosage will be increased to 250 mg. If no alleviation of symptoms is achieved, your dosage will bump-up to the maximum 500 50 level.

A physician will carefully observe whether your most troublesome symptoms are alleviated by use of Advair Diskus 500 50. Once these are under control, a plan is created to reduce your use of Advair 500 50 Diskus to a smaller dose. Eventually, use of the drug should be discontinued to avoid adverse reactions or asthma-related deaths.

While this medication has been proven effective for long-term use in patients with emphysema or bronchitis in the 250 mg form, clinical studies have not proven Advair Diskus 500 50 to be useful for people suffering from such diseases. Therefore, patients with emphysema will not be assigned Advair 500 50 Diskus.

In addition to asthma-related deaths, Advair 500 use poses other dangers risks. If you experience even minor discomfort from the use of Advair Diskus 500 50, report these symptoms to a doctor. Be alert to signs of allergic reactions, including swelling, rashes and hives. If you are short of breath after taking Advair 500 and your emergency inhaler is not of help, seek emergency care.

Advair Diskus 500 50 is not intended for relief of emergency symptoms. If you are having trouble breathing, do not take an extra dose of Advair 500 50 Diskus. By doing so, you increase the risk of serious side effects.

Your physician should be clear about the potential risks involved in taking Advair Diskus 500 50. Additionally, guidelines that accompany Advair 500 50 Diskus will explain how to minimize the risk of serious medical responses. Be sure to closely follow doctor’s orders when taking Advair 500.

Contact a lawyer if you feel that your physician may have been negligent in supervising your use of Advair Diskus 500 50. You will not be able to sue for compensation if these occurred after you disregarded a doctor's instructions.

Classification of Drugs

How are Drugs classified in the United States?

Drugs are classified in the United States depending on the substance’s inherent characteristics and the side effects present following administration. All drugs are classified in an organized and detailed fashion in the United States, through the passing of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This legislation represented the introduction of a major illegal substance control campaign. Each drug is classified under a certain schedule depending on the intended use of the substance and the dangers imposed.

Additionally, the drugs are classified based on their potential for abuse. For instance, cocaine or heroine, common street drugs that impose brutal side effects and possess a high degree of potential abuse or addiction are regarded as the most deadly drugs in the country.

As a result of these characteristics, these substances are labeled as Schedule I drugs and accordingly possess the most stringent and severe punishments in regards to possession, use and the intent to distribute. That being said, the severity of punishment associated with all classifications of drugs is dependent on the quantity of the drug and whether the individual in possession has intent to sell or distribute the drugs—intent to sell carries a far greater punishment than simply possessing the drug.

Drug Classification in the United States According to the Controlled Substances Act:

Schedule 1 Drugs:

These substances are regarded as the deadliest drugs in society in regards to potential for abuse and adverse side effects. The drugs listed in schedule also possess no accepted medical benefit or use of treatment in the United States. Drugs listed in Schedule 1 also contain a lack of accepted safety in regards to use of the drug. Those drugs listed in Schedule 1 include heroine, cocaine, Acid and Crack.

Schedule II Drugs:

Encompasses any drug or other substance that has a high potential for abuse and possesses a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Drugs in this classification, when abused, may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence. Morphine is an example of a Schedule II drug

Schedule III Drug:

Refers to any drug or other substance that has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or substances listed in schedules I and II. Drugs or substances in Schedule III are currently accepted as forms of medically treatment in the United States. Abusing such drugs or substances in this classification may lead to moderate or low physical or high psychological dependence.

Schedule IV Drugs:

Drugs in this category possess a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or substances listed in schedule III. The drugs or substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and abuse of such drugs may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in schedule III

Schedule V Drugs:

Drugs listed in this category have a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or substances in schedule IV. The drugs or substances in Schedule V have an accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and abuse of the substances may lead to limited to physical dependence or physiological dependence relative to the drugs or substances listed in schedule IV.

Triaminic Vapor Patch

What is the Triaminic Vapor Patch?

The Triaminic Vapor patch is a cough suppressant developed and manufactured by Novartis. The Vapor Patch is applied to the throat and chest and works by allowing vapors from the patch to enter the nose and throat. The patch consists of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol and is available for children aged 2 years and older. In 2006 Novartis volunatarily recalled the Vapor Patch after it was found that children could suffer serious side effects if the patch was removed and ingested.

Side effects

Used as prescribed the Triaminic Vapor Patch is relatively safe and the side effects include blisterin, scarring, bruising, headache, and depigmentation of the skin, hair, or eyes. Serious side effects occur when the Vapor Patch is swallowed. The active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil can have severe effects if swallowed. This includes burning feeling in the mouth, nausea, headaches, vomiting and seizure.

Recall

In 2006 after a report that a child suffered a seizure after swallowing a Triaminic Vapor Patch Novartis issued a voluntary recall of the product with the knowledge of the FDA.

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Methylphenidate

What are SSRI Antidepressants?

Viagra: What You Should Know

Identifying and Treating Drug Abuse

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Rohypnol: What You Must Know

Last Person Sentenced in Operation Woodchop

Advair Diskus 500 50

Classification of Drugs

Triaminic Vapor Patch

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