Teenagers abuse many forms of prescription drugs in an effort to get high, fit in, lose weight, increase academic performance and improve their athletic abilities. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in...
According to the National Institutes of Health, "An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties." Before you take any herbal supplements, check with your healthcare professional to ensure that the supplement...
Grapefruit relates to heart disease in two surprisingly opposing ways. Eating or drinking grapefruit reportedly aids in the prevention of heart disease. However, if you are taking heart medications to prevent heart disease, grapefruit can become a...
Alcohol poisoning may occur through excessive drinking or by inhaling certain household products by accident or on purpose. Alcohol slows down the normal functioning of organs and nerves in the body, according to the University of Washington in...
Acetaminophen is a common medication used primarily as a pain and fever reliever. It is found in a wide range of over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Feverall. While the medication is relatively safe, it is sometimes associated with...
Casual use of drugs or alcohol can develop into abuse for many people, increasing difficulty to stop use of the drug and causing problems that may become dangerous. Life-changing consequences destroy families, relationships, friendships or the...
The effects of teenage depression are real and can be detrimental. These effects can cause lasting physical and emotional problems, notes the Mayo Clinic. It is important to take depression in teens seriously and do what you can to prevent or stop...
Impotence may occur in young men for a myriad of reasons. It may be due to medical issues or lifestyle choices. This problem may be ongoing or may occur suddenly and sporadically. Impotence may be an emotional issue, or it may be a purely medical...
The use of performance-enhancing drugs has become increasingly popular as athletes compete for scholarships, medals, money and coveted spots on professional teams, report Mayo Clinic doctors. Drugs that are used by both male and female athletes to...
Black, oolong and green teas are made from the leaves of a Camellia plant -- Camellia sinensis. The way the leaves are processed distinguishes them from one another. The leaves of black tea are oxidized, while green tea is made from non-oxidized...
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the "silent killer" because it can lead to a heart attack without obvious, prior symptoms. A sustained increase of pressure within your blood vessels forces your heart to work harder, which...
Many people commonly abuse drugs and alcohol, although others may use these items recreationally. A moderate intake of alcohol is relatively harmless to the human body, while drugs may cause more severe issues depending on the type and strength....
Antibiotics are drugs that are either derived naturally from bacteria and molds or are synthesized artificially in laboratory. They are among the most common drugs prescribed by the doctors to treat bacterial infections. However, most adults...
Valerian root is a natural way to combat anxiety, stress and nervousness. Generally, people who take this herb report mild beneficial effects. A person seeking a stronger relaxant may find this mild effect insufficient. Others may find it just...
Marijuana contains a mind-altering chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC. Heavy use of marijuana, according to a 2003 study by Harrison Pope, published in the journal "Drug and Alcohol Dependence," can impair a young person's ability...
Before a colonoscopy, the large intestines must be emptied to allow clear visibility and be void of obstructions. A clear liquid diet is usually required for one to two days before the procedure. Some alcoholic beverages are clear, so you may...
Acetaminophen and caffeine are two drugs used to treat headache pain, but when used together, it can be damaging to the liver, according to FOX News. Acetaminophen is s common pain-relieving over-the-counter drug. Caffeine may be purchased in pill...
Nosebleeds remain one of the common side effects of taking fish oil supplements, especially in high doses. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil affect platelets in your blood and clotting time. Many Americans take fish oil to reduce...
Alcohol is a beverage consumed for its mood-altering effects. It acts as a central nervous system depressant and is available in many forms, such as wine, beer, liquor, champagne and flavored drinks. While occasional use is relatively harmless...
Inositol is a tasteless carbohydrate that is produced in the human body from glucose, a molecule that gives energy. Inositol facilitates many secondary messengers in our cells that transport many prime compounds. You can find inositol in many...
Ephedrine is not a nutrient, but rather a substance similar to amphetamines. Specifically, it is an alkaloid derived from ephedra plants that affects your steroidal hormone production, especially noradrenaline. Ephedrine has been used in Asia in...
The dangers of Viagra are particularly serious in men for whom sex itself may be a risk. Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction, may cause a myriad of side effects. Viagra is also known to be hazardous when used by patients with extreme high...
People 65 and older may increase their risks for drug abuse because they become more likely to use long-term prescription medicine as well as multiple medications. Elderly people may also take over-the-counter medicine and dietary supplements. The...
With growing awareness of the value of nutrition, more Americans are taking dietary supplements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than half of Americans took at least one dietary supplement a day between 2003 and...
Clonazepam, sold under the brand name of Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine drug that doctors may prescribe to control seizures or anxiety. Clonazepam comes in tablet form; your doctor will determine the dosage. Some doctors prescribe it to treat...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious and sight-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Microscopic organisms called ameba infect the cornea, causing light-sensitivity,...
Food and drug interactions are not unusual. Pharmaceutical labels list the potential ones. Sometimes, you also read about possible negative interactions. In that case, there is no firm scientific evidence indicating a risk of ingesting two...
There is nothing inherently bad about grapefruit. Virtually fat-free, this fruit provides potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C for just 53 calories in half a medium grapefruit. And not all versions of the grapefruit diet, a regimen that calls for...
Peripheral neuropathy affects the extremities of the body, such as the feet and hands. It can be caused by trauma to the nerves supplying the limbs or uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetes. Managing neuropathic symptoms, for example, severe...
