One of the little known things about antidepressants is that the process in which SSRI drugs function in order to increase the levels of serotonin is remarkably similar to the way that cocaine works. In selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the drugs function by preventing existing serotonin from exiting the brain by crossing the brain/blood barrier. This creates a ‘backlog’ of serotonin in the brain and as new serotonin is produced it is simply added to the ‘old’ serotonin that is being prevented from leaving the brain. The theory is that since serotonin is one of the primary neurotransmitters responsible for the ‘feel good’ emotion of happiness and satiety that this is a good thing.

The same holds true for the other feel good neurotransmitters of dopamine and norepinephrine. There’s only one problem. The substance that causes dopamine to be kept in the brain and to not cross the blood/brain barrier so to increase levels of dopamine in the brain is…you guessed it…cocaine. Our experience with cocaine however shows that there is a distinct downside of having all this ‘old’ dopamine circulating in the brain along with the new.

At a certain point, the brain simply stops making fresh dopamine causing the famous cocaine ‘crash’. Could the same be true of Serotonin? Is it really ‘good’ to have old serotonin and new serotonin circulating in the brain together, especially for long periods like months and years? Perhaps this is why some people have an opposite reaction to antidepressants and end up more depressed than they began after a short while.

The truth is that scientists willingly admit that they don’t truly understand many of the implications of ssri and similar drugs on the human brain. The studies initially submitted to the FDA only followed patients for very short periods. No long term studies that delved into the safety or efficacy of patients were ever done on people taking these drugs for months and years. Now, after almost 2 decades and millions of users later it is coming out that there are many adverse side effects and even life changing and personality altering reactions that were never known or disclosed when these medications first became legal.

You won’t find many of these adverse or dangerous outcomes listed on the back of your medicine bottle. But is it any wonder why? Would you expect to see negative reviews in a brochure printed up by a car manufacturer about their newest car? Would you purchase a home without doing any research on if the homebuilder or town was any good? Of course not. But this is exactly what doctors and patients do every day by simply accepting the limited warnings, usually physical and not mental, that are on the inserts in antidepressant medications.

To find out unbiased and very revealing stories and experiences from people that have actually been on the drugs and know first hand one should search the internet for the numerous sites that people use to tell their real life stories on these drugs.

By: Robert Levin

One way to help improve a problematic digestive system to function more effectively is to slowly increase your intake of nutrients. An organically rich diet is the preferred way to improve your digestion process, but you may need supplements as well. Presently, one of the big benefits of supplements is that you don’t need prescription, let’s hope this doesn’t change. They are very attainable either online or a nearby nutrition store.

Taking supplements with meals is recommended, and even spread them out through your day. At meal time, your body can absorb the nutrients better due to the food stimulating the digestive process. Time released supplements should definitely be taken with food to ensure that the proper amount of nutrients and vitamins are released to reap the benefits.

Water soluble vitamins are the easiest, as they will pass through the body easily and quickly, and should be taken three times a day. On the other hand, vitamins that are fat soluble are best absorbed if they are taken with food that contains fat. You should always take vitamins with meals, as the minerals and nutrients found in food will work with the vitamin supplements and less will be lost through urination.

Some supplements can interfere with others when you absorb them, so it’s important to make sure what you are taking is compatible with other forms of vitamin supplements.

1. Vitamins A, D, and E – Take with meals that contain fat or oil. 2. Vitamin B – Take as soon as you wake up, to get the maximum benefit. Can also be taken with whole grain meal. 3. Vitamin C – Take with with meals and don’t take take too much. 4. Iron – Always take with food, this is essential for absorption. 5. Multi-vitamins – It is best to take with small meal.

Even though you may eat healthy, incorporating supplements helps secure the nutrition your body needs as well. Remember, the digestive process causes your body to work hard, so no matter the level of healthy diet, use some common sense and don’t overdue the quantities. For instance, bananas are good for you, but if you eat a huge number of them at one time, your not going to feel to good. Life can have its surprises which takes our time, which is where supplements can benefit.

There are many different supplements available that you can take, so it’s important to determine what you want to accomplish before purchasing. Do some research, and make sure a particular supplement fits your needs before you decide to purchase it.

There are a lot of people who suffer from a deficiency of one or more vitamins, and being able to purchase vitamin supplements to help overcome many deficiencies is helpful and convenient. The preferable way in obtaining the daily requirement is still the old fashion way, through a healthy diet. Natural vitamin sources should be our mindset, supplemented by supplements. The intake needs of natural vitamin sources may fluctuate during certain periods in our life and may need to be increased and a supplement is our best option. It is important to be aware of the best natural vitamin sources so that a person can incorporate as many of these as possible into their regular diet. * Natural vitamin B1 sources are brewers yeast, whole grains, blackstrap molasses, brown rice, organ meats, egg yolk

* Natural vitamin B2 sources are brewers yeast, whole grains, legumes, nuts, organ meats, blackstrap molasses

* Natural vitamin B3 sources are lean meats, poultry & fish, brewers yeast, peanuts, milk, rice bran, potatoes

* Natural vitamin B4 sources are egg yolks, organ meats, brewers yeast, wheat germ, soybeans, fish, legumes

* Natural vitamin B5 sources are organ meats, egg yolks, legumes, whole grains, wheat germ, salmon, brewers yeast

* Natural vitamin B6 sources are meats, whole grains, organ meats brewers yeast, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ

* Natural vitamin B7 sources are egg yolks, liver, unpolished rice, brewers yeast, sardines, legumes, whole grains

* Natural vitamin B8 sources are who1e grains, citrus fruits, molasses, meat, milk, nuts, vegetables, brewers yeast

* Natural vitamin B9 sources are dark-green leafy vegetables, organ meats, root vegetables, oysters, salmon, milk

* Natural vitamin B12 sources are organ meats, fish, pork, eggs, cheese, milk, lamb, bananas, kelp, peanuts

* Natural vitamin B13 sources are root vegetables, liquid whey

* Natural vitamin B15 sources are brewers yeast, rare steaks, brown rice, sunflower, pumpkin & sesame seeds

* Natural vitamin B17 sources are whole kernels of apricots, apples, cherries, peaches, plums

* Natural vitamin C sources are citrus, cabbage family, chili peppers, berries, melons, asparagus, rose hips

About the Author

Joni Bell has many years of extensive study in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. Ask Joni Bell!

Commercially, the substance is available in different white solid forms and as solutions of various concentrations in water. The principal method for the manufacture of caustic soda is through electrolysis of brine. But, it is also prepared through the reaction of sodium carbonate or soda in concentrated solution form with calcium hydroxide or slaked lime.

The substance is used in different industries and one of the advantages of its use is its low cost as well as its being easy to detect, remove, and dispose. One of its primary uses is in chemical manufacturing, specifically in acid neutralization, pH control, and off-gas scrubbing. It is also used in the paper industry. It is a key component, together with sodium sulfide, of the white liquor solution used to separate lignin from cellulose fibers in the so-called Kraft process. In the petroleum and natural gas industry, it is used to remove acidic contaminants in the processing of oil and gas.

Lye or caustic soda is also used in:

• the manufacture of soap and detergents and other cleaning products • cotton mercerizing and scouring • water treatment • flue-gas scrubbing • mining • food processing • glass making • textile processing • rubber reclamation • refining vegetable oils • metal processing • metal degreasing • adhesive preparations • removing paint

Undeniably, the substance has a wide range of uses. It is a strong chemical formula and has potential health effects. When it comes into contact with the eye or eyes, it may result to ulceration of the conjuctiva and cornea. With regards to skin contact, it can cause deep ulcers of the skin. It can also cause severe burns with delayed tissue destruction. Furthermore, inhalation of the substance can lead to pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis. When it is ingested or swallowed, it may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, perforation of the digestive tract, circulatory system failure, or even death.

Because of its potential health effects, it must be stored and handled properly. It must be stored in a tightly closed container and in a cool, dry storage area. It must be kept away from strong acids, water, and metals. Moreover, the substance must be added to water while stirring and not the other way around. Protective equipment must be worn when handling the chemical, such as protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as well as protective gloves. Its containers must be disposed properly as they can be dangerous when empty. This is because these containers tend to retain product residues.

First aid measures can be given when accidents take place, though. In case of inhalation, the victim must be moved to a spot where there is fresh air. If it is ingestion, give the victim water or milk and never induce vomiting. In case of skin contact or eye contact, flush the skin or the affected eye with plenty of water for 15 minutes, at the least. More importantly, in accidents like these, seek medical help immediately.

Apparently, sodium hydroxide is very useful in our society. Its use does not end in the laboratories. But just like those other strong chemicals, it has a potential to be dangerous especially when great care is not given in its storage and use. Its negative effects can be avoided, though, and it can be achieved by being informed about the substance.

About the Author: Jo Alesto

Jo is a writer for ‘ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd’ (http://www.reagent.co.uk), an established UK based chemical producer that produces, has a supply of and sells a wide selection of high quality chemicals. If your company is looking for superior quality chemical product for example {a href=” http://www.reagent.co.uk/sodium-hydroxide.html”}Sodium Hydroxide or has other industrial compound needs then take a look at ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.

Treatment and medical options

Since diabetes is a chronic disease, people who are suffering from it should be more vigilant about their health more than ever. It means that they should visit their doctors more often, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take the necessary medications or undergo needed treatments for them to stay healthy.

Before taking in any medication or undergoing a specific treatment, it is a must that person knows what type of diabetes he or she is suffering from. Basically, there are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes wherein the person’s body doesn’t have the capability to produce insulin, which is crucial for sugar to turn the food into energy; the type 2 diabetes-the most common type-restricts the person’s pancreas to produce enough supply insulin for the body to use well; and the gestational diabetes which occurs among pregnant women and can lead to type 2 diabetes eventually if not monitored immediately.

Experts say that people with diabetes should aim for healthy diet and getting regular exercise to control the illness. At times, there will be the need to take in some medications or undergo treatments. The following are just some of the common medications advised for people with diabetes:

1. Insulin shots. Since insufficient insulin levels in the body cause diabetes, insulin itself can solve the problem. For diabetics, insulin is very important because it lowers the blood sugar in the body by moving the sugar from the person’s blood into the cells. Insulin should be taken at least two times daily to ensure that there will be stable blood sugar control. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before each meal or should be taken before one eats especially if she or he takes a fast effecting type.

2. Oral medications. People with type 1 diabetes are not advised to use oral medications since insulin shots are injected in their bodies 24/7 in order to survive. Oral medications work best to people with type 2 diabetes-especially those who have high blood sugar-because these can serve as a supplement for them. The most common oral medications include sulfonylureas which forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to lower the blood sugar levels; siguanides which helps achieve lower blood sugar by stopping the liver in producing too much sugar; metformin which helps the person lose weight which is the common cause of diabetes; thiazolidinediones which helps the cells develop higher sensitivity to insulin which moves the glucose from the blood; and meglitinides which is responsible for helping the pancreas produce more insulin immediately after each meal to effectively lower blood sugar levels.

By: Jules Sims

“You can easily improve overall heart health with a few, simple lifestyle choices,” says dietician Keri Glassman. “One in four Americans does not get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With obesity on the rise, especially among children, routine daily exercise is a great place to start.  When combined with a healthier diet, particularly one with reduced sodium, you’ll lower the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension.”

True, there are factors that you don’t have control over when it comes to heart health, including age, race, gender and family history. However, by monitoring controllable risk factors such as weight, diet and exercise, you can proactively take the necessary steps to limit the threats and improve your overall well-being.

Here are five easy tips to get your ticker in tip-top shape:

Heart smart staples
Stock up on whole grains, lean proteins rich in omega-3s, and a colorful array of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are not only low in fat and calories, they are also a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Also, omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, walnuts, soybeans, brussel sprouts and flax seeds, can help lower blood fats called triglycerides, which are harmful to your heart. A diet high in soluble fiber and low in saturated fats along with increased fruits and vegetables may help decrease cholesterol and blood pressure.

Shake the salt habit
Sodium is one of the biggest contributors to heart disease and hypertension; and, as a general rule, you should not exceed 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day. Buyer beware: high amounts of sodium lurk in many of the everyday foods you love, including soups, breads and even beverages. Help stay within your daily sodium recommendation and opt for the low salt or reduced sodium options of your favorite foods, when available.

Many choices, such as Del Monte’s 50 percent Less Salt Vegetables, are a convenient way to reduce salt while maintaining delicious flavor. Look for heart smart options in the grocery store.  Products such as Del Monte’s 50 percent Less Salt Whole Kernel Corn and Sweet Peas display the American Heart Association heart-check mark on the label as they meet the Association’s food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people older than age 2.

Other low-sodium options readily available at the supermarket include Pepperidge Farms reduced-sodium breads, lower sodium soups from Campbell’s and Progresso, and Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop popcorn. For great ways on switching out those high sodium foods with lower salt versions, visit delmonte.com/solutions/recipeTools.aspx for delicious recipes.

Your heart will gleam with lycopene
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a leading ingredient in reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate that canned tomato products may be even better than their fresh counterparts,  so go ahead and use that can of spaghetti sauce. In fact, research finds that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body once processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup.

Get moving
Statistics show that 1.3 million people will have a new or recurrent heart attack in 2009 according to the American Heart Association, and one major contributor is a lack of daily exercise. Tired of your old routine or going to the gym? Sign up for a fun salsa, ballroom or meringue dance class at a local community center. You’ll get your blood moving, heart pumping and have fun with friends and others while you’re doing it.

Snuff out the smoke
Quitting smoking is an important and necessary life change to dramatically lowering your risk of a heart attack. Smokers have more than twice the risk of suffering a heart attack as non-smokers and are more likely to die from a heart-related illness.

For more heart-healthy tips visit http://delmonte.com/solutions or the American Heart Association at www.heartcheckmark.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tells us that air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels,” says Victor Flynn, national marketing manger of Panasonic Home & Environment Company, which manufactures home ventilation products.

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of respiratory ailments, from allergies to asthma. In fact, the EPA’s Web site notes that indoor air pollutants contribute to asthma symptoms, especially among children.

If you’ve “greened” your home to make it more energy-efficient and airtight, you may also have decreased indoor air quality. “Airtight” means airborne pollutants stay trapped inside your house. However, it is possible to boost your home’s energy efficiency, save money and improve indoor air quality safely. The secret is home ventilation.

Besides being more airtight, many homes these days are built or remodeled using synthetic building materials that may release harmful chemicals into the air.  These chemical emissions mix with dust, mold and fumes from common household items like air fresheners and scented candles.  Sources of common indoor air pollutants include wet or damp walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture; poorly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners; smoke from cigarettes; emissions from petroleum-based candles; moisture and smoke from cooking; and fumes from household items and cleaners.

Moisture and dampness in a home can lead to mold and mildew which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, cause shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and digestive problems. Moisture and mold can also worsen asthma, flu and other respiratory ailments. To minimize moisture in your home, it is good practice to regularly empty water trays in your home’s air conditioners and dehumidifiers; clean and dry or replace water-damaged carpets and building structure and provide adequate ventilation throughout the home.

Go with the Air-flow

In the past, some homeowners might have shied away from installing vent fans believing they were noisy, used too much energy or wasted heat in the winter and air-conditioned air in the summer.  However, times have changed, and technology has advanced, so modern ventilation fans are a whisper quiet, ENERGY STAR efficient and affordable way to help maintain your home’s indoor air quality.

Some ventilation fans, like Panasonic’s WhisperGreen line, provide both “intermittent” ventilation to remove steam and odors, and “continuous” low-rate ventilation to remove indoor air pollutants and improve air quality throughout the whole house, even when the bathroom is not in use.

Selected models offer motion sensors and ENERGY STAR-rated light fixtures that use high quality, long-life and flicker-free compact fluorescent lamps designed to match the color of incandescent lights.  And Panasonic light fixtures all include a night-light feature. Available through wholesale plumbing and electrical distributors, you can find a WhisperGreen dealer near you at www.panasonic.com/ventfans. Enter your Zip code to find locations near you as well as contractors who could handle  the installation.

Throughout the house, an energy recovery ventilator, like WhisperComfort, can help create a comfortable, balanced exchange of air by exhausting indoor air and bringing in fresh outdoor air. Running continuously at a low rate, WhisperComfort units vent indoor air pollutants out of the home and replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside, improving indoor air quality.

To learn more about Whisper Green and Whisper Comfort fans and how ventilation can help improve your home’s indoor air quality, visit www.panasonic.com/ventfans.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

One of the proven home remedy for bronchitis is taking one glass of milk then adding half teaspoon of turmeric powder and drinking it two to three times a day regularly on daily basis. It is advisable to have it on empty stomach.

A spoonful of turmeric powder in tomato juice or milk taken once daily will help in reducing tropical eosinophilia and free the pangs of breathlessness in asthmatics. A teaspoon of lettuce seeds mixed with honey when taken twice daily on empty stomach, during the treatment of asthma and bronchitis is a very useful tonic and when used regularly, will reduce dependence on asthma medicines and improve the quality of life.

Chamomile has been used for many years in relieving asthmatic symptoms. Extracts of the herb contain terpenoids or active medicinal compounds that trigger an anti-inflammatory effect on bronchiole disorders. Moreover, the herb produces an antispasmodic effect to common episodes of asthma besides containing antioxidant compounds that inhibit the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals on bodily cells. When pitted against the commonly prescribed antihistamine drugs, the chamomile proved to be an effective alternative.

Broncosmoothe is another natural treatment for asthma, which opens up the bronchioles and relieves your tight chest. This natural treatment will make you breathe better, and provides quick relief. It is mainly for use for asthma attacks from allergic reactions.

Another great home remedies is usage of the wonder drug ginger. This wonderful herb serves as the anti inflammatory and mucolytic. For this, take about ½ teaspoon each of ginger powder, pepper and cloves. One can either prepare tea by using that mixture or else one can simply lick that mixture powder with honey. This will help in boosting the immunity of a patient.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is also said to help as is adding Vitamin C to the diet. Vitamins control our body and keep it healthy and by adding more certain ones to the diet you can control all health problems.

Other effective asthma treatment involves replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile, using leather or vinyl furniture rather than upholstered chairs and sofas, using the air conditioner and replacing down bedding with bedding made with synthetic materials.

There are a lot of causes of asthma, and each cause of asthma has different things that trigger asthma attacks. Each person needs a different approach medical wise, thus needed different asthma natural remedies. When you first out that you have asthma, using drugs is an obvious choice, especially if your asthma is very critical or life threatening.

Homeopathic cure heals this sinus infection by stimulating and energising this vital force to combat the sinus infection and leading to restoring the mind, emotions and body back to health and is a very holistic cure.

by Grath

Cold sores cannot be cured, but there are still some remedies and medications that can prove to be fruitful in the management and treatment of cold sores. Cold sore medication is primarily analgesic in nature. The main purpose of these medications is to ease the signs of cold sore like itching, burning, and pain. There are many other products, which are helpful in providing a healthy immune system that will inhibit the persistent development of cold sore gash or help in promoting the healing process.

Numbing Agent For Cold Sore:
When applied, this numbing agent can help in alleviating the burning, pain and itching of a cold sore. Few active ingredients are found in products like benzocaine, lidocaine, phenol, benzyl alcohol, tetracaine, and camphor.

Products That Have Docosanol:
Docosanol is a sort of a compound, which is capable enough to have inhibitory effects on herpes virus. This is why it is said that docosanol is helpful in limiting both the severity and the duration of cold sores. It reduces the median time to healing period by one day for cold sore. At the tingle stage, it is often advised that ointments or creams that contain docosanol, should be used to the cold sore affected area repeatedly throughout the days soon as the sufferer senses that the lesion has started forming. This is best done during the itching stage.

There are some compounds that help in the healing of cold sore. Examples include compounds like phenol, lysine, tannic acid, and zinc. These compounds have some antiviral properties. These have inhibitory effects on herpes virus particle’s ability to outline cold sores lesions, thus checking the disease.

HD is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that over time results in uncontrolled movements, emotional changes and mental deterioration. In the United States, about 25,000 people have HD. Each child of a parent with the disease has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene and ultimately developing the disease. This means at least 150,000 others are at risk of developing the disease, along with thousands of their relatives.

The most common, and perhaps most devastating symptom of HD is chorea. Chorea is characterized by jerky, involuntary movements throughout the body, often appearing as writhing, twisting and turning in a constant, uncontrollable dance-like motion. As chorea progresses, the jerk-like movements worsen and make it difficult for patients to carry out many activities associated with daily living.

“Patients can lose the ability to button a shirt, drink a glass of water, or even sit in a chair without falling off,” says Dr. Amy Colcher, a neurologist at Pennsylvania Hospital. “As the disease progresses, the danger for falls and other injuries increases greatly.”  

Currently, there is no cure for HD and the disease is ultimately fatal. However, in 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xenazine (tetrabenazine) to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, making this the first product ever approved for a symptom of HD. “Xenazine is not a cure for HD, but as a physician, I am grateful for this medical milestone and that we now have an option to potentially help patients better manage the uncontrolled movements they experience as a result of the disease,” says Colcher.

Serious side effects reported with the use of Xenazine include depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. Xenazine should not be used in patients who are actively suicidal or in patients with untreated depression. Concerns about the risk of suicide are heightened in all patients with HD.

For Matt and Karen Douglas from Delaware, Xenazine offers new hope in managing his chorea associated with HD.  

“Before Xenazine, chorea used to limit Matt’s life in so many ways,” says Karen. “Since Matt started on Xenazine as part of a clinical trial almost four years ago, we have been able to help control his movements. He will continue experiencing chorea, but every bit of his independence helps extend our quality of life as a family.”  

“The availability of Xenazine in the United States represents a significant development for the patients, families and caregivers affected by HD,” says Louise Vetter, chief executive officer of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. “HDSA and the scientific community continue to work towards a cure for HD, and while we do, we are working to educate as many people as possible about the disease, which is why we have an extensive network of local chapters across the country that are working tirelessly to raise awareness for this devastating disease and the exciting advancements that are being made to help manage it.”  

May is National HD Awareness Month — if you are interested in learning more about HD, its symptoms, and local awareness events in your community, visit www.hdsa.org. For more than 40 years, HDSA has been supporting patients with HD and their family members by providing vital support, information and educational services to improve the lives of those affected by HD. For full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning for Xenazine, visit www.xenazineusa.com.

Indications and Usage:
Xenazine is a medicine that is used to treat the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. Xenazine does not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions. It is not known whether Xenazine is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information:

* Xenazine can increase the chance of depression, suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions in some patients.

* You should not start taking Xenazine if you are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts.  

* Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts or feelings. This is especially important when Xenazine is started and when the dose is changed.

Do not take Xenazine if you have liver problems or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or reserpine. At least 20 days should pass after stopping reserpine before starting Xenazine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or have breast cancer.

The need for therapy should be evaluated on an ongoing basis with your doctor. The dose of Xenazine should be adjusted slowly over several weeks for a dose that is appropriate for you. If your doctor thinks you need to take more than 50 mg of Xenazine each day, you will need to have a blood test to see if Xenazine is safe for you.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), restlessness, agitation, parkinsonism (slight shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or keeping your balance), trouble swallowing, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat have also been reported with use of Xenazine. Do not use Xenazine with drugs known to cause irregular heart beat. Side effects associated with Xenazine, such as irregular heartbeat, NMS, and parkinsonism, may be increased if used together with drugs called dopamine antagonists. Uncontrolled movements called tardive dyskinesia (TD) may develop in patients treated with Xenazine.  It is possible that the TD will not go away.

Xenazine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness, and may affect the ability to drive or use dangerous machinery. Some side effects, such as depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, sleepiness/drowsiness, parkinsonism, and restlessness, may be dose-dependent. If the side effects don’t stop or lessen, your doctor should consider lowering the dose or stopping your Xenazine. The most commonly reported side effects in studies with Xenazine were sleepiness/drowsiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, depression, restlessness, anxiety and nausea.

For more information, please see the Xenazine Medication Guide, full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning or go to www.xenazineusa.com.

Xenazine is a registered trademark of Cambridge Laboratories (Ireland) Limited.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

If there is volume overload on heart such as in high blood pressure, it will cause the heart to enlarge and finally it will stop pumping blood due to heart failure. This catastrophe is prevented by a gene that is RGS2 (regulator of G-protein signaling 2), which functions to protect the heart from going into failure. This is the gene that works to prevent heart from enlarging and keeping it fit to pump blood into the arterial tree.

In order to prove the role of Viagra (sildanefil citrate) in protecting heart from the deleterious effects of high blood pressure was demonstrated by subjecting the mice to high blood pressures. These mice were divided into two groups, one were those that did not have RGS2 and the other with the RGS2, protective gene for heart that prevents the heart from hypertrophy.

Both the groups were induced with high blood pressure and the mice that were lacking the gene RGS2 had about 90% increase in the weight of the heart and about half of the mice of this group died during the experiment. On the other hand the group of mice that had RGS2, there was seen a delay in the process of hypertrophy (muscle expansion) of the heart.

The experiments also revealed that mice that had RSG2 when given (Viagra) sildanefil citrate showed to have higher buffering, which resulted in very decreased amounts of hypertrophy as compared to the mice that had RSG2 but were not given Viagra. The study also revealed that the mice that did not have RSG2 gene had no effect of sildanefil on heart.

The experiments to study the effects of RSG2 to prevent heart’s enlargement have been going on for about three years now and now more recent experiments are focused to determine the combined effects of sildanefil and RSG2 on preventing heart from enlarging.

Another important factor that is linked to heart failure is due to Gq signaling, which performs the function of vasoconstriction and controls the vascular smooth muscle. The establishment of the fact through these researches about the RSG2 genes in the heart that prevents its hypertrophy, the scientists can now develop better therapies by including ARB or sildanefil to prevent people from going into heart failure.

Currently the doctors use ARB inhibitor and the ACE inhibitor to block the Gq signals, as these medicines block the effects of Gq signals by allowing them to relax and breaks the constrictive effects that causes the increased blood pressure.

There have been other researches going on to determine the role of sildanefil (Viagra) to better the arterial pressure in lungs by blocking the PDE5, which is phosphodiesterase 5 that functions by constricting the blood vessels. The individuals suffering from pulmonary hypertension were seen to get good results by using sildanefil as a mode of treatment.

The researchers mentioned that pulmonary hypertension affects the right ventricle of the heart and that results in hypertrophy of heart muscles. They found that the phosphodiesterase 5 is expressed in the heart muscles of the right ventricle and sildanefil works to block that and also improve the performance of the muscles in the right ventricle, in the hypertrophied heart.

Thus sildanefil not only prevents pulmonary hypertension but also improves the pumping ability of the right heart that pumps the blood into the left atrium from where the blood is pumped into the left ventricle and then into the arterial tree.