This is a prescription for disaster. While all medications carry potential side effects, certain types have been shown to increase the risk of falls, confusion and even hospitalization among older populations. Despite the concerns, a new study found that 1 in 4 older Americans with dementia is still prescribed risky, brain-altering medications. Despite an increased … Read more
A medication meant to lift spirits may be falling flat. New research suggests that an antidepressant commonly prescribed to children and teens may not be as effective as once thought. Now, some experts are raising doubts about whether young people with depression should be taking the drug at all, citing concerns that the risk of … Read more
How nerve-racking! The anti-seizure drug gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. Now, a new study out of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland warns that gabapentin can significantly increase … Read more
A popular thyroid medication taken by 23 million Americans may be associated with bone loss, a startling new study finds. Levothyroxine — marketed under brand names such as Synthroid — is the second most commonly prescribed medication among older adults in the US. It’s consumed by about 7% of the US population. Hypothyroidism, also known … Read more
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to a commonly prescribed asthma medication in 2020 — but millions are still taking it. A black box warning, also called a boxed warning, was issued by the FDA in March 2020 about the mental health side effects of Singulair, also known by its generic name, … Read more
With so many shortages in the United States occurring over the past year or more, there is yet another shortage for American parents to know about: amoxicillin, an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed medication for children’s infections, according to Verywellhealth.com, a health information website. The Food and Drug Administration … Read more