Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with health and drugs

The dude who said too much.

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:19:50 -0800

Told my doctor I smoked pot, now I just got a disconcerting letter from my insurance company. First of all I live in Ohio, in case that matters. I experienced a heart arrhythmia a few months back and went to the ER for it. When meeting with a cardiologist about it afterwards we went through a number of lifestyle questions one of which was do you do any drugs. I answered honestly that yes I do smoke pot once or twice a week.

I asked if this could be a cause of the problem and he said that was highly unlikely and as long as I used in moderation that shouldn't pose any specific problem with my heart.

Now I just got a letter from my insurance company saying before they could process my claims for the incident they need more information.

It says - Diagnosis: History of Cannabis Abuse
and asks for first date of symptoms, treatment and my drivers license number. Where I've sought treatment, when I started, when I quit and how often I used.

I am pretty much shocked, I assumed my statement to the doctor was going to be safe and confidential.

So yeah, anyone else experience this? Am I screwed? Will I get my license revoked? How do I respond to date stopped when I used just a few days ago. Are the insurance folks permitted to share this info with the police? Is this just an attempt to scare me out of filing the potentially expensive claim with them?

Any info or advice would be much appreciated.

St. John's wort + ADHD medications?

Anonymous — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:36:45 -0800

What are your experiences with St. John's wort? In particular, have you ever taken it at the same time as ADHD medications like Ritalin/Focalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine) etc? Some sources seem to warn against taking then together, some say only that one will might decrease the effectiveness of the other, and many don't say anything at all, so I'd like to know if there's anything to worry about. Even if you have never taken the two together, I'd still be curious to hear what you thought of St. John's wort in general.

Throwaway email: sjwquestion@yahoo.com

(Please don't tell me to ask a doctor; I'm asking because the doctors that wrote all the information I've read seem to disagree.)

How to recover from a relapse

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:37:36 -0800

As an addict, have you dealt with a hidden relapse? I was sober for a year until last February. I have been hiding my relapse well since then but I know it will fall apart. How can I best tell the people who love me that I have fallen off the wagon? How did you do it? There is nothing obvious right now other than brutal honesty.

Tack for getting my yak sack back

gensubuser — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:12:20 -0800

What is the characteristic regeneration time for the stomach lining, after daily NSAIDs or alcohol? I know two facts: 1) NSAIDs erode the stomach lining, leading to the possibility of ulcers, and 2) the stomach lining constantly regenerates, even in the absence of this corrosion.

If I were to stop taking NSAIDs (or, stop drinking alcohol), how long would it take before my stomach lining was back to 100%? Never? A month? A year if I was just on the verge of an ulcer?

What is the characteristic time for regeneration of the stomach lining, in terms of resistance to ulcers?

[Bonus only: is the "average load" on the lining the only important issue here, or does the simultaneous occupation of my stomach by NSAID and alcohol cause disproportionately bad things to happen?]

My grandfather's paying an arm and a leg to cure his GERD.

metalheart — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:14:38 -0800

What is a good, reliable online Canadian pharmacy for Americans to purchase from? (Particularly interested in finding one with AcipHex.) My grandfather needs AcipHex/Rabeprazole. Even the generic brand costs a great deal in the States, though, so he's looking to buy it elsewhere, from Canada.

Does anyone know of a good online Canadian pharmacy? We're a bit wary of trying just any of them.

Thanks so much!

Will this drug kill my cat?

Braeog — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:20:22 -0800

Will the drug that my vet prescribed kill my cat? It's unapproved for use in the US. I have a cat that was prescribed Metacam 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension for post surgery pain after three tooth extractions. I've been reading online that Metacam in oral suspension is not approved for use in cats. I've read a lot of horror stories, and some studies saying it might not be safe for cats, notably in this dosage. Does anyone have any experience with this drug with their cats, or any evidence to support or alleviate these concerns?

There has been no blood work done to determine if there are any preexisting kidney issues, which the manufacturer's website warns against. The cats were adopted a year ago when they were about 6, so there's a fair bit of history unknown, though there have been no visible symptoms of kidney issues apparent.

Am I dumb to think I can use speed safely?

Weng — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:30:12 -0800

Any positive (or at least relatively benign) experiences with short-term usage of non-prescribed dex-amphetamine as a study aid and appetite suppressant? I've done a lot of research and read a few horror stories about withdrawal from the drug, rapidly escalating tolerance, screwed-up metabolisms, severe depression and so on. So I'm fully aware of the potential adverse effects of abuse & also the questionable morality (or whatever) of using a drug not prescribed to me, etc etc.

What I'm curious about is whether anyone has "successfully" used it for a short period (say, a couple of months) to help them study, focus, complete a project, lose a small amount of weight, or some other 'non-medical' purpose? ... 'successful' in the sense that you have managed to avoid creating a major drug dependency, ruining your metabolism for life, giving yourself chronic depression...

Am I a fool to think I can avoid these scenarios? Is there any safe use of this drug by a relatively healthy 25yo female? Are there ways to maintain the efficacy of the drug's effects while staying healthy & sane?

Further info: I've been taking between 5 and 15 mg per day, 6 days per week, for around 2.5 weeks. So far it has been an excellent help in keeping me focused, alert all day, sticking to my diet, going running instead of falling asleep after work etc. My tolerance has remained fairly low. Thinking of continuing similar / slightly higher dose for next 2 months or so, until my prescription runs out. Have been trying to ensure I get enough sleep, have a day's break from the drugs - plus I was planning to taper down withdrawal rather than stopping suddenly.

Thanks to anyone who can offer their advice & experience... By the way, I have searched Google and Erowid already, but mainly seems to be horror stories... of course, this may well be because that's all there is! So your help in confirming or denying this, would be much appreciated!

This is a bad idea, right?

furiousxgeorge — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:59:36 -0800

What are the health risks of moldy pot? Would such a substance be safe to smoke?

Claritin + Benadryl

Raichle — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:11:09 -0800

Is it safe to mix 24 hour Loratadine (Claritin) with 25-50 Diphenhydramin HCl (Benadryl)? My allergies are killing me and the loratadine does not seem to be doing the job.

On antidepressants. Need to lose weight. How to get started?

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:28:00 -0800

I'm taking SSRIs. I've experienced significant weight gain while on them and am now trying to work it off. How to get started? I need assistance with physical fitness and getting back into optimal shape while on Celexa/SSRIs.

I'm male, 28, 6'3 and currently 255 lbs. I started taking Celexa in June 2007 (started on Lexapro, switched over to Celexa over cost issues) to help treat severe anxiety and regular panic attacks.

On the mental front, the combination of SSRIs and therapy have worked wonders. I feel like a new person. But before I started taking Celexa, I weighed 220 lbs. That means I gained 35 lbs. in a little over six months.

The problem is that, once I started taking SSRIs, I lost interest in working out. While before I'd go running on 3 mile runs at least 4x a week and go to the gym 3x weekly, I simply stopped working out for six months or so. In addition, Celexa really f'd with my head in regard to hunger. I could eat a huge meal - a footlong sub, a few slices of pizza, a Chipotle burrito and be hungry two hours later.
Combine the lack of exercise, the overeating and the metabolic changes that came with going on SSRIs and, bam, I gained a ton of weight.

Now I want to work on losing it and getting back to where I was before (and, hopefully, lose even more weight and build more muscle). I'm consciously eating healthily and forcing myself to work out daily. Accepting my current weight isn't an option; I looked damn good before and don't want to resign myself to looking like a premature John Goodman.

But the big question... has anyone been in this situation and managed to do it successfully? Or if you haven't, if advice can be offered?

Mean green

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:32:43 -0800

I think that marijuana may be giving me headaches, but I'm really not sure. My health history: I never get headaches. I never take any type of medication (Tylenol, Advil, etc.), and I am a vegetarian. I also smoke a lot of marijuana.

I've been using, daily, for maybe 4 or 5 months, and it has never interfered with my life negatively, and in fact has been more of a boon than anything, especially in the creative work that I do (we're talking maybe one joint or less per day).

However...

I started getting headaches about two weeks ago, and they have been prolonged, lasting two, three and four days at a time. Now, I feel like I have intermittent headaches throughout the day, with some lasting for the duration of the day. I tried to connect the headaches to something--change in diet, stress, environment--but was unable to detect anything in particular that had changed. Everything has been steady, for months. Sometimes they disappear for a day, only to return the next.

I have no reason to suspect that my marijuana use is causing these headaches--which are more dull, foggy aches rather than full-blown throbbing migranes--but I have to ask myself, is it a factor?

Everyone I know who uses marijuana at the same frequency as me has said that they have never experienced this kind of side-effect.

So, could it be the marijuana? Anecdotal answers are fine, and so are more scientific answers. Also, natural headache remedies would be welcome, too :)

I'll add one other bit here: about one week ago I found out that I have a small cavity, though my teeth are giving me hardly any pain or discomfort at all, and I hardly notice it. I'm having the cavity filled next week. I suppose it could be that, but something seems to indicate otherwise.

Nabumetone and Ibuprofen: am I at risk if I take both at the same time?

myodometer — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 07:46:58 -0800

Would overlapping my prescriptions of 600mg of Ibuprofen and 500mg of Nabumetone put me at higher risk of developing stomach ulcers, or is the risk minimal that the two will interact and cause such a problem? My old doctor prescribed me a bottle of 600mg tablets of Ibuprofen about a month ago for some joint pain that I've been having. I've still got plenty of the tablets left to take, though. My new doctor just prescribed me a bottle of 500mg tablets of Nabumetone for the same problem. I forgot to inquire with my new doctor about whether or not the two should be taken at the same time or not.

According to what I've looked up online, both medications, when taken in high doses, can potentially cause stomach ulcers and, frankly, I'd gladly take joint pain over ulcers any day.

So, Nabumetone and Ibuprofen: am I at risk if I take both at the same time?

Enlighten me

Gordion Knott — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:41:15 -0800

Truth or myth: distinct breeds of hydro deliver markedly different highs. I've had no experience with hydro, or anything but back-garden variety homegrown, for that matter. But I've read that these products are bred to produce subtley -- most often, markedly -- different highs. Body highs, stoney highs. Psychedelic mind-expanding highs, deep and relaxing highs. Basically, the hydro breeders in the 'Dam and elsewhere have taken the indica/sativa difference and squared it, then squared it again.

I've always thought that the difference in highs due to non-THC chemicals is mute at best. But reading about the new breeds suggests otherwise. What's the, er, score on this one?

Is it possible that taking 10mg of Ritalin a day could cause my tendons/ligaments to tighten up and be sore?

kaytrem — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:23:47 -0800

Is it possible that taking 10mg of Ritalin a day could cause my tendons/ligaments to tighten up and be sore? I am noticing a correlation between starting taking it again and tendon pain in my wrists and ankles (achilles) and the top of my foot

How can I stop being a pothead?

Anonymous — Wed, 17 May 2006 05:28:19 -0800

How can I successfully transition out of being a pothead? Due to a series of health problems, I've realized that I need to stop smoking weed for an extended period of time, possibly permanently. Health issues aside, I'm pretty tired of being a lazy, unmotivated, isolated stoner. I realize that smoking weed doesn't necessarily make you lazy, but I've been smoking for four years and have found that the longer I smoke, the more unmotivated (and anxious) I become. Ideally tapering off my usage would be best (I currently smoke 2-3x daily), but due to the health issues I pretty much need to go cold turkey.

What can I do to help myself through this transition? I've heard that quitting can cause depression, and I'm already kind of depressed. I've discussed this with a therapist, but they didn't have much to offer other than saying that quitting would ultimately improve my mood. Any and all resources on what I can do to take care of my body and mind would be appreciated, as well as ideas of how to fill up my free time. Endless TV and video games have left me rather daunted (stunted?) in exploring my own interests.

Finally, how can I go through this process without losing my connection with my friends? Though they are understanding and supportive of my reasons behind quitting, I know that a nonsmoker hanging out with a bunch of smokers is generally perceived as kinda weird.

If you want to get in touch with me privately, you can reach me at destroy.rock@gmail.com

How can I improve my sleep with drugs?

chason — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 12:59:07 -0800

My sleep schedule is very hectic. While I almost always have to get up early, I frequently have to stay up very late to complete projects or have at least a few hours to spend with friends. I try and use the weekends to catch up on sleep, and I have many tricks to haul myself out of bed in the mornings but I was wondering if anyone might know a relatively safe combination of drugs that would not only help me quickly fall asleep but also wake up quickly if I haven't gotten my "full" 8 hours of sleep? I am not currently on any medications but I do smoke pot sometimes and drink socially. I know there's going to be lots of anti-sleep medication responses, so while I of course want to know about the side effects of the various options out there, I'd appreciate it if the quality of "drugs are bad!" comments was kept constructive.

Is Meridia going to kill me?

jennyb — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 15:39:14 -0800

Has anyone had any personal experience with Meridia, aka sibutramine? The good, the bad, and the ugly please. I'm under a doctor's care, and have done research (but welcome any links or additional scientific info as well) and am looking for personal, anecdotal information. Thanks!

Narcotic (legal) advice.

filmgeek — Sat, 23 Jul 2005 19:34:08 -0800

Psst. Been on a Narcotic long? I could use your advice. Legally, for horrible health reasons (kidney stones), I've been on percocets for 16 weeks. Quite a number of them. (6-8/day). Prescription is 5/325 oxycodone... take 1-2 every 4 hours for pain. that could be upwards of 10+ a day.

Medically - the large stones I have are sitting in a diverticulum - a small pouch near the top of my kidney. I'm seeing two urologists...and have a course of action - it's just I'm in a very grey space. Just had my 2nd extra corporeal lithotrypsy on tues.

Bextra and vioxx were taking off the market. Vicodin doesn't do much for the week I took it.

So, while I'm taking all these drugs, I wanna know...your experiences? Hard to get off of them? My life is either foggy and more comfortable....or painful and sharper. Any advice would we welcome.

A whole new world?

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 11:49:40 -0800

So I'm about to embark on the journey that is Strattera - What can I expect? Tomorrow I begin on Strattera. I have already read the usual information and would love to hear your experiences. I'm looking to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.

antibiotic dangers

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:56:50 -0800

Medical question: How dangerous is taking unprescribed antibiotics? I know, I know, it's not a good idea, but what I want to know is all the dangers that could be associated with this.

Here's my situation:
I have what mostly likely is a urinary tract infection (blood in urine). I know it isn't a STD because I
have been tested while donating blood recently and haven't had sex since (nor use needles). I also have access to
some antibiotics (for reasons too complicated to go into) which, from what I read here would be able
to treat the infection (14 250mg tablets of ciprofloxacin, enough for a 7 day treatment of a mild/moderate infection).
I have taken ciprofloxacin once before, (infectious diarrhea while traveling) if that matters, and did not experience troubling side effects.

What I don't have is medical insurance.

My idea is to try the 7 day treatment with what I have, and if it clears up, no problem. If it doesn't then
I guess I need to find a way to see a doctor. How stupid is this? Very or kind of?

Does anything help to get 'un-high' off of legal medicinal marijuana and be more alertly functioning soon?

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 20:02:14 -0800

Does anything help to get 'un-high' off of legal medicinal marijuana and be more alertly functioning soon?

Friend with Drug Addiction?

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Nov 2004 15:50:08 -0800

I think one of my close friends has developed a serious drug addiction. They used to be an active, hard-working, happy person, but in the last couple of months they are reluctant to socialize, ended all outside commitments, are barely sleeping, have seriously neglected their hygiene, and I just found out they have stolen thousands of dollars from their work, at which they are well paid, in the last month. I thought it was 'just' depression, but the money seems to point to something worse and there is a history of casually using hard drugs. They don't seem to want help, so will it do any good if I try? Does anyone have any experience with interventions, or is that just something people do on television?

Zyrtec from Canada?

baltimore — Fri, 07 May 2004 18:20:35 -0800

It's all the cat's fault. I have cat allergies and the only thing that's worked so far is Zyrtec. Great, only the problem is that my insurance company thinks that a fair co-pay for this particular miracle drug is $35 for a month's supply. A quick Google search turned up a lot of (supposedly) Canadian companies willing to sell me branded and generic Zyrtec at much lower prices. My question: is it safe to order prescription drugs -- assuming you've actually been prescribed them by your doctor, which I was -- through online Canadian sources?

Methotrexate complications?

karmaville — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 22:20:25 -0800

Any long-term methotrexate users out there? [more inside] Having been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis my rheumatologist has me on IM methotrexate for the 'indefinite future'.

I know about the blood tests and liver biopsies but anyone had first hand experience with long term use?

Assessing neurotoxicity authoritatively

Gyan — Fri, 09 Apr 2004 22:37:43 -0800

BioMeFites, what's the authoritative process on assessing neurotoxicity of any substance, in general? [more inside] I wrote a similar post at Straight Dope boards. It's a loooong post. Someone read it and tell me if I can post it here. You can help with the specific and supplementary points raised in that post. But, just the question above, will also do.