The Roller Coaster World of Children with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes mood swings in children that can occur many times during a day. One minute they are up, tireless, charming, and motivated. The next minute they are withdrawn, morose, depressed, and fatigued. No child should have to endure this roller coaster ride when the disease can be treated.

Suicide is a major risk of bipolar disorder in children. This article will help parents learn the warning signs and point them toward a solution.

The story of Daniel Kidney is a sad but "awareness raising" read.

Tips for Obese Patients with Severe Allergies

There is concern that obese patients may not get rapid relief from severe allergic reactions when using EpiPen or Twinject auto-injectors of epinephrine. Patients with a deeper fat layer beneath the skin may receive the epinephrine subcutaneously with auto-injectors, but the medication needs to reach the muscle to work the way it was intended.

This article will give obese patients some tips on getting the dose into the muscle the way it was intended.

Choosing OTC Itch Remedies

Manufacturers claims like "maximum strength" or "doctor recommended" or "without a prescription" may dupe consumers into selecting a product that is no better than another, less expensive product.

I want people to learn to select products based on active ingredients. It's really simple. Most itch remedies that you buy at the pharmacy or grocery store contain hydrocortisone. It is available without a prescription in only two strengths--1/2% and 1%. Maximum strength means nothing more than it has 1% hydrocortisone.

The claim "doctor recommended" does not mean anything. To be a true statement, it could have been recommended by only one doctor.

My article helps you quickly and easily sort through claims and you can have the confidence of knowing what you are doing when selecting a topical itch remedy. The article also gives a quick overview of how to choose between a gel, lotion, spray, ointment, or cream. After reading the article, you'll be equipped to make an information-based selection of and OTC remedy.

Buying OTC medications can be so confusing because manufacturers are allowed to put the same brand name on multiple products with different ingredients. Consumers rely heavily on what the package claims promise!

As a pharmacist, I am attempting to simplify OTC choices for consumers by helping them learn to read the ingredients of products and decide based on that.

My latest article is "Choosing OTC Medication for Uncomplicated Vaginal Yeast Infection in Nonpregnant Women." It will help women make an informed and easy choice between many brands with many product claims.

Contrave: New Investigational Weight Loss Drug

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Contrave seems to offer advantages over previously available weight loss products, but it is my opinion that it is never a good first option to go on a weight loss medication. First, patients need to shine a bright light on lifestyle habits. All of the trials with this investigational drug were done with patients taking part in a diet and exercise program, so results showing effectiveness cannot be separated out to prove the effectiveness of the medication alone.

Read about Contrave.

Webmd has a good article about how Prescription Weight Loss Drugs work.

This article from Mayo Clinic supports my contention that changing your eating habits and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are essential first steps toward correcting obesity: Weight Loss Drugs: Can a Prescription Help You Lose Weight?

A Pharmacist Compares Triptan Migraine Medications

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Prescription migraine medications in the triptan class off drugs are available in oral forms, nasal spray, and injectables. This article will help you compare the different triptans with respect to onset of action, duration of relief, side effects, and contraindications.

The only injectable triptan on the market has been one called Imitrex. It uses a needle to deliver its dose. A new triptan called Sumavel DosePro is expected out very soon. Its claim to fame is that it is an injectable triptan that does not use a needle.

If you are a migraine sufferer, this article will help you take responsibility for your health by letting you see which triptan medication is likely to be right for you.

If you are interested in reading more about the new injectable Sumavel DosePro, you can read what its manufacturer has to say.

A Pharmacist Gives Advice About High-Altitude Travel

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If you have a ski trip or other trek to a high-altitude destination planned, this article will help you be prepared. Most of the time, high-altitude travel presents mild and short-lived symptoms, but if you are one of the unlucky ones that gets more uncomfortable, your doctor can help.

This article discusses two prescription medications that can be used for high-altitude symptoms, including side effects of the medications and what to do about them.

You will also learn what OTC medication can be taken for symptoms and who might need to take special precautions when traveling to high altitudes.

Knowing the symptoms of hypokalemia (low potassium) is important for everyone, even those who do not plan high-altitude travel. This article will tell you what to watch for and it lists a few high-potassium-content foods.

Read the entire article here: A Pharmacist Gives Advice About High-Altitude Travel

Princeton University has a good guide to high altitudes and how to acclimate to them. In addition to other good information, it tells what causes the symptoms and gives other good information about treatment, prevention, and cure of high-altitude illness.