Molly Bernardi began tapering her dosages after two decades on various pills to treat depression, anxiety and other conditions – this proved one of the hardest tasks she’d ever attempted.
Many pills look alike, but there are ways to distinguish medication by color, shape, imprint code or scores – light lines cut into the pill itself – and score.
Birth control
The pill prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (when an egg is released from an ovary). This thickens cervical mucus and alters uterine lining. Furthermore, this pill causes women to have lighter periods, reduce menstrual cramps and stops unplanned pregnancies altogether. Furthermore, this medicine helps women during transitioning into menopause (perimenopause).
Pills contain estrogen and progestin, two substances which can have profound impacts on hormone balance. Potential side effects may include breast tenderness, bloating, and bleeding – although most women find relief after 2-3 months on the pill.
The pill doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). People should always use barrier methods — like condoms — alongside any form of birth control; for best results, consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner regarding which options might work for your lifestyle and health history. Furthermore, even when taken correctly a woman could still become pregnant.
Pain relievers
Pain relievers are medications designed to temporarily diminish or eliminate pain sensation. Analgesics include medications like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin that fall under this category; opioids include hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Vicodin). Prolonged or high dose use of painkillers may lead to side effects including stomach upset, drowsiness or allergic reactions.
OTC pain medication can provide an easy solution to minor discomforts like headaches, pulled muscles and sprained ankles. Some of the most popular OTC options include ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen; each has its own strengths and risks.
At each medication dose, it’s crucial that you know exactly how much to take per dose and throughout a day – this is referred to as dosage and should follow the instructions on its label. In addition, check with your physician or pharmacist if there may be interactions between various medicines you take and this one.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are powerful medicines against infections, but they may cause side effects. Some antibiotics may damage your stomach lining or cause vaginal yeast infections in women; other antibiotics could even lead to diarrhea. You can reduce the risk of adverse side effects by following treatment instructions exactly and taking the appropriate dosage and course length.
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics to treat illnesses caused by bacteria, like strep throat or urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, these medicines do not work on viral illnesses like influenza or colds.
Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can infect people without strong immunity. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding when and how you take antibiotics; whether with food or on an empty stomach is up to them. Do not save leftover antibiotics for later illnesses or share them with others as this may delay optimal treatments or result in resistant infections.
