Understanding Allergies More than 20% of the adults and children in the United States are affected by allergies, bringing total to millions being affected yearly. Depending on the source of the reaction, allergies can affect people at different seasons as well as different times of their lives. Numerous sources can cause people to suffer with an allergic reaction. Some of common sources of allergies include: pollen, mold, dust mites, and food. If you suspect that you may have an allergy, your doctor may be able to find out exactly what we are allergic to and best treatment for you. Since allergies can be inherited, you may suffer from them if either parent has had them. But, just because your mother's allergy is dust, doesn't mean that your allergy will also be dust. The allergy we receive may take a different form, we may be allergic to mold. The genetic link is whether we develop an allergy or not, due to your parent's history. Having a reaction to a certain substance may indeed just be because your immune system is weak. People may have a weak immune system due to infection or pregnancy. What's an allergy? If your body's immune system is reacting unusually to a foreign substance, we may be experiencing an allergy. Coming in contact with mold or pollen will trigger immune system and it will behave as though these substances are harmful. Results from this contact may include: watery eyes, hives, itching, and trouble breathing. During more intense reactions, we may feel itching which changes to swelling, pain, and vomiting. This is called anaphylaxis and immediate medical assistance is required. Your doctor can treat most allergies with the usage of antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. Lifestyle changes also help reduce your exposure to allergens. Removing pets from home and keeping your home free of dust, may allow your allergy problem to subside. If all these methods fail, you may have to take shots or seek your doctor's advice on a method that may be just right for you.
|
Do you know Doxepin? uses of Doxepin Doxepin is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help we sleep better, and increase your energy level. Doxepin belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in brain. how to use of Doxepin Read Medication Guide available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take Doxepin by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If we take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to help reduce daytime sleepiness. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start we at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use the dropper that comes with medication to measure out prescribed amount. Just before taking, mix drug with half a glass ( 4 ounces or 120 milliliters ) of water, whole/skim milk, or orange, grapefruit, tomato, prune or pineapple juice, and drink all of the mixture. Don't mix with soda or other carbonated beverages. If you are taking Doxepin in combination with liquid methadone, we may mix both drugs with lemonade, orange juice, sugar water, orange drink mix, or plain water, but not grape juice. Mix only what you need for each dose. Don't prepare a supply for future use.
Doxepin does not work right away. It may take up to 2 to 3 weeks before we experience full benefits.
Use Doxepin regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
It's important to continue taking Doxepin even if you feel well. Don't suddenly stop taking Doxepin without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Muscle aches, headaches and worsening anxiety may also occur. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. other used of Doxepin This section contains uses of Doxepin that aren't listed in approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Doxepin for a condition that's listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
If directed by your doctor, Doxepin may also be used to treat certain types of pain ( e. g. , peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain ) and trouble sleeping. side effects of Doxepin See also Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, weight gain, or trouble urinating may occur while use Doxepin. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on ( sugarless ) hard candy or ice chips, chew ( sugarless ) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Doxepin because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Doxepin do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
A very serious allergic reaction to Doxepin is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. precautions of Doxepin See also the Warning section.
Before taking Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're allergic to it, or to other tricyclic antidepressants ( e. g. , amitriptyline ) , or if we have any other allergies.
Doxepin should not be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:
Before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Doxepin may make you drowsy or dizzy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and risk of fainting, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that we are taking Doxepin.
Doxepin may make we more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear sunblock ( SPF 30 or greater ) and a hat when outdoors.
If we have diabetes, Doxepin may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if we have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, or hunger. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Depression can lead to thoughts/attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes ( including new or worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, rapid speech ) . Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely and adjust your medication if needed.
Caution is advised when using Doxepin in elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty urinating.
Caution is advised when using Doxepin in children. ( See also Warning section. ) Doxepin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Doxepin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using Doxepin isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. interactions of Doxepin Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Doxepin shouldn't be used with the following medications because very serious ( possibly fatal ) interactions may occur:
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before and after treatment with Doxepin. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur while use Doxepin.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Doxepin.
Other drugs besides Doxepin that may affect heart rhythm ( QT prolongation in the EKG ) include disopyramide, cisapride, halofantrine, pimozide among others. Before taking Doxepin, report all medications we are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious ( rarely fatal ) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms ( e. g. , severe dizziness, fainting ) that require immediate medical attention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may reduce risk of this effect.
Before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:
If we have been taking fluoxetine, wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting Doxepin.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if we have recently stopped smoking.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as:
Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.
Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk ( decrease seizure threshold ) when combined with Doxepin such as bupropion, isoniazid ( INH ) , theophylline, or tramadol, among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. overdose of Doxepin If overdose of Doxepin is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, hallucinations, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, widened pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures. notes of Doxepin Do not share Doxepin with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests ( e. g. , kidney function, Doxepin blood level ) may be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all medical appointments. Consult your doctor for more details. missed dose of Doxepin If you miss a dose Doxepin, take it as soon as we remember. If it's near time of next dose, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Doxepin to catch up. storage of Doxepin Store Doxepin at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) . Keep away from light and moisture. Do not store Doxepin in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard Doxepin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. warning of Doxepin Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people ( especially children/teenagers ) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it's very important to talk with doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication ( especially for children/teenagers ) , even if treatment isn't for a mental/mood condition. Tell doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes ( including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts ) , or other mental/mood changes ( including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech ) . Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
|
