I’ve had backpain for the last 3-4 years. It gets worse at times when I tweak it. It gets bad enough that I can’t even walk some days. I had an xray two years ago that said nothing was wrong. I’ve tried tylenol, mot rin, and aspirin. My back pain isn’t getting any better. Are there good prescription drugs out there I can take?

If analgesics are ineffective, there are a number of muscle relaxants on the market that are commonly prescribed for back pain. These include Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Robaxin (methocarbamol), Skelaxin (metaxalone), Soma (carisoprodol). They are most effective in increasing mobility and alleviating pain for acute onsets of severe debilitating muscle spasms that accompany low back pain. These… Continue reading I’ve had backpain for the last 3-4 years. It gets worse at times when I tweak it. It gets bad enough that I can’t even walk some days. I had an xray two years ago that said nothing was wrong. I’ve tried tylenol, mot rin, and aspirin. My back pain isn’t getting any better. Are there good prescription drugs out there I can take?

What is the best way to treat salmonella food poisoning?

Salmonella enteritis is diarrheal disease that often clears within 7 days. Healthy immunocompetent adults and children older than 12 months who are infected with the Salmonella enteritidis bacteria should be treated with supportive care by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. The gastroenteritis from salmonella is usually self limited in these individuals and studies have shown… Continue reading What is the best way to treat salmonella food poisoning?

How can I get a medical marijuana prescription in New Jersey?

As of July 18, 2010, New Jersey physicians are able to prescribe medical marijuana to state residents. The maximum amount legally prescribable is 2 ounces for a 30 day period and only for the following conditions: 1) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (eg: Crohn’s Disease). 2)… Continue reading How can I get a medical marijuana prescription in New Jersey?

I pulled my back lifting some luggage this morning. I iced it and it feels better but still hurts. Which pain killer is best for me?

Of the three over the counter NSAIDs (acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen), ibuprofen has the best antiinflammatory properties. Ibuprofen is sold as generic or brand name Motrin or Advil. It not only decreases pain but it is superior to aspirin and tylenol in decreasing swelling as well. Therefore, for muscle injuries, ibuprofen would be the better… Continue reading I pulled my back lifting some luggage this morning. I iced it and it feels better but still hurts. Which pain killer is best for me?

For the last couple of days my husband has been sleeping more and acted more tired. He hasn’t been sick and we haven’t done anything different but he’s been on depakote for many years to control his seizures. Last week, the doctor increased his dose to 1000 mg taken 3 times a day. That is the only pill he is taking. Could him taking more Depakote cause him to be more tired or is something else going on?

One of the common side effects of Depakote (divalproex sodium) is somnolence (excessive tiredness, sleepiness, etc). This is due to the depletion of L-Carnitine which can readily be replaced. However, one of the more rare but more deadly side effects of Depakote is heptatoxicity leading to high blood levels of ammonia which causes confusion, delirium,… Continue reading For the last couple of days my husband has been sleeping more and acted more tired. He hasn’t been sick and we haven’t done anything different but he’s been on depakote for many years to control his seizures. Last week, the doctor increased his dose to 1000 mg taken 3 times a day. That is the only pill he is taking. Could him taking more Depakote cause him to be more tired or is something else going on?