JOSH'S CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS BLOG

Smoke'em If you Have to Live

Chantix, the stop-smoking aid, has some serious side effects. It causes aggravation, depression and possibly suicide.  The side effects of nicotine withdrawal are aggravation, depression and possibly suicide.

The irony drips off this situation like a thick, rich syrup slathered on mounds of fluffy, brown pancakes. Not only are the side effects of the cure the same as the disease, but a product used to improve health and help people to live a less self-destructive life may lead to self destruction.

The FDA reported nearly 500 cases of suicidal behavior linked to Chantix and 39 users have committed suicide. 

The FDA approved Chantix back in May 2006. Chantrix stops the nicotine craving by blocking the areas of the brain affected by nicotine withdrawal. It also, apparently, blocks all hope. Now the FDA is calling for a bigger warning on the product and wants doctors to alert patients who are prescribed the drug. The patients are supposed to notify their doctors if their behavior becomes unusual.

When you quit smoking all your behavior becomes unusual. When you take a break at work, you no longer know what to do. Your whole routine changes. Your brain has been hardwired to the cigarettes. How can you take a drug during  a period of life that is going to feel totally unnatural and be able to gage whether you are normal or not? 

Try chewing gum. It doesn't help a whole lot, but those little comics that come with Bazooka Joe Gum won't cause suicidal thoughts. Unless, you think those jokes are awful, and they kind of are.

Family Physicians can help with smoking cessation. Psychiatrists can help with suicidal thoughts. All other doctors can be found here.
 

Extreme Blood Pressure

Energy drinks are not just for fans of the Insane Clown Posse anymore. Although, EXTREME!  They have found their way into the hands and gullets of middle America. Energy-drink Imbibers need to check themselves before they rickety-wreck themselves, hypertensionally.

A study at Wayne State found that drinking a couple cans of a popular energy drink can seriously affect the blood pressure. It could be dangerous if the drinks are consumed by someone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or hypertension.

The drinks contain taurine, an amino acid, that affects the heart and the blood pressure.

Many energy drinks are basically soda pop, filled with extra sugar, more caffeine and exotic-sounding ingredients. Even if the drinks say they are packed with vitamins, they usually aren't plentiful enough to matter.

People like to mix energy drinks with alcohol. Nothing is more fun than an energized and depressed drunk. I love to while away my nights on suicide watch. Thanks, Red Bull.

Who needs this much energy? Drink a cup of coffee. A new study shows that coffee has a lot of benefits, not to mention caffeine, or if you are a British or an old lady, have some green tea. I'm sure you'll be folding doilies well into the night.

If you suffer from Hypertension or Cardiovascular Disease, see a Cardiologist or Internist.  To find local medical services, click here.