Treatment plans and medications for depression According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, medication, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about: Interpersonal therapy (IPT) This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior.

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:

6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder. High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor. Kynamro A cholesterol-lowering medication, Kynamro works by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, such as non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is effective when used along with a low-fat diet and other prescribed treatments. Kynamro is usually recommended to those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited type of high cholesterol. It is, however, not suitable for those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Although Kynamro lowers high cholesterol levels, it is uncertain if the medication can lower the risk of heart diseases. Altoprev Altoprev, when used with a diet, helps lower blood levels of bad cholesterol such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Altoprev works by increasing the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The medication also lowers the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The use of Altoprev has been known to lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart complications resulting from diabetes.

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head. Ergomar® works best on headaches that have already begun. It won’t be able to prevent migraine headaches or lower the frequency of attacks. ONZETRA® Xsail® ONZETRA® is a sumatriptan nasal powder that is dispensed via the Breath Powered® Xsail device. Sumatriptan comes from a class of medicines known as triptans. It affects serotonin levels that narrow blood vessels in the brain and also relieves pain by targeting certain types of nerves. This prescription medication is used for treating episodes of acute migraine with or without the symptoms of aura in adults. It doesn’t intend to prevent migraine attacks or to treat other forms of headaches including cluster headaches.

Popular medications for neutropenia Neutropenia is a condition where the body does not have enough neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are vital to helping the body fight infection. They fight the infection off by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi like yeast that invade the body. Importance of neutrophils It is essential to have a sufficient number of neutrophils in the body; otherwise, the person is prone to several infections. The risk of infection is so high that the person has to be extra cautious about sanitation and hygiene. While washing hands, in general, is good practice, they must wash their hands regularly or they are at the risk of getting serious infections. Symptoms While neutropenia itself does not cause any symptom, it triggers infections which show symptoms like: Sore throat Sores in the mouth or a toothache Pain or burning when urinating Abdominal pain Pain near the anus Unusual vaginal discharge Redness, swelling or pain around cuts or wounds Diarrhea or sores around the anus Shortness of breath or a cough Causes Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow of larger bones and anything that disrupts this process of production in the bone marrow can lead to this condition. One of the most common causes of neutropenia is chemotherapy, and in fact, almost half the cancer patients that undergo chemotherapy experience some level of neutropenia. Treatment and medication The treatment for this condition usually involves glycoprotein. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) It is a glycoprotein that triggers the bone marrow, which is a tissue that contains stem cells, to produce a sufficient number of neutrophils and release them into the bloodstream. Its generic name is filgrastim, but it also has different trade names that one may be aware of. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) A naturally producing glycoprotein that carries out the same functions as that of G-CSF.

Anxiety disorder is the frequent and intense restlessness regarding activities or events. Usually associated with panic attacks, it involves repeated and sudden feelings of intense terror or fear that reaches its peak within minutes. This feeling can last for a few minutes or for a much longer period, interfering with daily life. Symptoms of anxiety include intense nervousness, restlessness, hyperventilation, trembling, and having a sense of impending doom. Social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder are some examples of the condition. Apart from treating the disorder via therapy and lifestyle changes, the following medications can be used to keep anxiety symptoms at bay. Buspirone (Buspar) It is an inexpensive medication used to treat anxiety, but is slightly less popular than other generic medication. The most common version of Buspirone or Buspar is available with the GoodRx Gold membership club at a discount up to 77% for $4.55 for 60 tablets of 10mg. Make sure to check with the doctor regarding the dosage of the medication before using it; discounts differ accordingly. Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) Alprazolam is a type of benzodiazepine that is used for treating panic attacks and anxiety. You can buy Xanax ER or Alprazolam ER in the form of a tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, dose pack, and a bottle of oral solution. A GoodRx Gold membership lets you save up to 86% for 30 tablets of 1 mg at $7.13. Diazepam (Valium) Another type of benzodiazepine, Diazepam is used for treating nervousness and anxiety. Diazepam or valium can also be used for relaxing muscles, alcohol withdrawal, and even certain types of seizures. There are generic and brand forms of this medication. It is available at as little as $2.62 with GoodRx Gold for 30 tablets of 5mg. You are thus getting a discount of up to 83% on the average retail price.

Pain is an unpleasant feeling in the body that puts you at constant discomfort, interrupting your daily life. Pain occurs when a particular tissue in the body is damaged, and depending on the cause and the affected area, pain can be mild, moderate, or severe. Pain can lead to physical symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Additionally, pain can even trigger emotional reactions like anger, irritability, and depression. So, pain management is crucial, and there are several medications that can help you manage pain quickly. Here are some effective medications that you can consider after consulting your doctor. Lortab Lortab is one of the most popular pain management medications prescribed to patients. It is an opioid/acetaminophen combination medication that is primarily used to treat tension headaches and pain in different areas of the body. Lortab is available in many generic and brand versions. Commonly used brand names for this medication are Lorcet, Anexsia, Ceta Plus, Dolorex Forte, Maxidone, and Zydone. If you’re considering buying Lortab, subscribe to the GoodRx Gold membership to get lucrative discounts. With the GoodRx Gold membership, you can save up to 83% on 90 tablets of 10mg/325mg generic opioid/acetaminophen medications. If you’re buying Lortab in an oral solution, you can save up to 26% for 100 ml with the membership. Remember that the prices vary depending on the dosage and pharmacy offering the discount. Norco Norco is another well-known opioid/acetaminophen combination medication used to treat pain. This class of medication is usually prescribed when the pain is severe. With the GoodRx Gold membership subscription, you can save up to 13% on Norco. However, keep in mind that the price will vary depending on the dosage you need. Norco is available only in tablet form, and with the membership, you can get great discounts across different pharmacies.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that makes one experience chronic swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint problems that majorly affect the arms or legs. However, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also be experienced in different joints of the body. Inflammation is one of the glaring signs of one developing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent flareups result in the worsening of these chronic symptoms. One of the first treatment options for a condition includes taking a prescribed course of the following class of medications. Prednisone Prednisone is a popular corticosteroid-class anti-inflammatory medication that targets inflammation and provides quick relief from one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take this medication as a tablet or an oral solution. The dosage is adjusted accordingly depending on the form of the medication. Prednisone is the generic variant effective against rheumatoid arthritis. there are several brand variants of this corticosteroid that you can alternatively explore. With the GoodRx Gold Pharmacy card, you can save up to 78% on 10 tablets of 20 mg generic dosage. Depending on the dosage, the number of tablets purchased, and discount offered by the pharmacy, prices will vary. Ibuprofen It is an analgesic class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication effective for managing the stiffness, swelling and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Ibuprofen specifically interferes with the production of certain enzymes as a countermeasure for the symptoms. It is available in the generic as well as the Motrin brand variants. Doctors may generally prescribe the oral tablets or a bottle of oral suspension that comes in varying doses. You can save up to 74% on 15 tablets of 400mg doses on the generic prescription. If you prefer the bottle of oral suspension, save up to 45% on a single 118 ml unit with 100mg/5ml dosage. Note that prices will vary depending on the form and variant of this popular medication.