Insomnia : Risk Factors

Drug interactions are changes in the effect of one drug due to the effect of either another drug taken at the same time (drug-drug interactions) or food consumed while the drug is being taken (drug-food interactions). Some drugs are deliberately combined for administration because there are beneficial effects to be derived.

Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug (medication).

Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbiliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

A drug allergy is an adverse reaction to a medication, often an antibiotic, that is mediated by the body ' s immune system. A drug sensitivity is an unusual reaction to a drug that does not involve the immune system.

If you want to be fully informed, you should read the fine print connected with any drug that you intend to use.

Drug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances. Precautions Drugs can interact with other drugs, foods, and beverages.

Detailed information on food-drug interactions

Can the high blood pressure drugs Vasotec and Toprol affect the libido?

Exploring the causes and treatment for loss of taste, which may result from years of taking high blood pressure medications.

A guide to information available online and in print about the side effects of prescription drugs.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects.

Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol.

Alcoholism is the layman ' s term for alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , published by the American Psychiatric Association and commonly called the DSM-IV, the essential feature of substance abuse (in this instance, alcohol abuse) is maladaptive use of the substance with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use.

Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting). People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. In fact, half of Americans ages 65 and older drink alcohol. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it.

Alcoholism is an addictive disease in which the victim becomes dependent on a drug—alcohol. The disease affects the alcoholic physically, psychologically, and behaviorally. Alcoholism is not a character weakness or moral shortcoming; it is an unrelenting, progressive disease that leads to death or brain damage. But recovery is possible by stopping drinking.

This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.

The most important thing that friends and family can do for an alcoholic is to stop enabling the addictive behavior.

Term encompassing alcohol use, alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, problem drinking, and alcohol dependence. The concept of alcoholism, in its most general sense, refers to a disease, or disorder, typically characterized by: (a) a prolonged period of frequent, heavy alcohol use; (b) a variety of social and/or legal problems associated with alcohol use (e.

The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Physiological and metabolic differences between women and men mean that some women are more likely to develop a drinking problem, particularly as they get older.

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases.

The essential feature of alcohol abuse is the maladaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Alcohol is considered a drug because it depresses the central nervous system and can disrupt mental and motor skills, as well as damage internal organs when used excessively.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction (Alcoholism)Do you want to have more fun, to fit in, to cope better with your problems? It’s as easy as taking a drink—if you believe what you see on television.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as " A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. " That maladaptive pattern is manifested, according to the DSM-IV , by the following behaviors occurring any time within one 12-month period: tolerance for alcohol withdrawal from alcohol alcohol taken in larger amounts and over a longer period of time than was intended persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use much time spent in activities necessary to obtaining alcohol various important activities, for example, in socializing or at work, are given up or reduced because of alcohol use alcohol use continued regardless of the pattern of physical or psychological problems that it causes or worsens Alcohol abuse has the same definition but is manifested by one (or more) of the following behaviors occurring within the same 12-month period: repeated alcohol use leading to failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home repeated alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous repeated alcohol-related legal problems persistent alcohol use despite its causing social and interpersonal problems or exacerbating them This definition and the criteria established by DSMIV apply to both adults and children.

You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Here are steps to help an alcoholic get treatment.

Alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The hallmarks of both of these disorders involve repeated life problems that can be directly tied to a person's abuse of alcohol.

Understanding AddictionAddictive Substances Include:Illegal drugs such as cocaineLegal drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription medicationsActivities of daily life such as working, eating, and having sexLeisure activities such as gambli...

A study found that a medication called topiramate helped heavy drinkers reduce their dependence on alcohol.

A study suggests that people with a family history of alcoholism are capable of producing higher levels of a dopamine receptor in the brain that may offer them protection against the disease.

A review of ongoing research into drugs to treat alcoholism, including a description of existing drugs and treatments on the horizon.

Informal evidence shows that alcoholics who choose to attend AA meetings do better than those who do not, and the longer they are involved in attending meetings, the better their chances of remaining abstinent.

A study of several methods of treatment for alcoholism has found that a combination of medical management and an inexpensive medication offers a better chance for continued sobriety.

Effective treatment for alcohol dependency is available, but treatment rates among alcohol abusers are low because of lack of awareness and embarrassment.

Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or anxious. What is stressful to one person is not necessarily stressful to another. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear. The source of this uneasiness is not always known or recognized, which can add to the distress you feel.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are medicines that speed up physical and mental processes. Purpose Central nervous system stimulants are used to treat conditions characterized by lack of adrenergic stimulation, including narcolepsy and neonatal apnea.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are medicines that speed up physical and mental processes. Purpose Central nervous system stimulants are used to treat conditions characterized by lack of adrenergic stimulation, including narcolepsy and neonatal apnea.

Bereavement is defined as the objective state of having experienced the loss of a loved one. Grief, in contrast, is the psychological and emotional reaction to bereavement.

Grief is a reaction to a significant loss. It is most frequently an unhappy and painful emotion triggered by the death of a loved one. These same emotions can also be experienced by someone with a terminal illness who expects to die, or by someone with a chronic condition who must deal with a loss of autonomy. The end of a significant relationship often results in a grieving process as well.

Grief and LossLosing someone or something you care about is painful. And grief always follows.

Detailed information on grief and loss, including the symptoms and stages of grieving

Grief and LossSymptom and DescriptionSince your loss, you may feel sad, lonely, fearful, angry, guilty, or you may have difficulty enjoying things. You may find it hard to talk to anyone about your loss.

Grief often produces a host of emotions, including numbness, despair, anger, sadness, and guilt. This report may help you cope with the wide range of emotions you feel and ease your sorrow.

Hyperthyroidism is an imbalance of metabolism caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone.

This small gland can cause a multitude of problems affecting every system in your body. Here's how to tell if your thyroid gland is producing too much or too little hormone and what to do about it.

Detailed information on hyperthyroidism, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on hyperthyroidism (Graves disease), including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Detailed information on hyperthyroidism, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment

Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyro-nine (T 3 ) that regulate the body ' s metabolic rate by helping to form protein ribonucleic acid (RNA) and increasing oxygen absorption in every cell.

Hyperthyroidism is the condition that reflects excessive concentrations of thyroid hormones, due to any cause. The resulting hypermetabolic state causes increased heat production and accelerates many of the bodies ' processes.

Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid gland. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyro-nine (T 3 ) that regulate the body ' s metabolic rate by helping to form protein ribonucleic acid (RNA) and increasing oxygen absorption in every cell.

Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid. The term hyperthyroidism covers any disease which results in overabundance of thyroid hormone.

Irregular sleep-wake syndrome involves different and disorganized periods of sleeping and wakeful behavior.

Jet lag is a condition marked by fatigue, insomnia , and irritability that is caused by air travel through changing time zones. It is commonplace: a 2002 study of international business travelers (IBTs) found that jet lag was one of the most common health problems reported, affecting as many as 74% of IBTs.

Jet lag is a sleep disorder that occurs when the body's biological clock does not correspond to local time. This commonly occurs when travelling across different time zones.

Jet lag is a condition marked by fatigue , insomnia , and irritability that is caused by air travel through changing time zones. Living organisms are accustomed to periods of night and day alternating at set intervals.

A chronic illness is a disease that has a prolonged course, does not resolve spontaneously, and rarely is completely cured. Typical examples include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

If you can't regain your health, you can still recover control of your life. You not only can learn to live with the disease, you can learn to live well.

Learning about your condition and doing your best to manage it can help you live a less fearful and more expansive life.

Although anyone can suffer from depression, it is particularly common among older adults. Depression affects 15 out of every 100 adults older than 65.

Any trip requires advance planning so you can be comfortable and lower your risk for worsening symptoms.

Dealing with stress isn’t easy. And being tired or in pain can make stress worse. Learning to control stress does take effort. Yet reducing stress can help you stay healthy.

Unlike the flu that you can treat and resolve, chronic diseases are unpredictable and ever-present. But they're also manageable, with the right medical attention, a healthy attitude and smart lifestyle choices.

Detailed information on psychological complications of chronic illness and teens

Here are ways to help you fine-tune your lifestyle to promote optimum health.

In a new study, chronically ill patients report an overall satisfaction with life equal to that of healthy individuals.

Detailed information on psychological complications of chronic illness and teens

More than a million people have pulled up roots and hit the road full time in recreational vehicles (RVs). If you're thinking of joining them, be sure to consider your health.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the limbs, usually the legs, that occur at rest or before sleep and are relieved by activity such as walking. These sensations are felt deep within the legs and are described as creeping, crawling, aching, or fidgety.

Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by leg discomfort during sleep, which is only relieved by frequent movements of the legs.

Understanding Restless Legs SyndromeDo you often feel an urge to move your legs while sitting or lying in bed? Are you ever annoyed by a creeping or itching feeling in your legs?

Restless Legs Syndrome: What You Can DoSymptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) can be treated. Together, you and your health care provider can work on your treatment plan.

Detailed information on restless legs syndrome, restless legs syndrome symptoms, restless legs syndrome causes, restless legs syndrome treatment

Restless legs syndrome prevents people from getting the sleep they need. The cause is unknown but may be linked to low levels of dopamine. Certain medications may ease the symptoms, allowing for improved sleep.

I have been prescribed Klonopin for restless leg syndrome. It has not helped yet. Does this medicine have to be taken for a certain amount of time before it works?

The condition known as restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder caused by an irresistible urge to move the legs due to unpleasant sensations. It occurs primarily during times of relaxation , such as when the patient is trying to go to sleep.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and, less commonly, the arms. These sensations are exacerbated (heightened) when the person with RLS is at rest.

RLS is a collection of symptoms generally described as unpleasant sensations and an urge to move the lower legs.

Lessons for Working the Night ShiftIf you work the night shift, you face unique health and productivity challenges. Many night workers have difficulty falling asleep during the day and staying awake at night.Knowing what you can do to improve your...

Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbances in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. Although sleep is a basic behavior in all animals, its functions in maintaining health are not completely understood.

Problems involving disruption in sleep pattern or inability to sleep. Sleep is a period of decreased activity and muscle relaxation, characterized by patterns of deep sleep (where brain waves are slower, called non-rapid eye movement sleep) alternating with dreaming sleep, known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Detailed information on sleep disorders, facts about sleep disorders, types of sleep problems, help for sleep problems

Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbance in the individual ' s amount of sleep, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. Although sleep is a basic behavior in animals as well as humans, researchers still do not completely understand all of its functions in maintaining health.

Detailed information on sleep problems overview

Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbance in the patient ' s amount of sleep, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. There are about 70 different sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders are chronic disturbances in the quantity or quality of sleep that interfere with a person's ability to function normally. An estimated 15% of Americans have chronic sleep problems, while about 10% have occasional trouble sleeping.

My 2-and-a-half-year-old son bites his tongue several times a night, especially during the first three hours of going to sleep. An EEG came back normal, but his tongue is very sore and I'm washing bloody sheets almost daily. I'm wondering if it's some form of myoclonus. What else could this be?

Hot flashes were believed to be responsible for disruptions in sleep in menopausal women, but a study found that half the participants had a primary sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movements.

Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbance in a person ' s amount of sleep, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. There are about 70 different sleep disorders.

Some nights, sleep comes easily, and you sail through the night in a satisfying slumber. Waking up after a night of good sleep feels wonderful — you're refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the world. Other nights, sleep comes slowly or not until the wee hours. Or you may fall asleep, only to awaken throughout the night.

Researchers aren't sure why women seem to have more trouble sleeping than men, but they have noticed that women have the most difficulty when hormone levels fluctuate.

Sleep disorders involve any difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.

Expert-reviewed information summary about causes and management of sleep disorders in individuals who have cancer.