The Dangers Of Designer Drugs

There is a new designer drug on the market that is being marketed as synthetic marijuana. This is starting to cause great concern in the medical community. The reason for this is the fact that because these designer drugs are unregulated, no one really knows what is in them. People are showing up with terrible side effects from taking the drug and doctors do not know how to treat them. If you or someone you know is addicted to these new designer drugs, it is very critical that they receive a medical intervention as soon as possible. They may need to go through a marijuana detox before they enter drug detox programs. Synthetic marijuana is very dangerous and can lead to serious health problems for users. 

Popularity

People are flocking to these designer drugs because they promise the same natural high as regular marijuana and are legal. However, because these designer drugs are unregulated, no one really knows what is in them. This is what concerns the medical community so much. Recently, there have been many cases at hospitals and poison control centers of people coming in with negative side effects after using synthetic marijuana. Unfortunately, doctors are not certain how to treat these effects because they do not know what is actually in the drugs.

Health Effects

Synthetic marijuana has side effects that are similar to crystal meth. Many people who use the drug report feelings of depression, hallucinations, impaired coordination and panic attacks. These symptoms are the opposite of the effect a person gets from using regular, natural marijuana. One of the main problems with these synthetic drugs is that they are unregulated. Doctors do not know how to treat patients that are coming in with overdoses. If used for a prolonged period of time, synthetic marijuana can lead to very serious psychological problems for users.

Availability

Although banned in many places, Spice is still widely available. Many places will sell Spice over the counter if a customer comes in knowing the term that the particular place sells it under. Synthetic marijuana is hard to regulate because it is impossible to know what is in it. New batches are cropping up all the time at faster rates than the drug regulating agencies can get a handle on. Some suggest placing a wider ban on synthetic drugs, but others believe this will only exacerbate the problem.

Detox

Withdrawing from a drug can be a very painful and stressful experience for many people who are addicted to drugs.  As if the side effects of actually taking Spice weren’t nasty enough, the withdrawal symptoms are even worse. Once an addiction to Spice is achieved, coming off of this substance is even more painful and difficult. Withdrawal symptoms from Spice include; anxiety, trembling, tremors, heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, vomiting, depression, as well as hopelessness and desperation.

There are many health concerns with synthetic marijuana. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this new drug is that doctors do not know how to treat overdoses. It is very dangerous to take a drug that is made by someone that has no health regulations. If you know someone who has recently become addicted to synthetic marijuana, you should implore them to seek drug detox programs. Without a marijuana detox, it is very unlikely that the person will stop using the drug on their own. By getting proper medical care, it is possible for a person to break away from their addictive behaviors and start living a productive life once again.

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Internee

India

Variations in PharmD Programme USA

PharmD programs vary across the country, and therefore it would be wise for the student to do their due diligence in researching the programs that are available for the schools that they want to apply to. Many potential candidates are confused and wonder what differences exist between pharmacy schools and what opportunities are available. From the information available on the internet and on pharmacy school websites, there exist many diverse types of programs for the future pharmacist. Below are the different curriculums offered from many of these schools.

Traditional 2+4 PharmD Program or 4-Year PharmD Program: Most students are familiar with this format of a PharmD program offered from many pharmacy schools. Students who choose this route complete the required prerequisites (usually a two-year full time course load) before enrolling in the pharmacy school. Of course, those with an undergraduate degree who have already taken the prerequisites could also apply to a pharmacy school.

6-year program after graduation from high school: Some pharmacy schools have PharmD programs which allow exceptional students to apply directly to the pharmacy school from their high school without having to take the prerequisite courses as an undergraduate before applying. This guarantees the student of receiving a PharmD upon successful completion of all required PharmD courses throughout their six years. The first two years are most likely general courses similar to the prerequisite courses taken before enrolling in a traditional PharmD program. Students may or may not have to take the pharmacy college admission tests (PCATs) in these situations (check with the institution).

2+2 PharmD Program: Few pharmacy schools have a different format of the traditional 4-year PharmD program. Whereas most pharmacy schools have three years of in-classroom and laboratory teaching plus one year of experiential educations, the 2+2 PharmD programs have two years of in-class and laboratory teaching and two years of experiential education. This may prepare students who need or prefer more hands on training in the path to becoming a pharmacist.

3-year Accelerated PharmD Program: Many students want to expedite their schooling. Four years is lengthy commitment and may be too long for some people. Those that feel they could handle the rigors of a speedy program could apply to a 3-year accelerated PharmD program.

Dual-Degree PharmD Program: PharmD candidates may be interested in other areas in addition to pharmacy. Dual-degree PharmD programs allow students to learn and obtain both a PharmD degree coupled with another degree that suit their interests. These interests could include paths to a PhD, a Masters of Science degree (MS), or a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). These programs obviously require a disciplined and dedicated student to enroll in a combined program that may require more time and financial investment to complete.

Externship PharmD Program: Before a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy degree) was established, pharmacists had to obtain a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree in pharmacy and meet certain minimal state board specific apprenticeship hours in order to practice as a pharmacist. Therefore many pharmacists who obtained their degrees and license(s) in the past still have a BS degree instead of a PharmD. Those with BS degrees could obtain their PharmDs by enrolling in a PharmD externship program. These programs are usually a year long and require more clinical practice and training.

Source: AECP

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Resident

India

An IMPORTANT Announcement to Pharm.D Aspirants

Dear Friends,
Please utilize this opportunity to clarify all about  Pharm.D
One Day Program on "CHALLENGES IN Pharm.D EDUCATION & STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME" on 14/4/2012 (SATURDAY) 10 A.M AT RAGHAVENDRA INSTITUTE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES & RESEARCH (RIPER), ANANTAPUR, A.P., INDIA
We had a Seminar by Dr.RAJESH BALAKRISHNAN, Director of Center of Medication Use, Policy and Economics at the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, USA.
I hope its an immense pleasure to have your contribution and utilize this right Platform to clarify your doubts on Pharm.D 
Registration: 300/-

Feel free to contact me for any further details: +91 9966863313

Thanking You

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Internee,

P.R.R.M.College of Pharmacy,

Kadapa, A.P

SIDE EFFECTS OF PHENYTOIN SODIUM

Phenytoin sodium is a drug used primarily to treat epilepsy. It is not considered habit-forming. The drug takes time to build up to therapeutic levels in the body. Targeted concentrations produce seizure control without toxicity inside a narrow range; patient compliance with a steady dosage is very important. The drug is processed by the liver and eliminated in the urine. Phenytoin should not be stopped abruptly; discontinuing this medication except under the advice of a physician may create serious health risks.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin are sometimes used in the treatment of depression. Patients on phenytoin for any indication should be monitored for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Researcher A. Arana and colleagues of the Risk MR Pharmacovigilance Services in Spain examined the records of 5,130,795 patients to determine if antiepileptic drugs were a factor in attempted or completed suicides. In this study, the use of antiepileptic drugs was not associated with an increased risk of suicide in patients with epilepsy, but it was associated with risks for such events in depressed patients and in those without epilepsy, depression or bipolar disorder. The results were published in the August 2010 "New England Journal of Medicine." Families and caregivers should be alert to this possible side effect and report any concerns to a doctor, pharmacist or crisis center immediately. Headache, dizziness, memory loss and trouble concentrating may be other troubling side effects of phenytoin sodium.

SWOLLEN GUMS

Swollen and sore gums are a side effect of phenytoin use. Scrupulous oral care is important to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Drug-induced overgrowth of the gums is reversible if the medication can be changed. Other side effects of phenytoin use include increased body hair, including longer eyelashes and eyebrows. Daily Med, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, also lists Peyronie's syndrome, a condition in which the growth of connective tissue near the penis causes erections to become misshapen, as a possible side effect of phenytoin use.

STOMACH UPSET

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue and constipation are frequent complaints among persons taking phenytoin sodium. Drugs.com states these symptoms may appear when the drug is started and subside with continued use. Persistent digestive problems, however, could indicate more serious liver inflammation. It is important to get regular checkups with a physician while taking this medication so that early warning signs of possible drug effects on the liver, heart or thyroid functions can be detected.

SKIN REACTIONS

A skin rash could indicate an allergy to phenytoin or it could be a symptom of a rare but very serious drug reaction. Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are two forms of a potentially fatal inflammatory condition of the mouth and mucus membranes. The FDA states that 90 percent of patients who have this reaction are affected within the first few months of starting treatment and that those on long-term therapy are at low risk.

Source: FDA

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Internee

Hyderabad, India

What You Need To Know About CHOLESTEROL

How diet and lifestyle modifications help reduce it

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is present in every cell in our body. Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes and furnishes the molecules for the synthesis of pro vitamin D, adrenocortical hormones like different type steroids, sex hormones, and bile salts. Our body cannot function normally without this lipid compound.

What is the cause of high cholesterol?

These include diet and family history. Obesity or diseases such as diabetes, gall bladder stones, nephrotic syndrome and cirrhosis can also contribute to a high cholesterol level.

There are two major types of cholesterol. When we talk about total cholesterol, we have LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol. One way to remember that is “L” is for lousy; we want it lower. And then we have the good cholesterol, which is the HDL cholesterol. “H” is for healthy; we want it higher. Another consideration in managing cholesterol is triglycerides, which are another form of fat found in the blood.

How to reduce cholesterol in the Indian diet

If any of your family members are been diagnosed with high cholesterol and has been advised to follow a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Now comes the challenge for the lady of the house – to serve healthy and tasty foods. This is as hard a task as changing the eating habits acquired over the past years.

It is a wrong notion that the more oil you use in cooking, the tastier the food. If you can follow the tips given below, your meals can be satisfying and healthy too! And believe me it is worth the change. It is also time to change the habits of everyone in the house and teach the younger generation about eating healthy.

Foods to restrict/avoid

Rich pastries, doughnuts, croissant, deep fried snacks and sweets, cream, butter, ghee, mayonnaise, shrimps, liver, sausages, hamburgers, red meats, full cream milk and yogurt, kheer, condensed milk, evaporated milk, all full fat cheeses, fast foods, coconut oil, palm oil,

Restrict use of coconut milk, dessicated or fresh coconut.

Foods allowed

All kinds of vegetables, in any amount.

All kinds of lentils. They contain good amount of protein but no saturated fat.

Whole eggs – 3 times a week and one at a time.

Choose chicken (skinned), and all kinds of fish prepared in any way but not deep fried..

Fat free milk and yogurt and low fat cheeses

Fruits – at least 3 in a day. Eat any citrus fruit when you feel the need for a sweet.

Use sesame, mustard, olive, sunflower, soyabean, oil in cooking.

Not more than 2 cups coffee per day.

How to cut down fat and cholesterol in the cooking:

First of all change the daily menu and opt for foods that need lesser oil, lesser coconut products and no frying.

Use oats to thicken soups as they do in the MiddleEast.

Instead of cream or coconut milk, use ground paste of nuts or skim milk. Or even a little low fat paneer ground to a paste makes the dish both tasty and healthy.

If you insist on using eggs, use one whole egg and the other only the egg white. Even in baking you may do so without affecting the texture of the baked product.

You can cut down on 30 % of the given fat in a recipe and still get a good tasty dish.

De-skin poultry and remove all visible fat before cooking. If you need to cook red meat, then cook in sufficient water, chill and skim the fat layer that forms on top. Then continue with the preparation.

Most importantly, exercise - Half hour of walking 3 times per week.

Triglycerides are also important. They are also contained in the plaque buildup that leads to heart disease and they’re very strongly related with the development of heart disease. According to the most recent guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), a desirable total cholesterol level is one that is below 200.

Total cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 are considered borderline high, and levels above 240 are considered high. The goal is to have LDL cholesterol levels less than 100mg/dL. For HDL cholesterol, the higher the better, greater than 40 mg/dL for men and 50mg/dL for women and triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL.

The first step is understanding where the cholesterol comes from. Cholesterol comes from two sources. There is the cholesterol that you eat in food and there is also the cholesterol in your body. Our liver produces enough cholesterol for our body. So, when we think about methods to lower cholesterol, we have to think about reducing it in the diet, and, in some situations, we need to reduce the amount that our body makes.

There are many dietary steps an individual can take to manage their cholesterol. These include limiting fat from the diet, particularly saturated fats and trans fats, limiting cholesterol-rich foods, and boosting fiber. But results from dietary changes can be mixed. And many people can control their cholesterol by changing their lifestyle.

Increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking are all changes that can help someone lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. And physicians agree that a heart-healthy lifestyle benefits everyone.

Butter, cheese, cream, prawns, egg yolk, kidney, liver, red meat, brain, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and pastries.

Which are the foods to be taken even with high cholesterol levels?

Egg white, fish, all unsaturated vegetables oils, skim milk, all vegetables, all fruits, whole meal bread, oats, cereals and pulses.

Egg yolk contains cholesterol but egg white contains mainly protein. Egg yolk contains 1.33gm of cholesterol per 100 gm. The egg yolk is a source of vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorous, lecithin and iron. Iron of yolk is easily digested and assimilated in the body. Egg white is made up of protein known as egg albumin, which is of high biological value. Egg white is also a good source of riboflavin. Egg yolk is best avoided by heart patients.

Does any food help to reduce the high cholesterol levels?

Turmeric, cinnamon and fenugreek, onions, garlic and Bengal gram dhal are believed to lower serum cholesterol levels but this is controversial. Oats, wheat bran, flax seed, citrus fruits and beans are great for cleaning out cholesterol.

Source: NCEP

by

AKSHAYA SRIKANTH

Pharm.D Resident

Hyderabad, India

Mosquito biting activity increases 500 times during a full moon phase, and they prefer blondes with smelly feet

Mosquitoes appear to prefer blonde people with smelly feet. Did you see the moon last night? Got mosquito spray? Mosquito biting activity increases 500 times during a full moon phase! There are more striking facts in this video excerpt from National Geographic. 


The video is part of the Amazing Animals YouTube playlist by National Geographic:

MOSQUITO LIFE CYCLE
BY
AKSHAYA SRIKANTH
Pharm.D Resident
Hyderabad, India