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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Not everyone needs magnesium supplements: Here's who should skip it
Magnesium supplements are very much praised as cure-alls; better sleep, reduced muscle cramps, improved heart health, and even lower stress levels. After all, who wouldn't want a calm mind and smooth digestion? But did you know that magnesium is not always the hero? In certain health conditions or situations, magnesium can do more harm than good. While the general belief is that it's safe because it's 'just a mineral,' the truth lies in the details. A recent trial studied 60 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) under standard SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) treatment. Half of the group received magnesium supplements for six weeks, while the other half took a placebo. The results? By the fourth and sixth weeks, those who took magnesium showed significantly lower depression scores, as measured by the Beck II test. While the improvement wasn't noticeable in the initial weeks, sustained intake seemed to make a difference. The study concluded that magnesium could be a promising add-on to SSRIs in managing MDD symptoms — especially in patients who don't respond fully to antidepressants alone. However, experts caution that more extensive studies are needed before magnesium can be recommended as a standard part of depression treatment Here's all we need to know about the groups that should think twice before reaching for that magnesium bottle; not out of fear, but out of knowledge. Our kidneys perform one of the most important functions of the body, that is filtering waste and toxins from the blood, balancing fluids, and maintaining overall health. It is extremely important to keep your kidneys healthy, as long term kidney abuse can even lead to a complete and irreversible kidney failure. People with kidney troubles The kidneys are the main filter for excess magnesium in the body. When the kidneys aren't functioning properly, as in chronic kidney disease, magnesium doesn't get excreted as efficiently. This can lead to a dangerous condition called hypermagnesemia (excess magnesium in the blood). Symptoms may start mild, nausea, weakness, but can progress to slow heartbeat, confusion, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases. It's not about the magnesium being 'bad'; it's about the body being unable to handle even the good stuff when it's already struggling. Those on certain medications Magnesium supplements can mess with how certain drugs work in the body. A few examples: Antibiotics (like tetracyclines and quinolones): Magnesium can bind to them in the gut and make them less effective. Diuretics (water pills): Some can lead to magnesium loss, while others can cause magnesium levels to rise dangerously. Heart medications (like digoxin): Magnesium affects heart rhythm, which can be risky when mixed with heart drugs. Mostly, these interactions happen silently, and symptoms only show up once the balance is off. According to experts, magnesium is needed for mitochondrial energy production in liver cells, turning on enzymes that help with protein making, glucose use, fat metabolism, and building genetic material. All this is important for the liver to work properly. People with slow heart rhythms While magnesium does support heart rhythm, it can worsen bradycardia (an already slow heartbeat). For someone who has naturally slow pulses or underlying conduction issues, extra magnesium may slow things down too much, leading to dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. It's not about magnesium being harmful universally, but about how it behaves in a body that already runs a little too slow. Those with frequent loose stools or gut sensitivities Certain forms of magnesium, especially magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide, are known to have a laxative effect. For someone already dealing with IBS, sensitive digestion, or frequent diarrhoea, this can make things worse. Instead of calming the gut, it could irritate it further, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and stomach cramping. This often goes unnoticed because people assume any discomfort is just 'cleansing.' But if the body is already trying to calm itself, magnesium may be an unwanted nudge. Habits to Boost Longevity and Health People with a history of very low blood pressure Magnesium lowers blood pressure, great news, right? Yes, magnesium can help manage high blood pressure . But in people with naturally low blood pressure, it might bring the numbers too far down. Symptoms like lightheadedness, blurred vision, or fatigue might seem vague, but they often point to an over-relaxed circulatory system. When magnesium enters the mix, it can amplify the dip, especially in combination with blood pressure medications or hot weather. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Saptalis Pharmaceuticals Launches Fluoxetine Oral Solution, USP 20 mg/5 mL
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC. is pleased to announce the commercial launch of Fluoxetine Oral Solution, USP 20 mg/5 mL, a prescription-only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) developed to treat a range of mental health conditions effectively. This oral formulation is designed to support flexible and individualized treatment, particularly for patients who experience difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms. This launch reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible medications that meet the evolving needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. Share Fluoxetine Oral Solution is indicated for the following conditions: Acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Acute and maintenance treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Acute and maintenance treatment of Bulimia Nervosa Acute treatment of Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia 'We are excited to expand our product portfolio with the introduction of Fluoxetine Oral Solution,' said Polireddy Dondeti, Ph.D., President and CEO, of Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC. 'This launch reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible medications that meet the evolving needs of both patients and healthcare professionals.' Fluoxetine Oral Solution, USP 20 mg/5 mL is available by prescription and should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. For full prescribing information or to learn more, please visit or contact us at info@ About Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC. is a rapidly growing company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of specialty pharmaceutical products, including complex and high-quality generics, with particular expertise in liquid and semi-solid dosage forms. Headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, Saptalis operates fully equipped R&D laboratories and a state-of-the-art commercial manufacturing facility compliant with U.S. FDA cGMP standards. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enhance patient care and improve treatment outcomes.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Annals of Family Medicine: Irish National Study Reveals Five Medication 'Prescribing Cascades' Putting Older Adults at Potential Risk
PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research published in Annals of Family Medicine identifies five clinically relevant prescribing cascades in a national sample of more than half a million older adults in Ireland. The findings show how unrecognized drug side effects can trigger extra prescriptions and potentially avoidable harm in primary care. Prescribing cascades occur when one medication is used to treat or prevent a side effect of another drug. An unintentional cascade can arise when a patient's symptoms are mistaken for a new illness. In that case, the patient not only experiences the original side effect but also faces added risks from the second medication. The study, funded by the Health Research Board of Ireland, was led by researchers at University College Cork in Ireland. They analyzed national prescription data for 533,464 community-dwelling Irish adults aged 65 years and older, covering prescriptions dispensed between 2017 and 2020. A prescription sequence symmetry analysis was performed with a 365-day window to examine nine expert-defined 'ThinkCascades.' It is important to note that this study examined dispensed prescriptions data only for potential prescribing cascades. There may be alternative explanations as to why patients are prescribed these medications, such as new health conditions. Key Findings - The Five Prescribing Cascades Calcium channel blocker leading to diuretic prescribing This cascade was the most prominent. About 2.6% of those who started a calcium channel blocker, often used to treat high blood pressure, went on to receive a diuretic within one year. The authors estimated one extra diuretic prescription for every 78 patients started on a calcium channel blocker. Alpha-1-receptor blocker leading to vestibular sedative prescribing Alpha-1 receptor blockers are used to ease symptoms of an enlarged prostate. About 3% of alpha-1 blocker users went on to receive a vestibular sedative (used to relieve vertigo and dizziness) within one year. The authors estimated one additional vestibular sedative prescription for every 85 patients who start an alpha-1-receptor blocker. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) leading to sleep agent prescribing SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed for depression. Approximately 2.5% of those on a SSRI or SNRI went on to receive a sleep agent prescription within one year. The authors estimated one additional sleep agent prescription for every 115 patients who start a SSRI or SNRI. Benzodiazepine leading to antipsychotic prescribing Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety disorders. This cascade appeared in 3.2% of benzodiazepine initiators. The authors estimated one additional antipsychotic prescription for every 242 patients who start a benzodiazepine. Antipsychotic leading to antiparkinsonian agent prescribing Antipsychotics can cause movement-related side effects. About 0.4% of antipsychotic users went on to receive an antiparkinsonian agent prescription within one year. The authors estimated one extra antiparkinsonian agent prescription for every 1,644 antipsychotic users. Three other drug pairs showed significant negative associations, suggesting physicians may already be intentionally avoiding these cascades. These three cascades include a diuretic to overactive bladder medication; benzodiazepine to antidementia agent; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to antihypertensive medication. "An increasing number of medications in older people is strongly associated with an increased risk of medication-related harm and serious adverse drug reactions," the authors write. "For clinicians, considering adverse drug reactions as part of the differential in patients presenting with new symptoms in primary care is an important step in identifying and mitigating the risk of medication-related harm. Furthermore, identifying prescribing cascades and deprescribing when appropriate offers potential to reduce pill counts and associated treatment burden for patients." Article Cited: Prescribing Cascades Among Older Community- Dwelling Adults: Application of Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis to a National Database in Ireland Ann Sinéad Doherty, PhD; Lars Christian Lund, PhD; Frank Moriarty, PhD; Fiona Boland, PhD; Barbara Clyne, PhD; Tom Fahey, MD; Seán P. Kennelly, PhD; Denis O' Mahony, DSc; Emma Wallace, PhD Related Articles: Proactive Deprescribing Among Older Adults With Polypharmacy: Barriers and Enablers Kenya Ie, MD, MPH, PhD; Reiko Machino, PharmD; Steven M. Albert, PhD, MA, MS; Shiori Tomita, MD, PhD; Hiroki Ohashi, MD; Iori Motohashi, MD, MPH; Takuya Otsuki, MD, PhD; Yoshiyuki Ohira, MD, PhD; Chiaki Okuse, MD, PhD Personal Continuity and Appropriate Prescribing in Primary Care Marije T. te Winkel, MD; Birgit A. Damoiseaux-Volman, PharmD; Ameen Abu-Hanna, PhD; Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte, PhD; Rob J. van Marum, MD, PhD; Henk J. Schers, MD, PhD; Pauline Slottje, PhD; Annemarie A. Uijen, MD, PhD; Jettie Bont, MD, PhD; and Otto R. Maarsingh, MD, PhD Strategies Associated With Reducing Benzodiazepine Prescribing to Older Adults: A Mixed Methods Study Donovan T. Maust, MD, MS; Linda Takamine, PhD; Ilse R. Wiechers, MD, MPP, MPH; Frederic C. Blow, PhD; Amy S. B. Bohnert, PhD, MHS; Julie Strominger, MS; Lillian Min, MD; and Sarah L. Krein, PhD, RN. Annals of Family Medicine is an open access, peer-reviewed, indexed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new, evidence-based information affecting the primary care disciplines. Launched in May 2003, Annals of Family Medicine is sponsored by six family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals of Family Medicine is published online six times each year, charges no fee for publication, and contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social, and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays, and editorials. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be accessed for free on the journal's website, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Annals of Family Medicine Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Coffee warning: Just one cup could trigger alarming effects for millions on common medication
A pharmacist has warned that drinking coffee can be harmful for thousands of people who take common medications. This includes those on thyroid medication, SSRI antidepressants, drugs for ADHD and even over-the-counter decongestants for cold and flu. The energy-boosting drink can also make life-saving heart medication less effective, increasing the risk of a deadly irregular heartbeat, according to pharmacy expert at Kingston University, Dipa Kamda. While in other cases, caffeine can interact with prescription drugs, causing a range of debilitating symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, fast heart rate, raised blood drowsiness, confusion, and even stomach bleeding. 'While your morning brew might feel harmless, it can interact with certain medicines in ways that reduce their effectiveness, or increase the risk of side-effects,' warned Dipa Kamda, writing for The Conversation. 'From common cold tablets to antidepressants, caffeine's impact on the body goes far beyond a quick energy boost. 'Coffee may be part of your daily routine, but it's also a potent chemical compound that can influence how your body processes medicine.' Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up activity in your brain and nervous system, she explained. Popular cold and flu medicines, like Sudafed, contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which also has stimulant properties. If you combine this with the caffeine in coffee, the effects can be amplified, causing jitters, restlessness, headaches, fast heart rate and insomnia. Combining caffeine with pseudoephedrine can also raise blood sugar and body temperature, particularly important for people with diabetes, studies have found. With many cold medications already containing added caffeine, drinking coffee can increase the risks further. The risk also applies to those taking stimulant medications to treat ADHD, like amphetamines, or asthma drugs such as theophylline, which has stimulant properties. The pharmacist warned: 'Using them together may increase the risk of side-effects such as a rapid heartbeat and sleep disruption.' There is also added caffeine in some branded over-the-counter painkillers, such as those containing paracetamol or aspirin. Drinking coffee can speed up how quickly the drugs are absorbed and while this helps them work faster, it can be dangerous. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant found in dozens of cold and flu medicines on the shelves 'It could raise the risk of side effects like stomach irritation, or bleeding,' said Ms Kamda. '[Although] no serious cases have been reported, caution is still advised. Drinking coffee while taking some types of medicines to control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or blood pressure is known to make them less effective. However, Ms Kamda added those with heart conditions don't have to stop drinking coffee entirely, but may want to 'consider limiting intake or switching to decaf'. If you drink coffee immediately before or after taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, studies have found absorption of the drug can fall by up to 50 per cent. This can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation, to return 'even if you're taking your medicine correctly,' she explained. It is recommended those taking the medication should wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking coffee. However, this is most common with tablet forms of levothyroxine, and less likely with liquid forms, Ms Kamda pointed out. This timing rule also applies to a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions called bisphosphonates, including alendronate and risedronate. It can also make the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, selective serotonin inhibitors, for example sertraline and citalopram, less effective, lab studies have found. And drinking coffee with the older and less commonly used tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such amitriptyline or imipramine, can tirgger side effects. The pharmacist, with 17 years experience, explained: 'TCAs are broken down by the liver enzyme CYP1A2, which also metabolises caffeine. 'The competition between the two can slow drug breakdown, increasing side-effects, or delay caffeine clearance, making you feel jittery or wired longer than usual.' The problematic ingredient in coffee, caffeine, can also be found in a cup of tea, a can of Coca Cola, and even in green tea. The pharmacist added: 'Everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Some people feel fine after three cups, while others get side-effects after just one. 'Pay attention to how your body responds and talk to your pharmacist or GP if anything feels off. 'If you're ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor. 'A short conversation might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness, and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.'
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pharmacist warns of dangers of mixing hay fever pills with common medication
As the weather gets warmer, a pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be putting their health at risk by combing hay fever tablets with certain every day medicines A pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be unknowingly risking their health by combining hay fever tablets with everyday medications. Peter Thnoia, SuperIntendent Pharmacist at PillTime, is encouraging people to double-check medication ingredients as sales of allergy remedies surge with the arrival of warmer weather. He warns those taking sleeping tablets or tranquillisers, such as diazepam or zopiclone, that they face an increased risk of developing breathing difficulties when these drugs are combined with certain allergy treatments. "Hay fever is hitting the country hard, but taking these sedating-style tablets is a no-go if you're already taking medication to help you get to sleep", warns Peter. "Not only will they both combine to sedate you, but it can impact breathing, and make you short of breath. It can also lead to dizziness and in extreme cases people could even fall unconscious." The concern revolves around first-generation antihistamines – the older type of hay fever medication commonly sold under brand names such as Piriton and Benadryl. However, Peter suggests that safer alternatives are available. Non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are widely accessible and generally safe to take alongside sleep aids or tranquillisers. "These are becoming increasingly common on shelves and are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, so shouldn't cause the same sedative effects", he adds. Peter also warns that it's not just sleeping tablets that can create a harmful combination. Certain antidepressants, when mixed with drowsy hay fever tablets, can lead to sedation issues – and in the most severe cases can cause heart rhythm problems if taken over an extended period of time. He explains: "Tricyclic antidepressants – or TCAs, as they're known – are like sleeping tablets in that they're a powerful sedative, so anyone who takes them and then takes a drowsy hay fever tablet runs the risk of developing serious side effects. "Both medications are anticholinergic too, so taking both means people could start to see other issues, like dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation." Even SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants - such as sertraline - may carry similar risks, particularly when combined with older-generation antihistamines." Peter added: "SSRIs are some of the most common antidepressants prescribed, so many people are surprised to see that they can react badly when combined with everyday tablets to tackle allergies. "Each drug under the SSRI umbrella will have a sliding scale of side effects when it comes to drowsiness, but each one will have sedative properties, which is why it's recommended that you go for a non-drowsy medication when suffering from hay fever." Peter also warns against mixing one particular substance with antihistamines that isn't a medicine but can have a dangerously similar effect. He said: " Alcohol significantly amplifies the sedative effect of first-generation hay fever tablets, which can result in severe impairment and lead to unconsciousness or serious accidents. "Even non-drowsy antihistamines can occasionally react with alcohol, depending on individual sensitivity, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're thinking of allergy medication."
