Vistaril

Generic Name: hydroxyzine (hye DROX ee zeen)

Brand Names: Vistaril

What is Vistaril?

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Vistaril reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and runny nose, or hives on the skin.

Vistaril is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Vistaril may also be used to control nausea and vomiting.

Vicodin

Generic Name: acetaminophen and hydrocodone (a SEET a MIN oh fen and hye droe KOE done)

Brand Names: Anexsia, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Zydone

What is Vicodin?

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Vicodin is a tablet containing a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.

Vicodin is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Vicodin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Ultram

Generic Name: tramadol (TRAM a dol)

Brand names: Rybix ODT, Ryzolt, Ultram, Ultram ER

What is Ultram?

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Ultram (tramadol) is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Ultram may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Ultram

You should not take Ultram if you are allergic to tramadol, if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if you have ever attempted suicide. Do not take Ultram while you are intoxicated (drunk) or taking any of the following: alcohol or street drugs, narcotic pain medicine, sedatives or tranquilizers, or medicine for depression, anxiety, or mental illness.

Tylenol

Generic Name: acetaminophen (a SEET a MIN oh fen)

Brand Names: Tylenol

What is Tylenol?

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Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Tylenol is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

Tylenol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Tylenol

An overdose of Tylenol can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more can damage your liver. Ask a doctor before taking Tylenol if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

The New Yorker; Don't Believe All You Read

Columnist Jerome Groopman is an MD who writes about health issues for the New Yorker. He is a good writer and comes across as a caring physician - and if you value your mental health you will not read him.

Each time he appears he writes in the persona of the concerned practitioner. Yet the arc of his narrative is always the same. Open - to dramatic scene of suffering (tug at heart strings); Cut to concerned doctor, and how he got started; Intercut episodes of concerned doctor, patient, patient's nearest and dearest, other doctors. The narrative comes to a close as puzzled, but good-guy doctor makes progress, but does not achieve total cure.

That April Fresh Fabric Softener Could Be Hiding a Toxic Surprise

Yesterday I happened to catch a commercial for a popular fabric softener that actually brags that you can still smell its “fresh scent” a full week after laundry day. Last year this same fabric softener was touting the fact that it contains twice as many softening ingredients as the leading value brand. It’s interesting that the maker of this fabric softener advertises abundant softeners and lingering scents to the American consumer as if they are good things. In reality, many common fabric softener ingredients expose the body to harmful chemicals. And the powerful, won’t-go-away synthetic fragrances are there to cover up the nasty smell created by all those chemical softeners.