Nov 9th, 2008 · A new research study finds that many people who have no signs of heart disease should be taking statin drugs, which lower cholesterol and may have other benefits. Prescribing a generic version could save patients — and insurance companies — millions of dollars.
Aug 27th, 2008 · Painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs are being prescribed to out-patients in high doses, without the oversight of a doctor. A new study found that in the last 20 years there has been a 500 percent increase in the death rate from medication errors made at home.
Jul 10th, 2008 · The Food and Drug Administration is considering beefing up its warnings about the relationship between epilepsy drugs and suicide. Its staffers have analyzed 199 studies and found that the drugs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions by 80 percent. It has asked an advisory committee for help in considering what to do about the drugs, which are vital in fighting epilepsy but are prescribed for other uses as well.
Apr 24th, 2008 · Antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed drugs for teenagers. Taken over many years, do they have an effect on emotional development? Drs. Richard Friedman and Norman Rosenthal discuss the physical and psychological effects of taking antidepressants long-term.
Apr 23rd, 2008 · Charles Barber worked for years in New York City shelters for mentally ill homeless people. He writes in his new book, Comfortably Numb, that Americans are over prescribed anti-depressants.
Mar 31st, 2008 · Canadian doctors are prescribing a new, powerful drug less often than their U.S. counterparts as they wait for evidence that it does more than just lower cholesterol.
Mar 31st, 2008 · Four cardiologists are telling doctors to stop prescribing two popular cholesterol drugs. They say the drugs might not work and recommend taking an older class of anti-cholesterol drugs.
Jan 15th, 2008 · This week, the makers of the drug Vytorin released a long-awaited study that raises questions about whether the drug has an impact in reducing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Stuart Seides has prescribed the drug to his patients selectively and says he will continue to do so despite the study.