Ambien, a widely prescribed medication for insomnia, has long been hailed for its efficacy in promoting sleep.[1] However, alongside its utility as a sleeping aid, Ambien also carries the potential for misuse and subsequent withdrawal if used improperly or in the long term. The drug’s sedative properties, while beneficial when used as directed, can also lead to dependence and habit formation,…
A gateway drug is defined as a substance that may potentially lead to the use of more addictive or dangerous substances. These gateway drugs are often legal. This makes them more accessible and often makes people perceive them as less harmful than illegal, illicit drugs. Not everyone who uses a gateway drug will progress to using harder substances, as individual responses…
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking the production of specific bodily chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter, which means you don’t need a prescription to purchase it. Some brand names include Advil and Motrin. It comes in multiple forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. The…
ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages, children, adolescents, and adults. Those with ADHD often struggle with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This can interfere with daily life and relationships. There are three types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Symptoms include difficulty focusing, organizing, and following through on tasks….
Vivitrol side effects can range from mild and manageable to serious and life-threatening. Common side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, and headache, while more serious side effects can include pneumonia, liver problems, and injection side reactions. You should be aware of the potential side effects of Vivitrol so you can weigh the risks and benefits of taking it for yourself. If…
Clonidine is a prescription medication that’s used to treat high blood pressure. It’s also used in opioid addiction treatment to alleviate some withdrawal symptoms. Clonidine is not a controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse or addiction, but it can be abused in conjunction with other drugs. Learn more about clonidine regulation, uses, and precautions, particularly as a medication…
NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat symptoms of flu, colds, and other respiratory illnesses, including congestion, sneezing, and coughing. NyQuil has several active ingredients with different durations, typically lasting up to 6 hours.[1] Learn more about NyQuil, how long its effects last, and how to use it safely. What Is NyQuil? NyQuil is the brand name for an…
15mg Meloxicam Equals How Much Ibuprofen? The doses for Meloxicam vary widely from the doses for ibuprofen (both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), which are not directly interchangeable. However, in most cases, Meloxicam should be taken once daily, whereas ibuprofen can be administered every few hours, depending on the dose. Drug Facts for Meloxicam and Ibuprofen While both drugs are nonsteroidal,…
Is Alprazolam A Controlled Substance? Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is most often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.[1] It is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system and produce a calming effect. How Alprazolam Works Alprazolam works by enhancing the effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. This reduces excessive brain…
NyQuil is a non-prescription medication primarily used to relieve common cold and flu symptoms. It reduces symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, or body aches.[1] There are various formulations of NyQuil, such as ‘NyQuil Severe,’ ‘NyQuil Cough,’ and ‘NyQuil Cold & Flu.’ However, the most common ingredients of NyQuil include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr (DXM), and doxylamine succinate. These drugs help relieve fevers…
The definition of a drug is flexible depending on the use and the context. From a broad perspective, a drug can be considered as any substance that can change your body and brain functions. Put another way, anything that interacts with your body’s biochemistry and, as a result, alters your mood, perceptions, and behavior can be considered a drug. Drugs are…
Does Hydrocodone Make You Sleepy? One of hydrocodone’s side effects is that it causes you to feel sleepy and drowsy. However, it negatively impacts your sleep quality by disrupting your sleep architecture. This can have the negative side effect of making your pain feel worse. Unfortunately, for some, this results in an increase in the dosage of hydrocodone, which further exacerbates…
Codeine and hydrocodone are both opioids that are commonly prescribed for pain. They have many similarities, including side effects and risks, but hydrocodone is stronger. While they can be effective for treating pain, both codeine and hydrocodone have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Learn more about the similarities and differences between codeine and hydrocodone, their side effects and risks,…
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a hallucinogenic substance with mind-altering effects and a high potential for abuse and addiction. This potent drug was initially intended for use as an anesthetic but was pulled from medical applications due to the severity of its effects. Some effects of PCP include euphoria, hallucinations, irritability, disorientation, memory loss, detachment, and more. PCP Drug Facts PCP (phencyclidine) was…
Both meloxicam and ibuprofen are NSAID medications. As a classification, these can lead to gastrointestinal issues, and it is not recommended to mix two drugs of the same type at the same time. NSAID Medications: How do they work? Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a classification of drugs used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme…
Concerta and Ritalin are two brand-name versions of the prescription medication methylphenidate hydrochloride. Other than some differences in how these drugs are formulated and prescribed, the primary difference is how long the effects last. Find out the similarities and differences between Concerta and Ritalin, how they work, their side effects, and how to determine which is right for you or a…
The drug formerly known as Accutane was the brand name for the generic medication isotretinoin, which is administered as a treatment for persistent, treatment-resistant acne. Due to the dual risk of liver toxicity, mixing accutane and alcohol can be harmful and is not recommended. Alcohol Facts: Effects, Health Risks, and Dangers Drinking alcohol is typically a socially acceptable vice when consumed…
Ativan, a brand-name benzodiazepine prescription medication, has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms.[1] Ativan also carries a risk profile much like other benzodiazepines—namely, the risk of dependency and misuse. Ativan can pose challenges if used for longer durations than intended or if subjected to misuse. What is Ativan? Ativan, known by its generic name lorazepam, is a widely…
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that causes an intense but brief high. People who use cocaine tend to use it regularly to achieve that high, quickly leading to dependency. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which covers substance use, mental health, and treatment, approximately 4.8 million…
A good friend of The Last Resort, Father Bill, was asked to bring the Invocation for the 3nd Annual Big Texas Rally for Recovery on the steps of the Texas Capitol Building this weekend. If you were unable to make it to the rally this weekend, please read Father Bill’s full invocation below.Hi Everybody! My name is Bill – and I’ve…
Austin, Texas – The Texas Department of State Health Service announced the full licensing of 35 specialized alcohol and drug treatment beds for a nationally recognized, state of the art facility located outside of Austin. The Last Resort specializes in treatment services for men recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions. The new licensing supports Intensive and Supportive Residential Treatment as…