The hottest Medications Substack posts right now

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Anti-depressants: The trials last 8 weeks; People take them for 8+ years

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 85 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Psychiatry
  1. People often take anti-depressants for many years, even decades, but they were only studied for about 8 weeks in trials.
  2. There isn't clear evidence that taking these medications long-term is better than not starting them at all, which raises concerns about their effectiveness.
  3. We need longer and better studies to truly understand the benefits and downsides of anti-depressants, including how they impact things like sexual health.

The first RCT for GLP-1 drugs and alcoholism isn't what we hoped

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1109 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Addiction Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Research
  1. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide help with diabetes and obesity, but new research shows they might not be effective for alcohol addiction as previously thought. The first clinical trial results were disappointing.
  2. The trial had only 48 participants and mixed results, with no clear evidence that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption. Some data suggested it might help in a lab setting, but overall findings were weak.
  3. Despite the poor results, there are still many personal stories claiming these drugs help with addiction. More research is needed, as the search for effective treatments for addiction continues.

The Most Important Word in The Democratic Party Platform for Health care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Medications Affordability Public Health
  1. The Democratic Party wants to expand healthcare benefits so that everyone can afford their medications, even those without insurance.
  2. Many people have gaps in their health coverage, which can be dangerous if they rely on medications like insulin.
  3. Including everyone in cost caps for medications can help prevent medical debt and save lives by ensuring people have access to necessary treatments.

Vague Recriminations Can't Fix American Mental Healthcare

Freddie deBoer • 11540 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Healthcare system Treatment Advocacy Medications
  1. The American mental healthcare system needs more than vague criticisms to be fixed.
  2. Expanding access to mental healthcare requires understanding and addressing the existing stigma and challenges within the system.
  3. Advocacy for mental healthcare should focus on realistic goals and solutions, rather than relying on vague critiques and unfounded assumptions.

Are You Getting Enough Rest?

Are You Okay? • 1477 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Sleep Physical activity Mental health Medical conditions Medications
  1. Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, impacting both body and mind.
  2. Creating a conducive sleep environment involves addressing factors like light, noise, and temperature.
  3. Behavioral adjustments, such as avoiding caffeine late in the day and establishing a bedtime routine, can significantly improve sleep quality.
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Friday Q&A: alcohol and gut health; new COVID guidelines; anxiety about medications; & teens with eating issues

Are You Okay? • 519 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Gut Health Medications Immune System
  1. Alcohol is likely not good for our gut health and microbiome, which impacts various aspects of our health including immune system.
  2. New COVID guidelines have evolved, suggesting reduced isolation periods, which raises questions and concerns about effective safety measures.
  3. It's important to rethink alcohol consumption for better sleep, mood, weight control, and overall gut health, as excessive drinking can impact many health factors.

Benzos (benzodiazepines) Are Associated With Death By Suicide.

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 255 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Medications Suicide Research Treatment
  1. Benzodiazepines like Ativan and Xanax are linked to higher risk of suicide, even in individuals without prior psychiatric history.
  2. Studies have consistently shown an increased risk of suicide with benzodiazepine exposure.
  3. Alternative treatments to benzodiazepines are needed for anxiety to prevent the heightened suicide risk associated with these medications.

SXSW Final: Daniel Johnston had a Psychotic Illness, And Lived His Dreams

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 157 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychiatry Medications Humanity Treatment
  1. Daniel Johnston was a prolific songwriter and artist despite battling with a psychotic illness.
  2. His story highlights the complexities of living with mental illness and the impact of psychiatric treatments.
  3. Acceptance, understanding, and balancing the benefits and risks of treatments are crucial in mental health care.

Friday Q&A: Help with Infertility; When to Freeze Eggs; Anxiety about So Many Pills; & Finding a Therapist

Are You Okay? • 119 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Medications
  1. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a certain period, depending on age. Seeking medical help early if concerned about fertility is recommended.
  2. Factors like irregular periods, reproductive health history, lifestyle choices, and male infertility can indicate when to seek medical help for fertility issues.
  3. For women considering egg freezing, age and personal circumstances play a significant role in determining the right time to proceed.

Why you should avoid Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medications Weight Loss Chronic Conditions Health Risks Nutrition
  1. Many people talk about how effective drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are for weight loss, but there are serious risks that aren't always mentioned.
  2. Two of the hidden risks linked to these drugs can be life-threatening, so it's important to be fully informed before considering them.
  3. There's an alternative approach to weight loss that's much simpler and doesn't carry the same risks, which might be worth exploring instead of these medications.

The Doctor's Heart Cure

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 09
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Exercise Heart Disease Medications Lifestyle
  1. The Doctor's Heart Cure offers insights into what truly causes heart disease, including factors like elevated homocysteine and deficiencies in CoQ10, providing a proactive approach to heart health.
  2. America's reliance on reactive medicine highlights a lack of understanding about heart disease causes, often leading to unnecessary drugs and their side effects.
  3. Dr. Sears recommends a unique heart-healthy diet emphasizing high-quality red meat, fish, and poultry, and advocates for interval training over conventional endurance exercises for improved heart health.