venlafaxine
INDICATION
A new class of antidepressant medications, unrelated to the tricyclic antidepressants, used in the treatment of depression.
SIDE EFFECTS
Anxiety, somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, abnormal ejaculation (male), impotence, headache, tremor, blurred vision, asthenia, sweating, nervousness, hypertension, and insomnia have been the most commonly reported. Changes in weight, appetite and allergic reactions have also been reported more infrequently. Other less common effects include infection, chills, chest pain, tachycardia, rash, constipation, abnormal dreams, paraesthesias, depression, urinary retention, twitching, change in taste, and
tinnitus.
INTERACTIONS and PRECAUTIONS
1. Use with caution and at a reduced dosage in those with, liver impairment.
2. Consider overall risk-benefit in those with hypertension.
3. Do not use with alcohol.
4. Do not use with Mao inhibitors--fatal interaction can result.
5. Potential for interaction with over-the-counter cold remedies, consult you physician before use.
6. Use with cimetidine could potentiate the effects of venlafaxine. A dosage reduction (venlafaxine) may be necessary in some individuals.
USUAL DOSE
Adults: oral, 75 mg per day in two to three dicided doses, taken with food. Presbycusis
Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss. This condition is noticed in about 30% adults over the age of 70 years. Aging results in changes in the inner ear or middle ear of a person. This can lead to gradual loss of hearing. Often the person is not even aware of the diminished hearing. Sometimes heart disease, ciculatory problems, diabetes or hypertension can cause changes in the blood supply to the ear. This may lead to mild or moderate loss of hearing. Heriditary factors and side-effects of medications can also bring about presbycusis.
A patient suffering from presbycusis will find it difficult to comprehend conversations clearly. Hearing loss is greater for high-pitched sounds. A person suffering from presbycusis may find it more difficult to hear a woman's voice. Some sounds may appear too loud and deafening. There may be tinnitus in one or both ears. A patient may be advised to use a hearing aid. The use of ear muffs or ear plugs can help in reducing further hearing loss.
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the skin lining of the ear canal. This condition typically happens when there is water in the ear due to showering or swimming. Otitis externa can also occur due to any object being put into the ear canal. Bacteria or fungi develop in the dark and warm ear canal. Otitis externa can be the result of over zealous cleaning of the ears. It can remove the protective wax layer. Conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis can also aggravate otitis externa. Otitis mediaoccurs when the infection is in the middle part of the ear.
A person affected by otitis externa will experience pain and itching in the ear. There might be a discharge from the ear and hearing might be reduced. There might be vertigo and tinnitus. There may be tenderness and redness around the ear. A doctor will examine the ear for any inflammation and discharge. The ear will be cleaned of any pus or discharge. Suctioning is used to cleanse the ear canal. The ear can can be swabbed to identify the organisms causing otitis externa.
The doctor may prescribe ear drops or a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. These medications can reduce inflammation and restore the ear to normal pH balance. Painkillers are prescribed to reduce the pain caused by otitis externa.
- Keep your ears dry
- Use swimming cap or hood while surfing or swimming
Bibliography / Reference
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