Worst Pills, Best Pills

An expert, independent second opinion on more than 1,800 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements

levodopa (DHIVY, LARODOPA)


DISEASE AND DRUG FAMILY INFORMATION

Search results below include Disease and Drug Family Information where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Antipsychotic Drugs: Dangerously Overused
Antipsychotic drugs, also called neuroleptic drugs or major tranquilizers, are properly and successfully used to treat serious psychotic mental disorders, the most common of which is schizophrenia. In younger adults, an alarming number of those with schizophrenia who could and often have previously benefited from antipsychotic drugs are not receiving them. They are seen, among other places, on the streets and in homeless shelters. In older adults, the problem is not underuse but, rather, gross overuse by people who are not psychotic.
Depression: When are Drugs Called For And Which Ones Should You Use?
Ironically, one of the kinds of depression that should not be treated with drugs is depression caused by other kinds of drugs. If someone is depressed and the depression started after beginning a new drug, it may well be drug-caused. Commonly used drugs known to cause depression include the following:

DRUG AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PROFILES

A comprehensive review of the safety and effectiveness of this drug. If the drug is not a Do Not Use product, information on adverse effects, drug interactions and how to use the medication are included.
Search results below include Drug and Dietary Supplement Profiles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

ziprasidone (GEODON, ZELDOX)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it is no more effective than older drugs for schizophrenia and causes irregular heartbeat.

WORST PILLS, BEST PILLS NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Search results below include Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Articles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

An Update on Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
October 2019
Next to Parkinson’s disease, drug-induced parkinsonism is the second most common cause of parkinsonism, accounting for about 8-12% of all parkinsonism cases. Find out which commonly used drugs can cause this condition.
Drug for Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome May Increase Heart Failure Risk
February 2013
MIRAPEX (pramipexole) is a drug frequently used for restless leg syndrome, for which there are other safer, effective nondrug treatments, as discussed in the article. It also is used for Parkinson's disease. A recent review has found that this drug can increase the risk of heart failure. Find out how to recognize early symptoms of heart failure.
Drugmaker Removes Parkinson's Disease Medication from the Market; Drug Linked to Heart Valve Damage
June 2007
On March 29, 2007, the Parkinson’s disease drug pergolide (PERMAX) was withdrawn from the market. This follows the publication of two studies which show an increased risk of heart valve damage in patients taking pergolide compared to those not taking the drug. You should contact your health care professional immediately if you are taking pergolide to discuss other treatments. Do not discontinue taking pergolide abruptly. The dosage of the drug must be gradually decreased.
The Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Adverse Drug Reaction — Fluoxetine (PROZAC), Escitalopram (LEXAPRO), Sibutramine (MERIDIA) And Other Drugs
September 2003
Canadian drug regulatory authorities reviewed reported cases of serotonin syndrome in the July 2003 issue of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter. The serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction involving an excess of serotonin, a naturally occurring nerve transmitter.