June 2023 - Medications & Supplements: What We Published

June brought a mix of practical guides and drug-focused pieces you can use right away. We covered serious infections, off-label drug research, common heart medication myths, treatments for chronic itching and pain, and a popular natural supplement. Each post aimed to give clear, useful info—not theory, but things you can act on or discuss with your doctor.

Headlines and quick takeaways

Amoeba infections: These can progress fast. If you have severe diarrhea, fever, or any strange neurological symptoms after travel or unsafe water exposure, seek care quickly. Simple prevention works: treat or avoid questionable water, wash hands, and be careful with raw produce when you travel.

Memantine for autism: Researchers are testing memantine (an Alzheimer’s drug) to see if it helps social and repetitive behaviors in autism. Early reports show possible benefits for some people, but evidence is limited. Don’t start memantine for autism on your own—talk to a specialist about risks, expected effects, and monitoring.

Atenolol myths busted: Atenolol is a beta-blocker often misunderstood. It’s not automatically dangerous for people with asthma—careful assessment matters—and it can be a reasonable option for some with high blood pressure. The key is matching the drug to the person and watching for side effects like fatigue or slow pulse.

Doxepin for itching: For long-term, hard-to-control itching, doxepin can help because of its strong antihistamine effects. It may also improve sleep disturbed by itching. Side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth, so start at a low dose and check interactions with other meds.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and chronic pain: B6 helps make neurotransmitters that influence pain signals and may reduce some inflammation. You can try food sources first—chickpeas, tuna, potatoes—or discuss supplements with your clinician. Avoid very high doses for long stretches without medical advice.

Buckwheat as a supplement: Buckwheat keeps showing up as a nutrient-dense, gluten-free option. It offers fiber, minerals, and antioxidants and fits well in meals as groats, flour, or noodles. Use it as part of a balanced diet rather than a single cure-all.

What to do next

If a topic here matches something you’re dealing with, jot down specific symptoms, current meds, and any allergies before you call your provider. Bring up the practical points mentioned: prevention steps for infections, realistic expectations for experimental uses like memantine, and common side effects for drugs like atenolol or doxepin. Small steps—food choices for B6, using buckwheat in recipes, or water safety when traveling—can make a big difference.

Want deeper info on any post? Check the individual articles for sources, dosing notes, and what to ask your doctor. These summaries are meant to help you spot what matters and take the right next step.