Why is Toradol prescribed?

Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve moderately severe, acute pain. It is prescribed for a limited amount of time (no more than 5 days for adults and as a single dose for children), not for long-term therapy.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Toradol overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting

In rare cases, impaired breathing, kidney failure, high blood pressure, the victim may develop stomach bleeding, or coma. Severe allergic reactions are also possible.

Special warnings about Toradol

Remember that Toradol has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. It may cause liver inflammation or kidney problems in some people.

Toradol is not recommended for long-term use, since side effects increase over time. This medication should be taken for no more than 5 days.

If you are an older adult, use this drug cautiously.

Toradol can increase water retention. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use this drug with care.

This medication can prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, take Toradol with caution.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Your doctor will give you Toradol intravenously or intramuscularly to start, then have you switch to the tablets. Most patients take 2 tablets for the first dose (20 milligrams) and then 1 tablet (10 milligrams) every 4 to 6 hours. You should not take more than 40 milligrams per day and should not take Toradol for more than 5 days in all.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Toradol

If Toradol is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Toradol with the following:

ACE inhibitor drugs such as the blood pressure medications Vasotec and Capoten
Antidepressants such as Prozac
Antiepileptic drugs (Dilantin, Tegretol)
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Major tranquilizers such as Navane
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Probenecid
Tranquilizers such as Xanax
Water pills such as Lasix and Dyazide

Why is Strattera prescribed?

Strattera is used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition marked by either constant activity, a persistent inability to stay focused, or both. Medications such as Strattera should always be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures designed to remedy the problem.

Strattera is the first ADHD medication to avoid classification as a controlled substance (a drug with potential for abuse). It is thought to work by boosting levels of norepinephrine, one of the brain chemicals responsible for regulating activity. It is prescribed for children and adults.

Overdosage

There is limited information on Strattera overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Signs of a Strattera overdose may include:
  Abnormal behavior, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, dry mouth, dilated pupils, agitation, stomach problems

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Strattera.

• Side effects in children may include:
  Appetite loss, vomiting, stomach pain, skin inflammation, runny nose, nausea, mood swings, irritability, influenza, indigestion, headache, fatigue, ear infection, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, crying, cough, constipation, weight loss

• Side effects in adults may include:
  Abnormal dreams, urinary problems, tingling, sweating, sleep disorder, skin inflammation, sinusitis, prostate inflammation, palpitations, nausea, muscle pain, menstrual problems, gas, insomnia, indigestion, impotence, hot flushes, headache, fever, fatigue or sluggishness, erection problems, ejaculation disorders, dry mouth, dizziness, diminished sex drive, constipation, chills, appetite loss, abnormal orgasms, weight loss

Special warnings about Strattera

Strattera can speed up the heart and boost blood pressure. Use it with caution if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, a rapid heart rate, or any other circulation problem.

On the other hand, Strattera can also cause an attack of low blood pressure when you first stand up. Use it with caution if you have a condition, such as severe dehydration, that can cause low blood pressure.

Because Strattera sometimes causes sluggishness, be careful when operating machinery or driving until you know how the drug affects you.

Why should Strattera not be prescribed?

Do not take Strattera within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. The combination can cause severe--even fatal--reactions, including symptoms such as delirium, rapid changes in heart rate, rigid muscles, high fever, and coma.

You should also avoid Strattera if you have narrow angle glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), or if the drug causes an allergic reaction.