Top 10 prescription drugs linked to violent and homicidal behavior (#1 may surprise you!)

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently published a study in the journal PLoS One naming these as the top 10…

10. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) An antidepressant which affects both serotonin and noradrenaline, this drug is 7.9 times more likely to be associated with violence than other drugs.

9. Venlafaxine (Effexor) A drug related to Pristiq in the same class of antidepressants, both are also used to treat anxiety disorders. Effexor is 8.3 times more likely than other drugs to be related to violent behavior.

8. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) An antidepressant that affects serotonin (SSRI), Luvox is 8.4 times more likely than other medications to be linked with violence

7. Triazolam (Halcion) A benzodiazepine which can be addictive, used to treat insomnia. Halcion is 8.7 times more likely to be linked with violence than other drugs, according to the study.

6) Atomoxetine (Strattera) Used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Strattera affects the neurotransmitter noradrenaline and is 9 times more likely to be linked with violence compared to the average medication.

5) Mefoquine (Lariam) A treatment for malaria, Lariam has long been linked with reports of bizarre behavior. It is 9.5 times more likely to be linked with violence than other drugs.

4) Amphetamines: (Various) Amphetamines are used to treat ADHD and affect the brain’s dopamine and noradrenaline systems. They are 9.6 times more likely to be linked to violence, compared to other drugs.

3) Paroxetine (Paxil) An SSRI antidepressant, Paxil is also linked with more severe withdrawal symptoms and a greater risk of birth defects compared to other medications in that class. It is 10.3 times more likely to be linked with violence compared to other drugs.

2) Fluoxetine (Prozac) The first well-known SSRI antidepressant, Prozac is 10.9 times more likely to be linked with violence in comparison with other medications.

1) Varenicline (Chantix) The anti-smoking medication Chantix affects the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which helps reduce craving for smoking. Unfortunately, it’s 18 times more likely to be linked with violence compared to other drugs — by comparison, that number for Xyban is 3.9 and just 1.9 for nicotine replacement.

Lisa Benest, MD

Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA.  She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products.  To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse.

Lisa Benest M.D.

1624 W. Olive #B

Burbank, CA

818-729-9149

www.lisabenestmd.com

REPELLING INSECTS SAFELY AND NATURALLY

by Lisa Benest MD

Insects don’t only cause those itchy, unrelenting bites, but they are also responsible for transmitting disease, such as malaria, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and West Nile virus.  Even the bubonic plague is transmitted by rat fleas, and not the rats themselves.  Many nations, over the centuries, have sought a solution for repelling insects.  The Indian Army used oils of citronella, camphor and paraffin as repellents.  These agents had limited efficacy and so better solutions were sought.  In 1953 N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET, was discovered.  As reports of insect borne disease increase, so does the use of DEET, and with it comes an increase in reports of adverse effects.

DEET does not kill insects, but confuses their sense of smell, so that they cannot detect the carbon dioxide emitted from our breath when we exhale.  Insects use the scent of carbon dioxide to find their next meal.  DEET does not need to be applied to the skin.  To fend off those buzzy predators, it is best to wear long sleeves and pants, whenever possible, and apply the DEET to the clothing, to minimize exposure to this neurotoxic chemical.  DEET is particularly harmful to infants and children, where it has been known to cause headaches, slurred speech, tremors and seizures.  DEET inhibits the activity of a key central nervous system enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, in both insects and mammals (humans).  The possibility of these side effects is greatly increased with routine and prolonged application of DEET.  The most common exposure to DEET is via the skin, but it is also absorbed through the gut.

There are a number of effective, less toxic insect repellents on the market.  They primarily use essential oils and are less effective than DEET, and so have to be applied more often.  You can also make your own repellent, a recipe is provided below.

To make your outdoors less hospitable to mosquitoes, you can use a yellow light bulb, which does not attract flying critters.  Also, use a fan to blow the air, as mosquitoes are not strong flyers.  Add insect repelling plants such as lemon balm, citronella, catnip, marigolds, basil and lemon geraniums to your yard.  You can encourage mosquito predators, such as dragonflies, which can be purchased through the mail.

And if you do get bit, try the homeopathic pellets Apis Mellifica under the tongue to reduce the symptoms of welting and itching.

Homemade Insect Repellent Recipe:

Mix 10-25 drops of essential oils, such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon, rose geranium, lavender, peppermint, with either 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as olive oil) or alcohol (vodka is best).  Rub or spray onto skin or clothing.  Some people are sensitive to certain essential oils, so you will have to experiment with what works best.  Keep in a dark glass jar, away from light and heat.