Ramelteon - The ABCs of the Sleep Aid

Ramelteon is a drug that is prescribed to help people fall asleep faster. It typically causes only mild side effects.

Drunk + Buzzed = Danger

Lots of alcohol plus lots of caffeine equals danger, with possible results ranging from sexual assault to automobile crashes to alcohol-induced coma or even death.

Bird of Paradise: Is it Toxic?

The bird of paradise plant has stunning flowers. It is an ideal houseplant because it is low-maintenance and is considered minimally toxic to humans. A small, unintentional ingestion by a child can result in gastrointestinal effects including vomiting and diarrhea. Swallowing a larger piece can potentially lead to choking. This plant may be poisonous for animals.

Drugs for Dementia

A decline in cognitive function can occur with aging and, if it interferes with daily activities, it might be diagnosed as dementia. Several drugs can produce small improvements in dementia symptoms. Adverse effects of these drugs occur frequently, and evaluation in a healthcare facility is often necessary if a person takes too much.

Black Widow Spider Bites Can Be Dangerous

Black widow spider bites can be dangerous but fatal bites are rare. Black widow spider bites often are painful right away. After a bad bite, severe pain and muscle cramps can start in a couple of hours. Pain and muscle cramps can be treated. Antivenin is available but is needed only rarely.

What Happens If I Eat Castor Beans?

The castor bean is the seed of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It contains a highly toxic compound called ricin, which is released when the seed is crushed or chewed. Ricin prevents cells from making proteins, which are essential to life. Although castor oil is made from the same seeds, it does not contain ricin.

Grapefruit and Medicines: Can They Mix?

At least 85 drugs are known or thought to interact with grapefruit. Grapefruit products can cause those drugs to stay in your system much longer than usual. The effects are like a drug overdose. They can include dangerous heart rhythms, kidney damage, muscle damage, respiratory depression, and bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

Took Too Much Melatonin?

Melatonin occurs naturally in the body and is involved in the natural regulation of sleep. Melatonin is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to help people sleep. Like other dietary supplements, there are few studies that have examined its effectiveness. Toxicity from melatonin appears to be mild.

Fireworks Safety Tips

When used responsibly, fireworks are a fun way to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, serious injuries, poisonings, and fatalities can occur when they are mishandled, unintentionally swallowed, or when they malfunction. For this reason, it is extremely important to understand the risks and follow safety guidelines when handling them.

Are Benzonatate Capsules Poisonous?

Benzonatate is an anesthetic drug and cough suppressant. When benzonatate capsules are swallowed, the medication acts directly on the lungs to reduce coughing. Benzonatate is only approved for use in individuals 10 years of age and older. Younger children who take benzonatate may experience serious toxicity or even death.

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