Is it better to take micardis or micardis HCT?

The only difference between Micardis and Micardis HCT is that the latter is a combination drug, comtaining both Micardis and Hydrochlorothiazide (otherwise known as HCT or HCTZ). HCT is a diuretic.

The only reason you would need to take Micardis HCT would be if you are already taking HCTZ, and it just cuts taking two pills down into one.

Could the medication Topamax be enough to treat bipolar disorder by itself?

In fact, an individual with bipolar disorder who is on the verge of a manic episode can be "bumped-up" into full-blown mania if an antidepressant is taken. Topamax being "enough" to treat bipolar disorder, in addition to it being traditionally used as an anti-seizure med it also has mood-stabilizing properties, as do many of the anticonvulsants (benzodiazepines excluded, as they work based on a different mechanism). The reason for this (and here's where I turn into a really big nerd) is that we are finally beginning to realize that the neurotransmitters have more than one function. For example, one neurotransmitter may play a role in mood, pain sensation, as well as proper electrical activity of the brain and muscles, so it follows that a medication that may be used to slow the electical impulses of the brain (and thus the signals to the rest of the body) as in the case of anti-epileptics may have the secondary effect of controlling mood, or at least making it more stable. (Another good example of this is the use of Neurontin or Lyrica to treat nerve pain associated with chonic pain or acute pain post-operatively.)

How long after taking Bactrim DS to get into a tanning bed.?

Bactrim DS is a drug that increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun, and as the intensity of a tanning bed is very high, you may want to give yourself a couple days to let it clear from your system.

Does Maxalt (rizatriptan benzoate) affect your weight?

Based on the compendium, rare side effect would be: appetite increase and anorexia. So you may rest easy , it does not happen that often.

How soon after taking 100mg of Lamictal can you drink alcohol?

Honestly, you should not drink when you're taking Lamictal. I'm pasting the warning that Mayo Clinic has on their website, which I've included the URL for.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. After you have taken this medicine for a while, this effect may lessen.

How Renvela Works

Taken with meals and snacks^1,2 as instructed by your healthcare provider, Renvela^® (sevelamer carbonate) soaks up and holds on to (or binds) the phosphorus found in the foods you eat. It then carries phosphorus out of the body through your digestive system. Unlike other phosphate binders, Renvela does not contain calcium or metal³, which can stay in your body. It is also not absorbed; therefore, it does not accumulate in your body. Renvela passes through your digestive tract without building up in your body.

How long will it take before my blurred vision goes away after stopping Cymbalta?

Stopping cold turkey was sort of an accident. We had a camping trip last weekend and I forgot to bring my cymbalta with me. I am glad I stopped though, from what I have read "weaning" is no different from stopping cold turkey and going off this drug after long term use is horrible. I'm just really concerned about my vision. I have a call into my doctor and am awaiting response.