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Scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity that is diagnosed in about 3% of the American population. We often focus on the physical side effects and overlook the psychological side effects of scoliosis. It can greatly impact the quality of a person’s life in varying degrees both physically and emotionally. 

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome are two different types of drug-induced conditions that are not commonly encountered in medical practice. Though they are rare, they both can become life-threatening conditions that require clinical attention. Is there a difference between NMS vs serotonin syndrome? They are both conditions caused by drug use but result in differing adverse reactions to the body.

Can you overdose on a benzodiazepine? Yes. But it is not a common occurrence. How do you treat a benzos overdose? Flumazenil is a benzos antagonist that is typically used to counteract the effect of benzos and is often administered during a benzos overdose emergency. A typical flumazenil dose administered to treat a benzos overdose is 0.2mg of an intravenous injection over a period of about 30 seconds. The dosage of medication can also be dependent on many varying factors.

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition often referred to simply as depression. When diagnosed with depression, medications such as SNRIs and SSRIs are known antidepressants that can help treat symptoms of the condition. One brand of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is called Pristiq. Similar to other antidepressant medications, users of Pristiq can develop withdrawal symptoms. Even when taken as per the recommendation of a health care provider, antidepressants like Pristiq can cause withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped or there is a sudden change in dosage.

Psilocybin mushrooms are psychedelic compound mushrooms, which are also referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms. It is a recreational drug commonly used to induce hallucinogenic effects. When shrooms are ingested, they metabolize in the liver quickly causing rapid onset of psychoactive effects. The effects kick in fairly quickly after initial ingestion. The impacts of shrooms can last anywhere between 3-6 hours. Shrooms are one of the drugs that are not commonly tested in drug testing panels. In the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most commonly detected compound in the five screening panel test is amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates and PCP. Psilocybin mushrooms are most often used recreationally and though rare, it can lead to tolerance and addiction. 

Methaqualone is a sedative hypnotic drug historically used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. The synthetic barbiturate is an anxiolytic prescription medication that leads to drowsiness and sedation. It was first introduced as a safe method to help induce sleep, but later recognized as a highly addictive substance that could result in withdrawal. Today in most countries methaqualone is no longer in use. It has no accepted medical use and is illegal to process, manufacture and distribute. It is a very rare substance now, but can occasionally be found and confiscated coming across the boarder where it may still be legal in other countries. One of the most popular street names for methaqualone is called Disco Biscuits.

The sentiment that Topamax ruined my life is echoed throughout many who have used the medication. This is often due to the negative side effects users have experienced while on the medication. Topamax is an FDA approved anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures and other conditions associated with seizures. Some have been prescribed the drug to help treat epilepsy with partial onset seizures, generalized tonic clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. It is prescribed to also help prevent migraine headaches in adults. It works to help prevent migraines or reduce the number of migraine attacks.

Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic hallucinogen found in a species of cacti called Peyote. It is a rare type of cactus native to South America in Peru and some parts of North America in Mexico and Texas. Mescaline has been used for hundreds of years among native and indigenous peoples as a part of religious ceremonies dating back to the Aztec population. Today, mescaline is labeled as a Schedule I controlled substance and is considered illegal with no medical benefits. However, there are exceptions for when it is used by indigenous people for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The use of cannabis has been up for debate for years. Some are advocates of medical use, while others believe it is purely a drug with dangerous intentions. Today, there are varying levels of policies regarding cannabis use spread over a few states that have legalized the substance. The two most commonly used cannabinoids include CBD and THC. CBD is known to produce calming effects. THC is known to produce psychoactive and euphoric effects. Delta 8 THC is a specific cannabis compound that has been on the radar for cannabis users due to its growing popularity. Delta 8 THC is a compound created by applying chemicals to hemp CBD, which ultimately changes the structure of CBD into Delta 8 THC.

Cymbalta is a commonly prescribed medication for treating conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic neuropathy, chronic musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia. In 2004, the FDA approved the drug to treat such conditions and other types of nerve pain. It falls under the drug classification of a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Antidepressant drugs such as Cymbalta are commonly prescribed in the US. Despite its effectiveness when used per the recommendation of a health care provider, misuse and abuse of the drug can occur, leading to the development of an addiction. In fact, some users believe the medication had a negative impact on their condition and claimed “Cymbalta ruined my life.”