This month we focused on two common medicines you’ll hear about at the clinic or pharmacy: Plendil (felodipine) for high blood pressure and Ativan (lorazepam) for anxiety and sleep issues. Both guides stick to plain language, real-world tips, and safety steps you can act on right away.
Our Plendil article explains how felodipine works as a calcium channel blocker to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. You’ll get a clear list of common effects like dizziness, flushing, and ankle swelling, plus warning signs that need a doctor call (sudden fainting, very low blood pressure, or severe swelling).
Practical safety tips we cover: take your dose the same time each day, tell your clinician about all other medicines and supplements, and avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it can raise felodipine levels. If you notice lightheadedness when standing up, check your blood pressure and ask your provider about dose changes. We also explain why regular monitoring matters and when to seek urgent care.
The Ativan guide breaks down what lorazepam treats (short-term anxiety relief, insomnia, some seizure situations) and what to expect when you start it. Side effects include drowsiness, slowed thinking, and balance problems — so don’t drive or use heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. We emphasize short-term use and safe tapering because benzodiazepines can cause dependence if used long-term.
Key safety actions: avoid drinking alcohol while taking Ativan, don’t mix it with opioids, and talk to your prescriber before stopping suddenly. The article shares real-life tips from patients about planning a taper with a doctor, managing sleep without long-term benzodiazepines, and using non-drug strategies for anxiety alongside medication.
Quick takeaways from both posts: keep an updated medication list, check interactions (grapefruit for felodipine; alcohol and opioids for lorazepam), report new or severe side effects right away, and follow your prescriber's plan when starting or stopping either drug. If you’re older or have other health problems, ask for closer monitoring.
Want the full details? Read each guide for dosing notes, side-effect timelines, and patient examples: Plendil: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety Tips for Felodipine Users and Ativan: Uses, Side Effects, and Safe Practices for Managing Anxiety. Both articles are written to help you ask the right questions at your next appointment and make safer choices with your medicines.
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