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levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl)

levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl)

What is levothyroxine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levothyroxine is a synthetic (man-made) version of the principle thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) that is made and released by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone […]

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Major depression: Existing drug reduces symptoms by 45 percent

Major depression: Existing drug reduces symptoms by 45 percent

For the first time in decades, researchers have identified a new medication that can successfully treat major depression. An existing oral drug may relieve major depression. Depression affects about 300 million people across the globe, making the condition the “leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In […]

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How to manage a polyester allergy

How to manage a polyester allergy

A person with a polyester allergy may experience irritation, redness, and other symptoms when their skin comes into direct contact with polyester. The best way to treat this allergy is to avoid all fabrics containing polyester. Learn more here.

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Depression: Three new subtypes identified

Depression: Three new subtypes identified

A new study now published in the journal Scientific Reports has identified three new subtypes of depression. The findings help explain why some types of depression do not respond well to medication. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers found three new subtypes of depression. According to recent estimates, depression affects over 300 million people worldwide, and […]

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Can cottonseed oil help lower your ‘bad’ cholesterol?

Can cottonseed oil help lower your ‘bad’ cholesterol?

High levels of cholesterol can be harmful, and they can increase a person’s risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke. A high-fat diet can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, but some researchers say that ingesting a specific type of oil may prevent this negative effect. A new study compares the effects […]

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Could the appendix trigger Parkinson’s?

Could the appendix trigger Parkinson’s?

A new study concludes that for some people, having had their appendix removed decades earlier reduced the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by almost 20 percent. The appendix is the barely visible, tail-like appendage to the bottom left of this diagram. Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. In […]

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Researchers may stop Parkinson’s by ‘cooling off’ brain

Researchers may stop Parkinson’s by ‘cooling off’ brain

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, has no cure. However, specialists are hard at work to remedy that situation. A new study conducted in mice suggests that one way to treat this condition may be by “cooling off” inflammation in the brain. By fighting brain inflammation, researchers stop Parkinson’s disease in mice. According to the […]

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Treatments for anxiety

Treatments for anxiety

Treating a person with anxiety depends on the nature of the anxiety disorder and individual preferences. Often, treatment will combine different types of therapy and medication. Alcohol dependence, depression, and other conditions can sometimes have such a strong link to anxiety in some people that treating an anxiety disorder must wait until an individual manages […]

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How does a doctor diagnose addiction?

How does a doctor diagnose addiction?

Addiction is a chronic condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. While the signs can be clear, diagnosis first relies on the person with an addiction or people close to them acknowledging and wanting to address the problem. The diagnosis of addiction caused controversy in previous editions of the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual for […]