19Apr 2019 by Vincent Summers 1 Comment

Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ: The Time-Tested, Inexpensive B.P. Medication

Chemistry, Medicine
Many think that “New is better.” In technology, such thinking often proves true. But is it always the case? No. Consider pharmacology. New drugs promise improved health, a better quality of life. Yet negative side effects, some not having had sufficient time to surface, may discourage a medication’s use, perhaps even warranting its removal from pharmacy shelves. In the United States, one of the most common health issues is hypertension – high blood pressure. So it’s no surprise many medicines have been formulated to fight this condition. Although many new drugs are now available, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) remains a “first choice” for the treatment of hypertension.1 Why so? Few medicines have such a generally excellent track record. HCTZ (or for short, HCT) has few side-effects.2 Hydrochlorothiazide is inexpensive; perhaps it is…
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24Jun 2015 by Vincent Summers No Comments

I Have Amnesia

Health
[caption id="attachment_13627" align="alignright" width="480"] Who am I?[/caption] Amnesia – the partial to complete loss of one’s memory of past events – is probably a more common event than people realize. Hollywood portrays amnesia as a loss of personal identity—who am I? where am I? what am I doing here? Really? Amnesia? I experienced amnesia of a strange form. It resulted from the use of a doctor prescribed medication. For two days, I unconsciously engaged in activity I learned of only later through the testimony of others. During the previous 48 hours, I had not slept at all. Up Close and Personal I do know how the episode began. I sat in a chair staring at the carpet. I saw small swirling shadows that turned into caterpillars moving about. The next…
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