Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It works by stopping the neurotransmitters from being returning into the firing neuron, thereby prolonging the effect of the neurotransmitters. The effect of venlafaxine on the neurotransmitter noradrenalin can make people who have high blood pressure at risk for higher blood pressure due to the medication.

Venlafaxine dosage starts at 37.5 mg of the sustained release product once daily, and is increased to 75mg daily after a week to reduce the incidence of venlafaxine side effects if started more quickly. Venlafaxine can be increased to 375 mg daily as a maximum dose depending on the patient’s response. Venlafaxine dosage is different when used off- label, it is usually lower than the recommended dosages used for depression and anxiety disorders. Doctors may prescribe venlafaxine as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy and hot flashes in post menopausal women, although the efficacy in these indications is not well documented. Potential Venlafaxine side effects such as weight loss, headache and tremor are fairly common. Venlafaxine extended release products should not be chewed or crushed.

Norvasc dosage is often begun at 5 mg. once daily, although sometimes a lower Norvasc dosage of 2.5 mg once daily is used. The maximum Norvasc dosage is 10mg daily. For people who have liver problems Norvasc dosage has to be adjusted and reduced to prevent adverse affects. Norvasc is also available in a combination product called Caduet™ with atorvastatin in patients who require both Norvasc and a statin in order to only have to take a single pill daily. In these cases the Norvasc dosage as well as the atorvastatin dosage is selected by the prescribing physician.

Potential side effects of Norvasc include swelling and general feeling of tiredness. While some patients may experience headaches and flushing; rarely muscle cramps and constipation occurs as a side effect. Other side effects include frequent urination, increased heart rate. When a severe rash occurs it is important to consult a doctor to see if the rash might be Stevens- Johnson syndrome, a more serious allergic type of rash.

Prednisolone dosage varies with each condition: for reducing the inflammation process in people suffering from croup or asthma, a high dose for three to five days is indicated. For people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions prednisolone dosage is used at the lowest effective dosage, with higher prednisolone dosage usually used initially and downward adjustments used according to the patients response and the severity of the condition. Prednisolone is recommended to be taken in the morning to mimic the body’s natural corticosteroid producing time, but divided doses can be prescribed to ease the side effects experienced if needed.

Side effects of prednisolone are usually related to the dose and duration of treatment. As corticosteroids affect gene expression, it takes about three days before an effect can be seen. People who are on long term prednisolone generally experience swelling, weight gain, suppression of the body’s own natural ability to produce cortisol, and sometimes high blood sugar level and increased infections.

Adrenal suppression is expected when a long term treatment is needed; this is due to the body not needing to produce any natural corticosteroid as high doses are being introduced into the body. This leads to atrophy of the adrenal cortex. Therefore a slow tapering of prednisolone dose is needed before ceasing the medication completely for the adrenal gland to start producing corticosteroids.

Lomotil dosage for diarrhea is usually 2 tablets of the 2.5/0.025 mg lomotil dosage up to four times a day when needed. Some patients with a colostomy or ileostomy use this medication at a lower Lomotil dosage, typically just 2 tablets once daily. Lomotil is not recommended for pregnant women, and it is not for children. Children who have diarrhea might be suffering from a rotavirus or other conditions, using anti-diarrheal may prevent the expulsion of the virus and prolong the illness.

Medications to treat diarrhea are not recommended for children to use, children usually have acute symptoms and they generally resolve after the acute illness has resolved. Children suffer from diarrhea should be constantly rehydrated using oral electrolyte solution, and they may require medical attention if the diarrhea persist for more than a few days or if they develop signs of significant dehydration such as markedly reduced urine output, lethargy and dry mouth. Adults should rehydrate themselves when having diarrhea also, as dehydration may cause electrolyte disturbances, which may lead to problems such as acute renal dysfunction, hypotension, and even cardiac arrhythmias.

Dulcolax dosage in tablet form is usually 5mg to 15mg, taken at night or before bed to stimulate a bowel movement the next morning. The tablet takes about six to twelve hours to work and it is generally used to manage constipation or as a bowel preparation medication for colonoscopy. Usually more potent osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate are preferred for bowel preparation for procedures and surgery.

Dulcolax dosage in suppository form is 10mg when required, and in children less than three years of age is a 5mg suppository. The suppository takes about sixty minute to have an effect in most people, so is considered a rapid acting laxative. The rectal route might seem undesirable at first thought but it is quicker and more effective in promoting bowel movement when required.

Constipation can be caused by many reasons such as lack of fiber and fluid in the diet, stress and medications such as opioid analgesics. For prolonged constipation you should consult your physician to avoid masking a more serious cause of constipation like colon cancer or partial bowel obstruction.

Dulcolax dosage, either orally or rectally, is also used in people who suffer from bulimia to lose weight, and should always be considered in these patients.  It is also often overused by patients with chronic constipation or by the elderly who has trouble going regularly. It is important to remember that constant use of Dulcolax may cause lazy bowel syndrome, where the bowel becomes reliant to the medication for a normal bowel movement. This in the most extreme cases can lead to toxic megacolon, requiring surgical removal of the colon and an ileostomy.