Author: Jeff Lapierre

First-Generation Antihistamines: Why Severe Drowsiness and Anticholinergic Effects Matter

First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl cause severe drowsiness and anticholinergic side effects that can impair cognition, increase dementia risk, and affect daily function. Learn why they're risky - and what to use instead.

Clinical Outcomes Data: What Studies Reveal About Generic Medications for Providers

Clinical outcomes data confirms generic drugs are as effective and safe as brand-name medications. Providers should trust the evidence: generics save billions without compromising care.

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy: How It's Diagnosed and Treated with Sodium Oxybate

Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a rare neurological disorder causing uncontrollable sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness. Diagnosis requires sleep studies and CSF testing. Sodium oxybate is the only treatment proven to reduce both symptoms effectively.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Staying on a Brand Medication When Generics Are Pushed

Learn how to effectively talk to your doctor about staying on a brand-name medication when insurers push for generics. Get practical tips, communication strategies, and legal rights to protect your treatment.

Autoimmune Thyroid Eye Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Latest Treatments

Thyroid eye disease is a serious autoimmune condition causing bulging eyes, double vision, and pain. Learn the latest treatments, including Tepezza, surgery options, and why early action saves vision.

Annual Savings from FDA Generic Drug Approvals: Year-by-Year Breakdown

The FDA's annual generic drug approvals save billions each year, with 2022 alone generating $5.2 billion in savings. These savings translate to lower drug costs, better access, and reduced financial strain on patients and the healthcare system.

Panic Attack Action Plan: Breathing, Grounding, and Medication

Learn how to manage panic attacks with proven breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and safe medication use. A practical, science-backed plan to regain control during anxiety spikes.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: How Riluzole Slows Neurodegeneration and Extends Life

Riluzole is the first and still most widely used drug for ALS, offering a modest but meaningful extension of life by slowing motor neuron degeneration. Learn how it works, its real-world benefits, side effects, and how it fits into modern ALS care.

Medications and Work Safety Risks: What Workers Need to Know

Workers taking opioids or benzodiazepines face higher injury risks, while healthcare staff handling chemotherapy drugs face long-term health dangers. Learn how medication use impacts workplace safety and what controls actually work.

Provider Case Studies: Real-World Experiences with Generic Medications

Real provider experiences with generic medications reveal that while most generics work as well as brand-name drugs, caution is needed for narrow therapeutic index medications like antiepileptics, immunosuppressants, and blood thinners due to subtle differences in absorption and patient response.

How to Speak Up About Medication Side Effects During Treatment

Learn how to report medication side effects to the FDA and why your voice matters for drug safety. Step-by-step guide for patients on speaking up about adverse reactions.

Breastfeeding and Medications: What You Need to Know About Drug Transfer Through Breast Milk

Most medications are safe while breastfeeding. Learn how drugs transfer into breast milk, which ones are safest, and how to use trusted resources like LactMed to make informed choices without stopping nursing.