#cardiotoxicity

[tussive]

People complain about Benzedrex burps but kratom burps is way worser.

[omg-erika]

More doesn't bring more!

by Dr.Harald Wiesendanger– Klartext What the mainstream media is hiding Of course, exercise is healthy. But more doesn’t help; on the contrary: too much physical activity, such as intensive fitness training, is not good for anyone. Excessive consumption promotes heart disease and reduces life expectancy. You waste time and effort without benefiting. An American doctor backs up this surprising…

[snarltoothed]

me, severely anti-psychiatry, knowing that if my cardiologist also knows the entire possible line of treatment for my cardiovascular condition, i can loophole treat my ADHD without having to scam a psychiatrist into thinking i’m taking anti-depressants and i love them and they solve all my problems except for inability to focus (because none of them will refer me for ADHD testing without first “tackling that depression and anxiety” with drugs that have historically given me worse depression and anxiety on account of them not really being recommended for people with my cardiovascular condition, but psychiatrists don’t FUCKING know that) if i just complain about the very legitimate side effects of my beta blockers… and my cardiologist knows the appropriate treatment response. but like. does my cardiologist know the appropriate treatment response? i have no fucking idea. and while i don’t THINK my cardiologist would be stupid enough to recommend ANY antidepressant to me… you can never be sure

TOTALLY unrelated to any tangents i MAY have been going on… i am really sick of being sick. i don’t want to have to think about trying to get back together with my RHUEMATOLOGIST i don’t want to think about the disappointing relationship i have with again, my fucking RHUEMATOLOGIST.

[ad-caelestia]

common toxic plants

[long post]

this is not a complete list by any means, but these commonly noted plants, herbs, and flowers should be handled with care or avoided altogether. 

aconite (wolfsbane, monkshood) - all parts: dermatoxic, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic

adam and eve (jack-in-the-pulpit, wild arum) - root: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic if ingested

african sumac - leaves: dermatoxic; possibly fatal

agave - juice: dermatoxic  

angel’s trumpet - all parts: cardiotoxic; often fatal

apple - seeds: cytotoxic in large doses

apricot - leaves and seeds: cytotoxic in large doses

arnica - gastrotoxic 

asparagus - berries: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic if ingested

azalea - all parts: cytotoxic and neurotoxic; rarely fatal

betel nut palm (pinyang) - all parts: gastrotoxic if ingested

bittersweet nightshade - all parts: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic; rarely fatal

black hellebore - all parts: cardiotoxic and gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

black locust (false acacia) - root bark and flowers: gastrotoxic

black nightshade - all parts except ripe fruit: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

bleeding heart - leaves and roots: neurotoxic

bloodroot - rhizomes: cytotoxic

blue passion flower (common passion flower) - leaves: cytotoxic

bracken - all parts: carcinogenic

buttercup - all parts: gastrotoxic and dermatoxic 

calabar bean (ordeal beans) - seeds: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic if ingested in large doses

cassava - leaves and roots: cytotoxic in large doses

castor bean (castor oil plant) - seeds: cytotoxic if ingested or inhaled

celandine - nephrotoxic 

cherry - leaves and seeds: cytotoxic in large doses

christmas rose - all parts: gastrotoxic

cocklebur - seedlings and seeds: gastrotoxic and neurotoxic

columbine - seeds and roots: cardiotoxic; easily fatal

corn lily (false hellebore) - all parts: cardiotoxic; often fatal

cowbane (water hemlock, snakeweed) - root: neurotoxic if ingested

daffodil - bulbs and stems: gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

datura/moonflower - all parts: gastrotoxic and cardiotoxic

deadly nightshade (belladonna) - all parts: cardiotoxic and neurotoxic; often fatal

desert rose (sabi star, kudu) - sap: cardiotoxic with skin contact

dumbcane - all parts: dermatoxic; possibly fatal

elder (elderberry) - root: gastrotoxic

elephant ear (angel wings) - all parts: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic

ergot - neurotoxic 

foxglove - leaves, seeds, and flowers: cardiotoxic; often fatal

garlic - all parts: gastrotoxic in animals

giant hogweed - all parts: dermatoxic

golden chain - all parts, especially seeds: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

goldenseal - all parts: gastrotoxic and neurotoxic in large doses

grapes/raisins - all parts: gastrotoxic in dogs

greater celandine - all parts: gastrotoxic in large doses

hemlock (spotted cowbane, poison snakeweed) - all parts: neurotoxic; possibly fatal

hemlock water dropwort - roots: neurotoxic if ingested; possibly fatal

henbane - all parts: neurotoxic and cardiotoxic

holly - berries: gastrotoxic

honeybush - all parts: gastrotoxic

honeysuckle - berries: gastrotoxic in mild cases and cardiotoxic in severe cases

horse chestnut - all parts: neurotoxic

hyacinth - bulbs: gastrotoxic and neurotoxic; possibly fatal

iris - rhizomes: gastrotoxic and dermatoxic 

jequirity (crab’s eye, rosary pea) - seeds: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic; often fatal

kava kava - nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic 

kidney bean - raw: gastrotoxic

larkspur - young plants and seeds: neurotoxic; often fatal

lemon - oil: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic to animals  

lily - all parts: nephrotoxic

lily of the nile (calla lily) - all parts: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic if ingested; possibly fatal

lily of the valley - all parts: cardiotoxic; possibly fatal

lima beans - raw: gastrotoxic

lime - oil: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic in animals

lobelia - all parts: gastrotoxic 

mandrake - roots and leaves: gastrotoxic and neurotoxic

mango - peel and sap: dermatoxic

mangrove - bark and sap: dermatoxic and eye irritation

mayapple - all green parts and unripe fruit: gastrotoxic

meadow saffron (autumn crocus) - bulbs: gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

mistletoe - leaves and berries: gastrotoxic, cardiotoxic, and neurotoxic; rarely lethal in adults

moonseed - fruits and seeds: gastrotoxic; often fatal

mountain laurel - all green parts: gastrotoxic

nutmeg - raw: psychoactive in large doses

oak - leaves and acorns: gastrotoxic; rarely fatal

odollam tree (suicide tree) - seeds: cardiotoxic; often fatal

oleander - all parts: dermatoxic, cardiotoxic, and gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

onions - all parts: gastrotoxic in animals

orange - oil: dermatoxic and gastrotoxic in animals

peach - seeds and leaves: cytotoxic in large doses

pokeweed - leaves, berries, and roots: gastrotoxic; often fatal

poison ivy/oak/sumac - all parts, especially leaves: dermatoxic; possibly fatal

poison ryegrass (darnel) - seeds: neurotoxic

potato - raw: cytotoxic

privet - berries and leaves: neurotoxic and gastrotoxic; possibly fatal

ragwort - all parts: hepatotoxic

redoul - all parts: gastrotoxic, neurotoxic, and causes respiratory issues; can be fatal in children

rhubarb - leaves: nephrotoxic

skullcap - hepatotoxic

spindle (spindle tree) - fruit: hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic; possibly fatal  

stinging tree (gympie gympie) - bark and sap: dermatoxic; sometimes fatal

strychnine tree - seeds: neurotoxic; often fatal

sweet pea - seeds: neurotoxic and damaging to connective tissues

tomato - leaves and stems: cytotoxic in large doses

uva ursi - neurotoxic, dermatoxic 

white baneberry (doll’s eyes) - all parts, especially berries: cardiotoxic; possibly fatal

white snakeroot - all parts: gastrotoxic; often fatal

winter cherry (jerusalem cherry) - all parts, especially berries: gastrotoxic; occasionally fatal, especially to children

wisteria - gastrotoxic

yew (english yew, common yew) - leaves and seeds: gastrotoxic if ingested and respiratory issues if inhaled

glossary: 

carcinogenic - a substance that can cause cancer

cardiotoxic - toxic to the heart

cytotoxic - toxic to living cells

dermatoxic - toxic to the skin

gastrotoxic - toxic to the gastrointestinal system (stomach, intestines, etc.)

hepatotoxic - toxic to the liver

nephrotoxic - toxic to the kidneys and urological system (ureters, bladder)

neurotoxic - toxic to the neurological system (brain, nerves, brainstem, spinal cord, etc.)

psychoactive - pertaining to substances that change brain function and result in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness

© 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 𝙰𝙳-𝙲𝙰𝙴𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙰

[macgyvermedical]

Hi! For the pharmaceutical history: I'd like to know more about the history of loratadine. (If that one's boring, I'm sorry - I'm just really curious about allergy medicine history) Hope you're doing good!

Loratadine (Claritin, approved in 1988) was not the first nonsedating (second generation) antihistamine, but it wanted to be. Terfenadine (Seldane, from a competing manufacturer, approved in 1985) was the first. And because terfenadine got to the FDA just ahead of loratadine, loratadine was put on the FDA's backburner, delaying it's entrance to the market by over 3 years.

Loratadine made up for this by marketing the absolute sh*t out of their drug. If you were watching TV or reading magazines in the late 80s or early 90s, you probably remember. Loratadine was prescription only at the time. But direct-to-consumer advertising still had rules. By the early 1990's you couldn't have an ad that was selling a drug without a list of the side effects. And when you're trying to sell a non-drowsy antihistamine on the merit that it was non-drowsy, having to list the fact that the #1 side effect was still drowsiness didn't go over so well. This wasn't an issue in print so much- you could make the print about the side effects as small as you wanted, and who was going to read 3-pt font? But you couldn't do the same in a TV spot.

This was a problem for the company selling Claritin. So instead of making TV ads for the DRUG Claritin, they decided to sell the BRAND Claritin instead. So the ads just never said that Claritin was a drug, or what it did. They just said things like "Claritin is the non-drowsy brand" and "ask your doctor about Claritin" and the ever popular "live Claritin clear."

"But Ross," you might be asking yourself, "whatever did Claritin do to sell to the previously untapped market of children as drug consumers? I simply must know!" Well, you're in luck, because in 1998, and this is real, they released a 12-page Batman comic centered around Tim Drake having allergies that interfered with his crimefighting career. All other antihistamines made him too drowsy, so thank goodness he went to his doctor to get a prescription for Claritin!

You might also be wondering how insurance companies felt about having to pay for on-patent allergy medication (spoiler alert, they hated it, just like they hate paying for everything). Well, also in 1998, Anthem (the insurance company) petitioned the FDA to approve Claritin as an over-the-counter medication. If a medication was over the counter, they wouldn't have to pay for the medication, nor would they have to pay for the associated doctor's visits to get prescriptions for the medication. The FDA approved the petition, but it wasn't until 2002, when the patent had expired, that the company that made Claritin finally released an over the counter version. Even today, though, over the counter loratadine is so much more expensive than other second generation antihistamines. I couldn't figure out why this is, or why people keep buying brand name Claritin when there's like 5 other cheaper non-drowsy antihistamines to choose from.

Finally, I'll wrap up by telling you about the fate of terfenadine. See, turns out terfenadine is super cardiotoxic, especially when combined with certain antibiotics. It got taken off the market in 1997 after quite a few people died. It was replaced with fexofenadine, a metabolite of terfenadine without the cardiotoxic properties.

[cozymochi]

Emil: So -- Savanaclaw to Savanaclaw, may I pet, Nyoka?~

The Egyptian cobra's venom is made of neurotoxins that attack the nervous system, and can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and blistering at the bite site. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse, and convulsions. In rare cases, the venom can cause renal damage or cardiotoxicity

It can kill a human in 15 minutes if left untreated

[is-the-snake-video-cute]

How does gaboon viper venom rank when measured up to elapids?

For a viper, Gaboon venom is actually pretty strong. On paper, it's not much to write home about, but in practice they have enormous venom glands and tend to inject a lot into each envenomation. Gaboon venom is primarily hemotoxic, like most vipers, but also has strong cardiotoxic components - it's a venom specialized for mammals including other primates, so it's quite lethal for humans as well and can cause rapid heart damage. Unusually for vipers, Gaboon venom can become life-threatening in just a couple hours.

Fortunately, Gaboon viper bites are very, very rare. They're super chill snakes and hesitate to bite even when provoked.

[whump-help-desk]

Not really a whump ask, but medicinal: If I wanted to sneak a laxative into a dinner party's food to cause a distraction, what should I use? Preferably something that works quickly but doesn't kill and is relatively easy to get in pre-industrial times (maybe plant-based)

If you don't answer non-whump questions, that's fine, of course.

No, it's fine! Here you go:

1. Milk of Magnesia

It is not plant-based but Milk of Magnesia is a good option, if you are willing to bend history a little bit (first documented use as a laxative in 1829 by Sir James Murray, patented in 1873. I learned this particular bit on Wikipedia, anyone who knows more can correct me)

Milk of Magnesia is an osmotic/saline purgative that acts by rapid absorption and retention of water into the intestines and stimulating intestinal bowel movements. It is one of the fastest acting laxatives out there. The effects can occur within 2-3 hours of consumption.

Magnesium salts have some side effects like flushing, fall of blood pressure, nausea, lethargy, fatigue, difficulty in breathing. However, these mostly result from chronic consumption.

2. Irritant Laxatives

If you want a natural, plant-based laxative, then you might want to look into the category of irritant laxatives. They act by irritating the colon, promoting bowel movements and increasing fluid and electrolyte secretion within the colonic lumen. However, they take 6-8 hours to show their effects (still faster compared to other laxative groups which generally take 24-72 hours to produce their effects). They also have some nasty side effects (though these may prove to be helpful in the "distraction" you speak of)

Senna alexandrina or simply Senna can cause nausea, abdominal cramps and urine discolouration.

Castor oil is unpalatable, produces frequent abdominal cramps and has a high risk of damaging the intestinal mucosa.

Although not from a plant, this group also includes phenolphthalein (discovered in 1871, so again you would need to bend history a little bit if you want to use this). However, it is highly carcinogenic and cardiotoxic.

So there you go! You can choose which of these laxatives is best suited for your story! Hope this answer helped. Feel free to reach out again if you have doubts.

[mentalmindsetmatters]

Depression's Impact on Medical Conditions

In a society where the dialogue about health often segregates mental and physical well-being into distinct categories, there lies a profound, yet often unspoken life thread between depression and chronic medical conditions. Understanding and addressing this intersection is not only crucial for the individual's holistic health but is also at the forefront of a revolution in healthcare — one that redefines 'health' to include emotional, psychological, and social components.

The Harmonic Discord of Depression and Disease

Depression manifests more than just the intangible feelings of sadness or detachment. It has a profound bi-directional relationship with several chronic medical ailments, serving both as a precursor and a consequence of conditions that can mar one's health for life. The science behind this harmony, though unsettling, is necessary for deeper comprehension and effective care provision.

Cardiotoxic Cocktails

There's a rhythm to heart health that depression disrupts. Studies have long established that individuals with depression have a higher risk of developing heart disease and are more likely to experience a heart attack. It’s a cocktail of stress hormones, inflammation, and lifestyle factors, which in tandem with a depleted psychological state, set the stage for cardiovascular disorders.

Diabetes: The Bitter Aftertaste of Depression

Depression and diabetes often coexist, each exacerbating the other's symptoms. The psychological toll of managing a life-altering condition like diabetes can give rise to or worsen existing depressive episodes. In the shadows of this complex health web, self-care can become a casualty, leading to poor glycemic control.

Chronic Pain: The Echo Chamber of Depression

For those fighting chronic pain conditions, each day can seem like an unending battle. What amplifies this fight is the shadow of depression, a condition that often shares neural pathways with the perception of pain. Managing one without addressing the other is a futile exercise, and the patient pays the price.

Raising the Mental Health Banner in Healthcare

An essential armament in the fight against the paired foes of depression and disease is to raise the banner of mental health awareness high. This initiative is not just for the benefit of individuals but for the collective consciousness, laying the groundwork for comprehensive healthcare reform.

Casting Light on Mental Health

To fight a battle, we must first know the enemy, and establishing a public understanding of the intricate links between mental and physical health is paramount. Public health campaigns, educational programs, and open dialogues serve not only to inform but to destigmatize, making the path to care less daunting.

Building a Community of Support

No man or woman is an island, and when mental illness thrums in the heart of another condition, the need for support is undeniable. Communities that cater to individuals navigating the dual challenges of depression and a chronic disease can be an invaluable lifeline, offering empathy, shared experiences, and practical help.

Insights for the Guardians of Health

From the seasoned physician to the zealous intern, insights into recognizing and addressing depression in patients grappling with medical conditions are crucial. Only with such awareness can healthcare providers become pragmatic guardians of their patients' complete health.

Recognizing the Silent Screams

The signs of depression are often subtle, hidden beneath the more apparent symptoms of a chronic medical condition. But by listening to patients, by being attuned to the nuances of their language, healthcare providers can discern the silent screams for help that depression carries.

Integrative Care: A Model for the Future

Medical care models of the future must be integrative, merging the diverse disciplines of mental health and medicine into a seamless approach to patient care. By doing so, healthcare providers can serve their patients more effectively, holistically, and humanely.

The United States Frontlines of Awareness

In the United States, the battleground for holistic healthcare rages on, with various initiatives seeking to increase awareness and support for those grappling with depression and medical ailments. It's a multifaceted campaign that touches every level of society, from individual efforts to governmental policies.

Legislated Liberation

Legal frameworks that ensure mental health parity in insurance coverage and healthcare accessibility are crucial cornerstones of the United States' campaign against the conjoined twins of malaise. By legislating support, the country takes a significant step toward recognizing the vital link between mental and physical health.

Public Campaigns and Awareness Events

From local support groups to nationwide campaigns, the United States is a variegated canvas of efforts to elevate mental health to its rightful position within our health discourse. National awareness events such as Mental Health Awareness Month and public campaigns shed light on the profound impact of depression on physical well-being.

Mind over Malady: A Treatment Paradigm

In conclusion, the narrative of depression must no longer be an aside in the script of medical conditions. By recognizing its pervasive impact on chronic diseases and cultivating integrated care approaches, we can reshape the treatment paradigm to be more comprehensive, compassionate, and ultimately more caring. When we start addressing the mind, not as an auxiliary to our physical health but as a critical organ in tandem, we take a step closer to achieving true well-being.

[drdemonprince]

Can I please get a source on missing a dose of antipsychotics causing heart attacks? I'm on them and have never heard this and would like to look into it more. Thanks

I wish I could remember the precise antipsychotic drug an ex of mine was on that came with cardiac arrest on the warning label, but it turns out a great many antipsychotics have documented "life shortening" cardiac effects. Here's a good recent paper:

[didanawisgi]

Image Source: Sep.19, 2023 - Nakahara et al

Papers reviewed:

Oct.12, 2023 - Schreckenberg et al - Cardiac side effects of RNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Hidden cardiotoxic effects of mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 on ventricular myocyte function and structure

Sep.19, 2023 - Nakahara et al - Assessment of Myocardial 18F-FDG Uptake at PET/CT in Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2–vaccinated and Nonvaccinated Patients

Aug.17, 2023 - Parry et al - 'Spikeopathy': COVID-19 Spike Protein Is Pathogenic, from Both Virus and Vaccine mRNA

May 5, 2023 - Barmada et al - Cytokinopathy with aberrant cytotoxic lymphocytes and profibrotic myeloid response in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine–associated myocarditis

[audible-smiles]

I’ve been eliminating the wood lilies in our yard because they’re nephrotoxic to cats, only to discover lily-of-the-valley coming up underneath them; they’re not true lilies, but they’re cardiotoxic to everybody. 🙄 Whoever lived here last didn’t have kids or pets, I guess!