Keflex is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, respiratory infections, and infections of the bones, skin, ears, reproductive organs, and urinary tract. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of drugs, which work by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls.
Keflex is ineffective against viral infections and should not be used for conditions other than susceptible bacterial infections. Overuse of Keflex or any other antibiotic can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Dosage
- Keflex is available in capsule form for oral consumption.
- The usual dose is 250mg every 6 hours or 500mg every 12 hours.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Vaginal discharge or itch
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Rash
Cost of Keflex
The price of cephalexin (generic Keflex) ranges from $4.00 to $17.00 for 28 capsules, strength 500mg, with a coupon. Click here to find the closest pharmacy near you and download a coupon.
How to Obtain a Prescription
Cephalexin (Keflex) is a prescription medication that must be prescribed by a physician or other licensed prescriber. Did you know? QuickMD can treat many infections remotely through telemedicine and prescribe Keflex online.
Amlodipine belongs to the calcium channel blocker class of drugs. It relaxes blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart and lowering blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, it can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. It is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure, particularly to those suffering from angina (chest pain caused by coronary artery disease).
Dosage
- Amlodipine is taken in tablet form, with a dosage of 5 to 10 mg per day.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Flushed skin
Cost of Amlodipine
The cost of 30 tablets of amlodipine, strength 10 mg, starts at around $6.00. Find the cheapest pharmacy near you and download coupons by clicking here.
How to Obtain a Prescription for Norvasc (Amlodipine)
Amlodipine is a prescription drug that needs to be prescribed by a licensed prescriber or physician. Did you know? QuickMD can treat your high blood pressure remotely through telemedicine and prescribe Norvasc online.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (“blues”). It works by increasing serotonin levels, a molecule that helps nerve cells communicate in the brain.
Dosage
Lexapro is taken orally in a dose of 10 to 20 mg daily.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Abnormal sweating
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
Cost of Lexapro
The price of escitalopram ranges between $8 to $36 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 10 mg.
How to Get a Prescription for Lexapro
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription drug that needs to be prescribed by a licensed prescriber or physician. Did you know? QuickMD can refill your medications to treat depression remotely through telemedicine and prescribe you Lexapro online.
Topiramate, or Topamax, is used to treat seizure disorders and nerve pain and to prevent migraine attacks. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme known as carbonic anhydrase. This enzyme cuts down carbon dioxide (CO2) in nerve cells, slowing them down when hyperactive.
It is also used ‘off-label’ for weight control and certain psychiatric disorders.
Dose
- Topiramate is taken in tablet form, with doses ranging from 25 to 400 mg per day.
Common Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Poor coordination
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Speech problems
- Vision changes
- Sensory abnormalities
- Loss of appetite
- Unpleasant taste sensation
- Confusion
- Slowed thinking
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
Cost of Topamax
The price of generic Topamax ranges from $6.00 to $26 for a bottle of 60 tablets, strength 25 mg. To find the cheapest pharmacy near you and download a coupon, click here.
How to Get a Prescription for Topamax
Topiramate is a prescription drug that requires a licensed prescriber or physician. However, with the convenience of telemedicine, you can now get your prescription for Topamax online through QuickMD. No insurance is needed, making the process even easier for you.
Antibiotics have been crucial in combating bacterial infections since their discovery by Sir Alexander Fleming. However, over time, bacteria develop resistance, reducing the effectiveness of these medications.
This resistance occurs due to mutations in bacterial DNA, which enable some strains to survive antibiotic treatment. It’s crucial to understand that antibiotics should be used judiciously and only for likely bacterial infections. By making informed choices, we can all contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance.
The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance in UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), once effectively treated with ampicillin, now face a significant challenge. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and related bacteria have developed resistance, a concerning trend. A study published in 1999 by the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed that 15% of UTI-causing bacteria in emergency room patients were resistant to Bactrim, a common treatment at the time.
By 2018, a study in the Journal of Microbial Chemotherapy documented a significant 28% resistance to trimethoprim in pediatric UTI cases. The same study also noted resistance to Augmentin (co-amoxiclav) and other antibiotic combinations, with 43% of bacteria showing resistance to at least one type of antibiotic. This trend is alarming and underscores the need for responsible antibiotic use.
Due to regional variations in antibiotic resistance, the choice of antibiotics for treating UTIs may differ. If initial antibiotic treatment fails, a urine culture can identify the causative bacteria and determine its antibiotic resistance profile.
Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics for UTIs
Here are common antibiotics for UTIs.
- Macrobid (nitrofurantoin)
- Keflex (cephalexin)
- Ciprofloxacin
- Bactrim
- Levofloxacin
Antibiotics for UTIs: Future Developments
Research is ongoing to develop vaccines against UTIs, particularly for patients with recurrent infections, although their availability is still some time away. In the meantime, prevention strategies such as drinking plenty of water and practicing good hygiene are essential.
It’s important to remember that antibiotics should be requested only when necessary. Overuse can promote the growth of resistant bacteria, a serious health risk. Additionally, it can cause side effects like diarrhea and alterations in gut flora. By being mindful of our health decisions, we can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Getting Treatment for UTIs With QuickMD
Did you know? QuickMD can treat urinary tract infections from the comfort of your own home and prescribe antibiotics for your UTI online. Want to order your own urine testing? You can order your own labs here.
Glucophage (metformin) is the first drug of choice for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin.
The pancreatic beta cells produce insulin, but the body’s cells cannot use it to help absorb sugar. Consequently, excessive sugar stays in the blood rather than entering cells for energy or storage, and blood sugar levels go up. Metformin works by making cells more sensitive to insulin again, slowing down the absorption of sugar in the small intestine, and lowering the amount of sugar released by the liver.
It is given along with a plan for a healthy diet low in refined sugars and meats, instruction to lose weight if necessary, and regular physical activity.
Dose of Metformin
- The starting dose is usually around 500 mg twice a day.
- The dose may be increased as needed to as high as 2500 mg daily.
Common Side Effects
- Abdominal discomfort
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- General discomfort
- Lower back pain
- Side pain
- Cramping muscle pain
- Painful or difficult urination
- Drowsiness
It’s important to note that while Metformin may initially cause some discomfort, such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, these side effects are typically self-limiting and subside after a few weeks of consistent use. This information is crucial to reassure patients and healthcare professionals about the manageable nature of these common side effects.
Cost of Metformin
According to rxsaver.com, a bottle of 180 tablets of metformin at a strength of 500 mg starts at $10.00 with a coupon.
Find Metformin Coupons on RxSaver
Where to Get a Metformin Prescription
Metformin is a prescription drug that needs to be prescribed by a licensed prescriber or physician. Did you know? QuickMD can refill your diabetes medications remotely through telemedicine and prescribe Metformin online. No insurance is needed.
Allopurinol treats a painful condition known as gouty arthritis, or simply gout, and sometimes kidney stones. The cause of gout is crystals of a molecule called uric acid in joints, most commonly of the big toe, but any joint can be affected. Allopurinol inhibits an enzyme known as xanthine oxidase. This inhibition keeps the body from producing too much uric acid.
Dosage of Allopurinol
Allopurinol, available in convenient tablets, offers a simple dosage regimen. The usual dose, ranging from 100 to 300 mg, can be taken once or twice a day, providing flexibility and ease of use.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Changes in the sense of taste
- Muscle pain
Cost of Allopurinol
The price of allopurinol ranges from $7 to $45 for a bottle of 90 tablets, 300 mg strength, with a coupon.
How to Get a Prescription for Allopurinol
Allopurinol, a prescription drug, can be conveniently obtained through QuickMD. This telemedicine platform allows for remote treatment of gout, including the prescription of Allopurinol, without the need for insurance. This accessibility empowers you to manage your condition effectively.
What you’ll learn
We’ll walk you through nine effective approaches to treating anxiety. Among other options, we’ll explain more about talk therapies, lifestyle strategies, and non-controlled medication options, so you can make informed decisions about your mental health care.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety is the most common mental illness experienced in the United States, affecting a staggering 19.1% of the population every year. That’s nearly 1 in 5 Americans.
As awareness around mental health has grown, so have the options for treating it. Benzodiazepines have historically been associated with anxiety treatment, and while they can provide short-term relief, they come with real concerns: they can be habit-forming and address symptoms rather than root causes.
There are many other effective paths forward. Most psychologists advocate for a more holistic approach that also involves non-medication therapies. This article explores nine of them.
Different types of anxiety
Before we cover some of the different approaches to treatment, it’s important to note that the term “anxiety” covers a broad range of conditions. Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up in different ways for different people. For instance:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent, hard-to-control worry about everyday things.
- Social anxiety disorder centers on intense fear of social situations and being judged by others.
- Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, recurring episodes of overwhelming fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, or a racing heart. When these symptoms appear, they’re often referred to as “panic attacks.” They come on quickly, often pass soon after, and can be triggered even when there doesn’t seem to be any immediate danger. These attacks aren’t life-threatening, but can be pretty jarring when they strike.
It’s also worth knowing that anxiety and depression frequently co-occur and are often treated together, since the two conditions share overlapping symptoms and underlying causes.
Non-controlled medications for treating anxiety
When medication is part of the conversation, it helps to understand what you’re being offered and why.
- Controlled substances are medications that the government regulates more strictly because of their potential for dependence or misuse. Benzodiazepines fall into this category.
- Non-controlled medications are those that do not carry the same risk of dependence and are generally considered safer for longer-term use. For anxiety, non-controlled medications are typically the preferred starting point.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the different medications used to treat anxiety.
SSRIs and SNRIs: First line-medication options
When medication is used to treat anxiety, two of the most popular options are SSRIs and SSNRIs.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered the first-line medication treatment for most anxiety disorders, including GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder. They work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), and Celexa (citalopram).
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another strong option, particularly when anxiety is accompanied by physical symptoms like pain or fatigue. Examples include Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).
Both SSRIs and SNRIs are taken daily. They are not effective on an as-needed basis, and it’s important to know that results don’t happen overnight. Medications are typically started at a low dose and gradually increased. Many patients notice a temporary uptick in anxiety during the first one to two weeks of treatment. This is common and expected, and it is not a sign that the medication isn’t working. It’s important to give it time.
It’s also worth noting that bupropion, while sometimes used for depression, is generally avoided as a primary anxiety treatment because it can worsen anxiety symptoms in some patients.
Hydroxyzine for acute anxiety
For more immediate relief during acute anxiety episodes, hydroxyzine can be a helpful option. You might see it sometimes offered under the brand names Atarax or Vistaril. It is a non-addictive antihistamine and works best when paired with coping strategies like breathing exercises and mindfulness practice.
Monitoring matters
Good anxiety care doesn’t stop at the prescription. At QuickMD, patients starting a new medication are typically seen at four weeks to check in on side effects and again at eight weeks to assess how well the medication is working. Clinicians use standardized tools like the GAD-7 questionnaire at every visit to track and measure progress over time.
Your doctor and care team will also monitor for less common but important reactions, including signs of treatment-emergent mania, which can occasionally occur in patients with undiagnosed bipolar disorder who start antidepressants.
Therapy for anxiety
Anxiety can be triggered by a traumatic life event, a major life change, the loss of someone you love, or a combination of factors that build over time. It can also seem to appear out of nowhere, with no clear single cause.
Talking therapies, like counseling, give people a space to unpack those experiences and explore their reactions to them. By working through difficult moments with a trained professional, people often become aware of unhelpful thought patterns and coping strategies and begin to make meaningful changes. Many patients find talking therapies to be just as effective as medication, if not more so.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging the thought patterns that fuel anxiety. The idea is straightforward: our thoughts shape our feelings. When anxious thoughts are distorted or disproportionate, they can spiral into overwhelming emotions and behaviors.
A therapist helps you recognize those patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic thinking. Cognitive therapy is one of the most well-studied approaches to anxiety treatment. Research supports its effectiveness across multiple anxiety disorders, including GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy addresses the actions and avoidance patterns that anxiety often creates. When something feels threatening, the natural response is to steer clear of it. But avoidance tends to reinforce anxiety over time, making the feared situation feel even more overwhelming.
Behavior therapy, often paired with cognitive approaches in CBT, uses techniques like gradual exposure to help people face feared situations in a structured, supported way. Over time, this reduces the anxiety response and helps a person build confidence.
Natural remedies for anxiety
Medication and therapy aren’t the only tools available that can help with anxiety. Lifestyle-based approaches can also play a strong supporting role in managing anxiety. In fact, for some people, they can make a big difference on their own. Things like mindfulness, regular movement, and quality sleep help regulate the body’s stress response in ways that complement clinical treatment. Think of them as building a stronger foundation for everything else.
Practicing mindfulness
“Mindfulness” has become a popular buzzword among health and wellness circles, but its meaning can sometimes feel a little blurry. At its core, mindfulness is about being present. It’s the practice of noticing what’s happening in your thoughts, body, and surroundings right now, without judging it.
Mindfulness can be broken down into three simple steps:
- Pause and become aware of the present moment.
- Focus on your breathing.
- Bring attention to your whole body.
What makes mindfulness particularly useful for anxiety is that it helps you catch an anxious thought before it snowballs. It slows things down just enough to create space between a stressor and your reaction to it. Most therapists actively incorporate mindfulness into anxiety treatment, so if you’re already working with a counselor or psychologist, it will likely come up in your sessions.
Breathing exercises
One of anxiety’s most uncomfortable physical symptoms is disrupted breathing. You might feel your chest tighten, your breath quicken, or find yourself on the edge of hyperventilation. The good news is that breathing is something you can actively control, and doing so can calm both your body and your mind.
The goal of any breathing exercise is to slow things down. A few techniques worth trying:
- Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, letting your belly expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts. Repeat.
- 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This method is often recommended specifically for acute anxiety and stress.
- Box (or square) breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. It’s a technique used by everyone from athletes to military personnel to manage stress under pressure.
These exercises sound simple, and they are. That’s part of what makes them effective.
Exercise and physical activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most well-supported non-medication approaches to managing anxiety. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and other neurochemicals that improve mood and reduce the body’s stress response. Even moderate movement, like a brisk walk, has been shown to make a measurable difference.
Beyond the immediate mood lift, regular exercise over time helps regulate the nervous system and can reduce the baseline level of anxiety a person experiences day-to-day. You don’t have to run a marathon. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week and pay attention to how you feel.
Sleep and proper nutrition
Sleep and anxiety have a complicated relationship. Anxiety can make it harder to sleep, and poor sleep can make anxiety worse. Breaking that cycle is an important part.
Research consistently shows that not getting enough sleep amplifies the brain’s response to stress, making it harder to regulate emotions and think clearly. Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night is a meaningful target. For those whose minds race at bedtime, try establishing a consistent wind-down routine: dim the lights an hour before bed, put your phone in another room, try a brief body scan or breathing exercise, and avoid caffeine after midday.
Nutrition matters, too. While no single food is a “cure,” some dietary choices can help ease anxiety. Foods rich in magnesium (like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds), omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), and complex carbohydrates can support mood stability. On the flip side, caffeine and alcohol are well-known anxiety triggers for many people, often making symptoms feel more intense or harder to predict.
Avoiding triggers
Understanding what sets off your anxiety can help you better manage it. Common triggers include certain social situations, news and media consumption, specific people, work stress, or physical sensations like caffeine or lack of sleep. Not all triggers are obvious at first, which is one reason journaling (more on that below) can be helpful.
When you know your triggers, you can take practical steps: setting limits on news consumption, creating boundaries around stressful relationships, or planning ahead before entering situations you know are difficult. Of course, not every trigger can be avoided. When you encounter one unexpectedly, having a go-to coping tool ready (whether that’s a breathing exercise, a grounding technique, or a quick text to someone you trust) can help you move through it without getting swept away.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety. Journaling gives anxious thoughts somewhere to go, taking them out of your head and putting them on paper, where they often feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Regular journaling can also help you spot patterns over time, like recurring triggers or situations where your anxiety tends to spike. Even a few minutes a day can be enough. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Some people prefer free-writing, while others find structured prompts helpful, like “What am I worried about today, and what is actually within my control?”
How QuickMD can help treat anxiety
Managing anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all journey, but you do not have to figure it out alone. The right approach can include a combination of strategies, including therapy and lifestyle changes, or medication and mindfulness. Progress and how you get there looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.
QuickMD makes it easier to take that first step. Through convenient telemedicine visits, you can connect with a licensed doctor from the comfort and privacy of your own home. No waiting rooms. No commuting.
Erysipelas and cellulitis, although similar in appearance, are serious conditions that require prompt attention. Erysipelas typically affects the outer layers of the skin, while cellulitis can penetrate deeper, potentially spreading throughout the skin. Erysipelas is primarily caused by Streptococcus bacteria, but Staphylococcus can also be a culprit. On the other hand, cellulitis is usually a result of Staphylococcu infection.
Erysipelas vs. Cellulitis: What’s the Difference?
Both conditions often affect the feet and lower legs. Erysipelas, despite its superficial nature, can be quite serious. It causes very well-defined, shiny, reddened areas of skin that are usually painful, along with fever and a general feeling of unwellness. Blisters can form in severe cases. On the other hand, cellulitis causes darker red, less well-defined, painful, swollen skin. Fever and a general feeling of unwellness are less common.
Both erysipelas and cellulitis are bacterial infections that can occur when the skin is compromised, such as through insect bites, scratches, or fungal infections. If left untreated, these infections can escalate, leading to serious complications. Sepsis, a bloodstream infection, or osteomyelitis, an infection of the underlying bone, can develop, underscoring the importance of prompt treatment.
Early cases may be treated in outpatient settings:
- Keflex (cephalexin): It can be taken by mouth for 7 to 10 days at a dosage of 1 gram twice daily.
- Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid): Two tablets twice a day can be taken for 7 to 10 days.
- Clindamycin
- Bactrim
Remember that even if an effective antibiotic is started, the affected area can still increase by as much as 50% in size. If no improvement is seen within three days, or the patient becomes significantly worse, with high fevers, patients may be admitted to hospitals for IV antibiotic treatment.
Treat Erysipelas and Cellulitis With QuickMD
Did you know? QuickMD offers a convenient solution for treating erysipelas or cellulitis. You can receive treatment in the comfort of your own home and even get a prescription for antibiotics for cellulitis online.
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a member of the statin family, drugs developed for lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol, raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lowering triglycerides, or blood fats.
High blood cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis or clogged blood vessels, which can result in heart attacks and strokes. High blood levels of fats can result in fatty liver, which can progress to inflamed liver and fibrosis of the liver.
Dosage
Crestor is taken orally and in tablet form. The usual dose is 5 to 40 mg once a day.
Possible Side Effects
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upper abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Yellowed skin or whites of eyes
Due to these potential side effects, routine prescribing of Crestor for high cholesterol is not recommended unless there are other cardiovascular risk factors.
Cost of Crestor
According to Rxsaver.com, Crestor is available from the online pharmacy Health Warehouse for $9.00 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 20 mg.
Did you know? QuickMD can treat your high cholesterol and triglyceride levels from the comfort of your home and prescribe Crestor online.