Abdominal Cramp/Pain: A sudden, severe, uncontrollable and painful shortening and thickening of the muscles in the belly. The belly includes the stomach as well as the intestines, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and urinary bladder.

Abilify (Aripiprazole): An atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. The FDA warns that the continued use of atypical antipsychotic drugs can cause Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary twitching of the face or other parts of the body).

Acne: An eruption of the oil glands of the skin, especially on the face, marked by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, and more severely, by cysts and scarring.

Acute: A new, recent, sudden event.

Acute Renal Failure: A medical condition where the kidneys stop functioning properly to excrete waste products which, if not handled, can lead to death.

Addiction: A condition characterized by the inability to control a craving for something regardless of the damage it may be doing to them.

Addiction Drug Prescription Treatment: A treatment plan to allow the individual to safely withdraw from a prescription drug.

Addison's disease: An endocrine or hormonal condition which can lead to weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue and low blood pressure

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR’s): These are medical reactions that occur when a person is given a drug which causes a serious medical problem. According to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, there are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions costing over $136 BILLION yearly-- greater than the total costs of cardiovascular or diabetic care. ADR’s cause one out of five injuries or deaths per year to hospitalized patients and over 100,000 deaths annually. Only heart disease, cancer and strokes kill more Americans each year than adverse drug reactions.

64 percent of all patient visits to physicians result in a prescription. 2.8 billion prescriptions were actually filled in 2000 in the United States, about ten prescriptions for each individual in the United States. According to the CDER, adverse drug reactions increase dramatically after a patient is on four or more medications.
Through DNA testing, many of these adverse drug reactions can be prevented.

Aggravated Nervousness: A progressively worsening irritated and troubled state of mind.

Agitation: An emotionally disturbed state of mind possibly leading to sudden violent and forceful acts.

Agranulocytosis: A potentially life-threatening reaction where the body’s bone marrow does not produce enough white blood cells. A large number of drugs have been associated with agranulocytosis, including antiepileptics, antithyroid drugs and some antipsychotics (the atypical antipsychotic clozapine).

Akathisia: The inability to sit still.

Alcohol: A liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent. The use of the word alcohol almost always refers to ethanol or grain alcohol. Alcohol slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Alcohol Detox Program: A program to allow an alcoholic to safely stop drinking alcohol. Sometimes the process is referred to as “drying out.”

Alcoholism: A result of the excessive consumption of alcohol. It leads to physical harm and impairs one’s ability to function in society. One of the most common physical consequences of alcoholism is cirrhosis of the liver, a condition that can lead to death.

Allergy: An extreme sensitivity of body tissues triggered by substances in the air, drugs, or foods causing a reaction like sneezing, itching, asthma, hay fever, skin rashes, nausea and/or vomiting.

Alopecia: A loss of hair, baldness.

Alprazolam (Xanax): A benzodiazepine prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer. If used improperly it leads to dependency.

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Amnesia: A long term or short term, partial or full memory loss created by emotional or physical shock, severe illness, or a blow to the head where the person was caused pain and became unconscious.

Amobarbital: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Amosecobarbital: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Amphetamine (Speed): A highly addictive synthetic nervous system stimulant that initially creates a sense of euphoria and self-confidence. However, maintaining this euphoria requires more and more of the drug which can lead to feelings of panic, confusion, severe heart and respiratory problems and death.

Analgesic: Something capable of relieving pain.

Anaphylaxis: A violent, sudden, and severe drop in blood pressure caused by a re-exposure to a foreign protein or a second dosage of a drug that may be fatal unless emergency treatment is given right away.

Anemia: A condition where the blood is no longer carrying enough oxygen, so the person looks pale and easily gets dizzy, weak and tired. More severely, a person can end up with an abnormal heart, as well as breathing and digestive difficulties.

Angioedema: An intense itching and swelling producing welts on the skin called hives, caused by an allergic reaction to internal or external agents. The reaction is common to a food or a drug. Chronic cases can last for a long period of time.

Anorgasmia: A failure to experience an orgasm.

Anorexia (Anorexia Nervosa): An eating disorder where there is a lack of food in the body. Normally associated with someone who “has” to be very thin.

Antibiotic: A drug that kills bacteria and other germs.

Anxiety Attack: Sudden and intense feelings of fear, terror, and dread physically creating shortness of breath, sweating, trembling and heart palpitations.

Apathy: A complete lack of concern or interest for things that ordinarily would be regarded as important or would normally cause concern.

Appendage: A body part that extends from the body like the legs, feet, hands, arms and nose.

Appetite Decreased: A lack of appetite despite the ordinary caloric demands of living with a resulting unintentional loss of weight.

Appetite Increased: An unusual hunger causing one to overeat.

Aropax (Paroxetine): An SSRI drug.

Arrhythmia: Any change from the normal heartbeat.

Arthralgia: A sudden sharp nerve pain in one or more joints.

Arthropathy: A joint disease or condition of abnormal joints.

Arthritis: A painfully inflamed and swollen joint. The reddened and swollen condition is brought on by a serious injury or shock to the body either from physical or emotional causes.

Aripiprazole (Abilify): An atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. The FDA warns that the continued use of atypical antipsychotic drugs can cause Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary twitching of the face or other parts of the body).

Asthenia: A physically weak condition.

Asthma: A disease of the breathing system initiated by an allergic reaction or a chemical with repeated attacks of coughing, sticky mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. The disease can reach a state where it stops a person from exhaling, leading to unconsciousness and death.

Asymptomatic: Not having symptoms.

Atypical. Unusual or irregular.

Atypical antipsychotic : A class of drugs supposed to deal with a psychosis. They are prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. The following are atypical antipsychotics: olanzapine (Zyprexa); quetiapine (Seroquel); risperidone (Risperdal); ziprasidone (Geodon); aripiprazole (Abilify) and sertindole (Serlect, Serdolect). The FDA warns that the continued use of atypical antipsychotic drugs can cause Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary twitching of the face or other parts of the body) and other serious side effects including death.

Auditory Hallucination: A condition of hearing things without the voices or noises being present.

Back Discomfort: A severe physical distress in the area from the neck to the pelvis along or radiating from the spine.

Belching: A noisy release of gas from the stomach through the mouth; a burp.

Benzodiazepine: A drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects. Several Benzodiazepine drugs are: alprazolam (Xanax); bromazepam; clorazepate dipotassium; devazepide; flumazenil; flunitrazepam; halcion; medazepam; midazolam (Versed); nitrazepam; prazepam; temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam.

Bilirubin Increased: Bilirubin is a waste product of the breakdown of old blood cells. Bilirubin is sent to the liver to be made water-soluble so it can be eliminated from the body through emptying the bladder. A drug can interfere with or damage this normal liver function creating liver disease.

Bipolar Disorder: Mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited. Mania. Frenzied, abnormally excited mood.

Black Box Warning: Black box warnings are designed to highlight special problems, particularly those that are serious, and to give health care professionals a clear understanding of a potential serious medical complication associated with a drug.

Bloating: An abnormal swelling of the belly most often caused by excessive intestinal gas.

Blood in Urine: A condition where blood is present when one empties the liquid waste product of the kidneys through the bladder by urinating in the toilet, turning the water pink to bright red or leaving spots of blood in the water after urinating.

BMI (Body Mass Index): A person’s weight in kilograms is divided by their height in meters squared.

Bradycardia: The heart rate is slowed from 72 beats per minute, which is normal, to below 60 beats per minute in an adult.

Breath Shortness: Unnatural breathing using a lot of effort resulting in not enough air taken in by the body.

Breast Neoplasm: A tumor or cancer on the breasts of a woman.

Bromazepam: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Bronchitis: Inflammation of the two main breathing tubes leading from the windpipe to the lungs. The disease is marked with coughing, a low-grade fever, chest pain, and hoarseness, caused by an allergic reaction.

Bruise: Damage to the skin resulting in a purple-green-yellow skin coloration that’s caused by breaking the blood vessels in the area without breaking the surface of the skin.

Bruxism: Grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping.

Bufotenine: A hallucinogen originally derived from the secretions of toads.

Bulimia (Bulimia Nervosa): An eating disorder in which there are spells of binge eating followed by intentional purges of the food.

Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone): An opiate drug used to alleviate the adverse symptoms experienced when withdrawing from heroin or other opiates.

Cancer: A class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues and, if not stopped, bring about death of the body.

Carbohydrate Craving: A craving to eat foods rich in sugar and starches (sweets, snacks and junk foods) that intensifies as the diet becomes more and more unbalanced due to the unbalancing of the proper nutritional requirements of the body.

Cardiovascular: Involving the heart and the blood vessels.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A pinched nerve in the wrist that causes pain, tingling, and numbness.

Center For Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER): The branch of the FDA that is responsible for the evaluation and approval of new drugs.

Celexa: An SSRI drug that is prescribed to treat depression.

Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System Depressants: (CNS Depressants) A variety of drugs that slow down first the operation of the brain and then begin to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and lead to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression. Examples of these depressants are: alcohol; amitriptyline hydrochloride; amobarbital; amosecobarbital; chlordiazepoxide; alprazolam; chloral hydrate; chlorpromazine; desipramine; diazepam; diphenhylhydantoin sodium; diphenhydramine; doxepin hydrochloride; droperidol; flurazepam; hydrochloride; glutethimide; lithium carbonate; lithium citrate; methaqualone; methyprylon; phenelzine sulfate; phenobarbital; phetobarbital; and secobarbital.

Central Nervous System Stimulants: This is a variety of drugs that stimulate the nervous system and initially create a sense of euphoria and self-confidence. However, maintaining this euphoria requires more and more of the drugs which can lead to feelings of panic, confusion, severe heart and respiratory problems and death. Examples of these drugs are: cocaine; amphetamine; methamphetamine; and methylphenidate.

Chest Pains: A severe discomfort in the chest caused by not enough oxygen going to the heart because of narrowing of the blood vessels or spasms.

Chills: A condition of appearing pale while cold and shivering; sometimes with a fever.

Chloral Hydrate: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Chlordiazepoxide: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Chlorpromazine: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Cipramil: An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Clorazepate Dipotassium: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Chronic: A condition where something is continuing for a long time.

Cirrhosis of the Liver: An often fatal disease in the liver which is often caused by alcoholism.

Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Emocal): An SSRI drug.

Clinical: Pertaining to medical care.

Clinically Significant: Of major importance for treating or evaluating patients.

Clinical Trial: An experiment or research study using human volunteers.

Cocaine: A highly addictive nervous system stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant that initially creates a sense of euphoria and self confidence. However, maintaining this euphoria requires more and more of the drug which can lead to feelings of panic, confusion, severe heart and respiratory problems and death.

Codeine: A derivative of opium that is prescribed for coughing and for pain relief.

Concentration Impaired: Unable to easily focus your attention for long periods of time.

Confusion: Not able to think clearly and understand in order to make a logical decision.

Conjunctivitis: Infection of the membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid, caused by a virus, allergic reaction, or an irritating chemical. It is characterized by redness, a discharge of fluid and itching.

Constipation: Difficulty in having a bowel movement where the material in the bowels is hard due to a lack of exercise, fluid intake, and roughage in the diet, or due to certain drugs.

Control Group: In many studies and clinical trials, one group of patients will be given a drug while another group is given a placebo. The group taking the placebo is called the control group.

Coordination Abnormal: A lack of normal, harmonious interaction of the parts of the body when it is in motion.

Coughing: A cough is the response to an irritation, such as mucus, that causes the muscles controlling the breathing process to expel air from the lungs suddenly and noisily to keep the air passages free from the irritating material.

Crying Abnormal: Unusual and not normal fits of weeping for short or long periods of time for no apparent reason.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride): An SNRI drug prescribed to treat depression and some urinary problems.

CYP2D6: A polymorphic liver enzyme responsible for the metabolism of an estimated 25 percent of all prescription drugs and most antidepressant, antipsychotic and opiate drugs. It is in the Cytochrome P450 family.

Cytochrome P450: The family of enzymes in the liver that metabolize drugs. These enzymes break down drugs when they pass through the liver or small intestine. The five major enzymes are CYP1A, CYP3A, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6.

Decreased Weight: Uncontrolled and measured loss of heaviness or weight.

Darvon or Darvocet (Propoxyphene Hydrochloride): A narcotic analgesic prescribed for pain relief.

Delirium: A state of confusion, anxiety, delusions and hallucinations. It is often accompanied by high fever. It can also be caused by excessive alcohol or drug consumption.

Delirium Tremens: A Latin term referring to the acute delirium that often occurs when an alcoholic excessive drinker attempts to withdraw from or stop drinking alcohol although it can occur while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Unsupervised by medical professionals, it can be fatal. Often the delirium is accompanied by uncontrolled tremors (tremens) or shaking.

Demerol (Meperidine Hydrochloride): A narcotic analgesic prescribed for pain relief.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): A nucleic acid, usually in the form of a double helix, that contains the genetic instructions specifying the development of all forms of life.

Depersonalization: A condition where one has lost a normal sense of personal identity.

Depression: A hopeless feeling of failure, loss and sadness that can result in thoughts of death.

Dermatitis: Generally irritated skin that can be caused by any of a number of irritating things such as parasites, fungus, bacteria, or foreign substances causing an allergic reaction. It is a general inflammation of the skin.

Deroxat (Paroxetine): An SSRI drug

Desipramine: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Devazepide: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Detox: Short for Detoxification, refers to the removing of the residual toxins left in the human body as a result of taking drugs. Drug Detox, from a medical prospective, is the process of medically managing the body’s physical withdrawal from drugs.

Detoxification or Detox Center: A medical facility that provides detoxification under medical supervision.

Detoxification: See Detox.

Detoxification Program: (Often shortened to Detox Program) This is the series of steps taken by the medical facility to safely allow someone to detox from drugs.

Diarrhea: Unusually frequent and excessive runny bowel movements that may result in severe dehydration and shock.

Diastolic: The lower number in blood pressure reading; pertaining to resting or relaxation phase of heartbeat.

Diazepam: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone Hydrochloride): A narcotic analgesic prescribed for pain relief.

Diphenhydramine: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Diphenhylhydantoin Sodium: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Disequilibrium: A lack of mental and emotional balance.

Disorientation: A loss of sense of direction, place, time or surroundings as well as mental confusion of personal identity.

Dizziness: A condition of losing one’s balance while feeling unsteady and lightheaded which may lead to fainting.

Dolophine (Methadone): A highly addictive drug prescribed as a substitute for heroin.

Dopamine: A neurotransmitter in the brain.

Doxepin Hydrochloride: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Dreaming Abnormal: A condition of dreaming that leaves a very clear, detailed picture and impression when awake that can last for a long period of time and sometimes be unpleasant.

Droperidol: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Drug: A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that causes changes in behavior and often addiction. Another definition is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease.

Drug Addiction: The compulsive use of legal and illegal drugs to the point where the user believes that he has no choice but to continue use the drugs or that he has become physically dependent on the drug.

Drug Approval: All drugs are to be approved by the FDA through the CDER. Most new drugs are approved only after being exposed to an average of 1500 patients, in Phase I, II and III clinical tests, and usually only for short periods of time. This means that drugs that cause severe adverse drug reactions may not be discovered until after the drug is approved for sale in the United States.

Drug Detoxification Center: A facility where the individual is under medical supervision and safely able to physically withdraw from a drug. Sometimes referred to as a “Detox Center” or as a “Drug Detox Center.”

Drug Interactions: Many drugs slow down the enzymes that metabolize other drugs. It is known that some SSRI drugs inhibit the YP2D6 enzyme to the point that as many as 80 percent of the extensive metabolizers become poor metabolizers. This leads to more serious side effects.

Drug Rehabilitation: A process designed to eliminate the cravings and addiction to a drug and restore the health and self-determinism of the individual. Sometimes shortened to Drug Rehab.

Dry Eyes: A condition where there is not enough moisture in the eyes.

Dry Lips: A condition where there is a lack of normal moisture in the fleshy folds that surround the mouth.

Dry Mouth: A condition where the usual amount of moisture in the mouth is noticeably less.

Dry Skin: A condition where there is a lack of normal moisture/oils in the surface layer of the body. The skin is the body’s largest organ.

Duragesic Patches (Fentanyl): An opioid drug prescribed for pain relief.

Dyskinesia: Involuntary tics and movements that are often caused by long-term use of antipsychotic and other drugs. The involuntary tics and movements may continue even after you stop taking the drug. See Tardive Dyskinesia.

Dyspepsia: A discomfort after eating. It can be heartburn, gas, nausea, a bellyache or bloating.

Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions.

Dysuria: A condition where there is difficult or painful urination.

Earache: A condition where there is a pain in the ear.

ECG Abnormal: A test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) records the activity of the heart. It measures heartbeats as well as the position and size of the heart’s four chambers. It also measures if there is damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or mechanical devices like a pacemaker on the heart. When the test is abnormal this means that one or more of the following are present: heart disease, defects, beating too fast or too slow, disease of the blood vessels leading from the heart or the heart valves, and/or a past or impending heart attack.

Eczema: A severe or continuing skin disease marked by redness, crusting and scaling with watery blisters and itching. It is often difficult to treat and will sometimes go away only to reappear again.

Effexor (Venlafaxine): A drug prescribed for depression.

Ejaculation Disorder: Dysfunction of the discharge of semen during orgasm.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Imbalance of salts or chemicals in the blood.

Elevation of Liver Function Tests: Evidence of liver or kidney damage.

Emesis: Vomiting.

Emocal: An SSRI drug.

Emotional Lability: Suddenly breaking out in laughter or crying or doing both without being able to control the outburst of emotion. These episodes are unstable as they are caused by things that normally would not have this effect on an individual.

Empiric or Empirical: Based on experience.

Enzyme: An enzyme is a complex protein that breaks down substances that are ingested. This process is called metabolism. While there are many different types of enzymes, one enzyme, CYP2D6, is responsible for the metabolism of an estimated 25 percent of all prescription drugs and most antidepressant, antipsychotic and opiate drugs.

Epidermal Necrolysis: An abnormal condition where a large portion of the skin becomes intensely red and peels off like a second-degree burn. Often the symptoms include blistering.

Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia): An SSRI drug.

Etiology: The study of why a medical condition occurred.

Evaluated: Assessed; examined for medical condition.

Excitability: A condition of uncontrollably responding to stimuli.

Extensive Metabolisers (EM’s): Individuals who metabolize antidepressant, antipsychotic and opiate drugs in a more predictable way but this does not eliminate side effects from occurring.

Eye Infection: The invasion of the eye tissue by a bacteria, virus, fungus, etc.., causing damage to the tissue, with toxicity. The infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Eye Irritation: An inflammation of the eye.

Faintness: A temporary condition where one is likely to go unconscious and fall.

Fall: To suddenly lose your normal standing upright position.

Faverin (Fluvoxamine Maleate): An SSRI drug.

Fatigue: Loss of normal strength that prevents doing the usual physical and mental activities.

FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the branch of the federal government which is responsible for the approval of new drugs.

Febrile: A condition of feeling feverish; relating to fever.

Fibrillation: An irregular beat of the heart or other muscle.

Feeling Unreal: A condition of awareness that one has an undesirable emotion like fear but can’t seem to shake off the irrational feeling. For example, feeling like one is going crazy but rationally knowing that it is not true. The quality of this side effect resembles being in a bad dream and not being able to wake up.

Fentanyl: A highly addictive drug prescribed for pain relief.

Fever: An abnormally high body temperature, the normal being 98 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Centigrade in humans, which is a symptom of disease or disorder in the body. The body is affected by feeling hot, chilled, sweaty, weak and exhausted. If the fever goes too high, death can result.

Flatulence : A condition of more gas than normal in the digestive organs.

Fluctin: An SSRI drug.

Flumazenil: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Flunitrazepam: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Fontex, Foxetin, Fluctin): An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox , Faverin, Fevarin and Dumyrox): An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Flurazepam: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Fluvoxamine Maleate (Luvox, Faverin): An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Flushing: A condition where the skin all over the body turns red.

Folliculitis: A condition of the inflammation of a follicle (small body sac) especially a hair follicle. A hair follicle contains the root of a hair.

Fontex: An SSRI drug.

Forgetfulness: A condition of being unable to remember what one ordinarily would remember.

Furunculosis: Skin boils that show up repeatedly.

Gagging: An involuntary choking and/or involuntary throwing up.

Gastritis: A severe irritation of the mucus lining of the stomach either short in duration or lasting for a long period of time.

Gastroenteritis: A condition where the membranes of the stomach and intestines are irritated.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux: A continuous state where stomach juices flow back into the throat causing acid indigestion and heartburn and possibly injury to the throat.

Gastrointestinal: Involving the stomach and the intestines.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A condition where there is excessive internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

Gene: An individual piece of DNA. Most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

Generic Drug: New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent gives the sole right to sell the drug while the patent is in effect. The owner of the patent normally selects a name for the drug that is trademarked and owned by the company. For example, Desyrel is the brand name of trazodone. The patent rights have expired and others can market trazodone drugs in competition with Desyrel but cannot use the name Desyrel because it continues to be a registered trademark. A generic drug is supposed to be the same as a brand name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use but is normally much less expensive.

Genetics: The branch of biology that studies genes and their effect.

Genome: An organism’s chromosomes which contains all of its genes and associated DNA..

Geodon (Ziprasidone): An atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. The FDA warns that the continued use of atypical antipsychotic drugs can cause Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary twitching of the face or other parts of the body).

Glucose: A sugar that is the main energy source for the body.

Glucagon: A hormone produced by the pancreas that causes an increase in blood sugar levels, the opposite of the effect caused by insulin.

Glutethimide: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Gout: A severe arthritic condition that is caused by the dumping of a waste product called uric acid into the tissues and joints. It can cause the body to develop a deformity after going through stages of pain, inflammation, severe tenderness and stiffness.

Grand Mal Seizures (or Convulsions): A recurring sudden, violent and involuntary attack of muscle spasms with a loss of consciousness. Literally translated as great sickness

Halcion: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Hallucinogens: These are drugs that cause hallucinations--things that don’t actually exist except in the mind or distortion of the senses. The user may or may not know that his perceptions are distorted. Examples of hallucinogens are: Bufotenine; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; MDMA; Peyote; and Psilocybin.

Headache: A sharp or dull persistent pain in the head.

Heartburn: A burning pain in the area of the breastbone caused by stomach juices flowing back up into the throat.

Hematoma: A condition of broken blood vessels that cause a swelling in an area of the body.

Hemic: Involving or relating to blood.

Hemoglobin: The substance in the red blood cells which transports oxygen throughout the body.

Hemorrhoids: Small rounded purplish swollen veins that either bleed, itch or are painful and appear around the anus.

Hepatic Enzymes Increased: An increase in the amount of paired liver proteins that regulate liver processes causing a condition where the liver functions abnormally.

Hives: A condition of itchy areas of skin that are raised. Another name for Urticaria.

Holistic Medicine: A medical approach that attempts to consider not just the diseased area but the physical and mental causes for the problem. Holistic practitioners do not normally prescribe drugs.

Hot Flashes: Brief, abnormal enlargement of the blood vessels that causes a sudden heat sensation over the entire body. Women in menopause will sometimes experience this.

Hydrochloride: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Hydrocodone (Vicodin): A highly addictive drug derived from opium prescribed for pain relief.

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride (Dilaudid): A narcotic analgesic prescribed for pain relief.

Hypercholesterolemia: A condition where there is too much cholesterol in the blood cells.

Hyperglycemia: An unhealthy amount of sugar in the blood.

Hyperreflexia: An abnormal and involuntary increased response in the tissues connecting the bones to the muscles.

Hypertension: High blood pressure, which is a symptom of disease in the blood vessels leading away from the heart. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer”. The symptoms are usually not obvious, however it can lead to damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes, and can even lead to stroke and kidney failure.

Hyperthermia: Heat stroke.

Hypoglycemia: A lower than normal amount of sugar in the blood.

Increased Stool Frequency: See “Diarrhea”.

Increased Weight: A concentration and storage of fat in the body accumulating over a period of time caused by unhealthy eating patterns, that can predispose the body to many disorders and diseases.

Increased Sweating: A large quantity of perspiration that is medically caused.
Indigestion. Inability to properly consume and absorb food in the digestive tract causing constipation, nausea, stomachache, gas, swollen belly, pain and general discomfort or sickness.

Infarct: Death of tissue because of lack of blood supply.

Inflammation: Swelling which is generally painful, red, and warm.

Influenza-like Symptoms: Irritation of the respiratory tract (organs of breathing) such as a cold, sudden fever, aches and pains, as well as feeling weak and seeking bed rest, which is similar to having the flu.

Insomnia: Sleeplessness caused by physical stress, mental stress or stimulants such as coffee or medications. It is a condition of being awake when one would ordinarily be able to fall and remain asleep.

Insulin: A hormone secreted by the pancreas and required to control glucose (sugar) which is necessary for the proper functions of the cells. Insulin reduces the amount of blood sugar in the body. The opposite of the effect caused by glucagon.

Intermediate Metabolizers (IM): Individuals who metabolize antidepressant, antipsychotic and opiate drugs better than poor metabolizers and worse than extensive metabolizers and are more likely to have serious side effects.

Irritability: A state of being abnormally annoyed in response to a stimulus.

JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Jaundice: Yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Jaundice is often an indicator of liver or gall bladder disease.

Jaw: The mandible (the bones beneath the mouth) and the maxilla (the bones above the mouth).

Jaw Pain: The pain due to irritation and swelling of the nerves associated with the mouth area where it opens and closes just in front of the ear. Some of the symptoms are: pain when chewing; headaches; losing your balance; stuffy ears or ringing in the ears and teeth grinding.

Jaw Stiffness: The result of squeezing and grinding the teeth while asleep that can cause your teeth to deteriorate as well as the muscles and joints of the jaw.

Jitteriness: Nervous fidgeting without an apparent cause.

Joint: The area attaching two bones so that they can move together.

Joint Stiffness: A loss of free motion and easy flexibility where any two bones come together.

Kalemia: Potassium has been found in the blood.

Ketone: The substance produced by the body when there is an insufficient amount of insulin in the blood. If the ketone count in the blood becomes too high then serious illness or a coma can result.

Kidney: Organs located on the right and left side of the abdomen. Their purpose is to clear toxins from the blood, to regulate acid concentration and excrete urine.

Kidney Failure: When the kidneys stop functioning to clear toxins, acids and bacteria. The resulting build up can cause serious illness or death.

Kidney Stone: Small hard masses of salt deposits that the kidney forms.

Kidney Transplant: When a healthy kidney from another person replaces an unhealthy kidney.

Lacrimation: Crying, tearing in the eyes.

Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box characterized by hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing. It can be caused by infection, allergy, straining the voice or exposure to chemical irritation.

Larynx: The area of the throat containing the vocal cords.

Lethargy: Mental and physical sluggishness and apathy that can deteriorate into an unconscious state resembling deep sleep. A numbed state of mind.

Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate): An SSRI drug prescribed for depression.

Libido Decreased: An abnormal loss of sexual energy or desire.

Light-Headed Feeling: An uncontrolled and usually brief loss of consciousness caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Lipoma: A tumor of mostly fat cells that is not health endangering.

Lithium Carbonate: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Lithium Citrate: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Lortab (Hydrocodone): An opioid drug prescribed for pain relief.

Lustral (Sertraline): An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Luvox (Fluvoxamine Maleate): An SSRI drug prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Lymphatic: The system of vessels involved with drainage of bodily fluids.

Lymphadenopathy Cervical: The lymph nodes in the neck, which are part of the body’s immune system, get swollen and enlarged by reacting to the presence of a drug. The swelling is the result of the white blood cells multiplying in order to fight the invasion of the drug.

Malaise: The somewhat unclear feeling of discomfort you get when you start to feel sick.

Mania: Mental illness marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity.

MAO (Monoamine Oxidase): The enzyme that inhibits or stops certain chemicals in the body (called neurotransmitters)

Medazepam: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Medical Facility: This is a facility operated under the guidance of medical professionals for the purpose of treating patients.

Menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy menstrual period or a menstrual flow that has continued for an unusually long period of time.

Menses (Menstrual Period): The monthly release of blood from the uterus of non-pregnant women that begins at puberty and continues until menopause.

Menstrual Cramps: Painful, involuntary uterus contractions that women experience around the time of their menstrual period, sometimes causing pain in the lower back, abdomen and thighs.

Menstrual Disorder: A disturbance or derangement in the normal function of a woman’s menstrual period.

Meperidine (Demerol): A highly addictive drug derived from opium prescribed for pain relief.

Metabolic: Usually this refers to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.

Metabolism: The process of enzymes breaking down anything ingested into the body to enable it to be used by the body.

Metabolize: The process of enzymes breaking down substances in the cells.

Metallic Taste: A range of taste impairment from distorted taste to a complete loss of taste.

Methadone: A highly addictive drug prescribed as a substitute for heroin.

Methaqualone: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Methamphetamine: A highly addictive synthetic nervous system stimulant that initially creates a sense of euphoria and self confidence. However, maintaining this euphoria requires more and more of the drug which can lead to feelings of panic, confusion, severe heart and respiratory problems and death.

Methylphenidate: A highly addictive synthetic nervous system stimulant that initially creates a sense of euphoria and self confidence. However, maintaining this euphoria requires more and more of the drug which can lead to feelings of panic, confusion, severe heart and respiratory problems and death.

Methyprylon: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Midazolam (Versed): A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Migraine: Recurring severe head pain usually combined with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, flashes or spots before the eyes, and ringing in the ears.

Miscellaneous Antidepressants: A category attributed to antidepressants that are not chemically structured like the other types of tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Examples are: bupropion (Wellbutrin); bupropion extended-release (Wellbutrin XL); bupropion SR (Budeprion SR, Wellbutrin SR); Duloxetine (Cymbalta); lithium (Eskalith, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs); lithium, extended-release (Eskalith CR, Lithobid); maprotiline (Ludiomil); mirtazapine (Remeron); nefazodone (Serzone); and trazodone (Desyrel).

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO): The enzyme that inhibits or stops certain chemicals in the body (called neurotransmitters).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: A category of drugs that block MAO and supposedly assist in the treatment of depression. Examples are: Isocarboxazid (Marplan); Phenelzine (Nardil); and Tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Morphine: The principal component of opium that is prescribed for pain relief.

Muscle Contractions Involuntary: A spontaneous and uncontrollable tightening reaction of the muscles caused by electrical impulses from the nervous system.

Muscle Cramp: A condition where the muscles contract uncontrollably without warning and do not relax. The muscles of any body organs can cramp.

Muscle Weakness: A loss of physical strength.

Muscular Tone Increased: An uncontrolled and exaggerated muscle tension. Muscles are normally partially tensed and this is what gives us muscle tone.

Myalgia: A general widespread pain and tenderness of the muscles.

Mydriasis: The excessive dilation of the pupil of the eye.

Myocardial Infarction: A heart attack; death of heart muscle.

Myoclonus: Involuntary muscle movements.

Nasal Congestion: A condition where there is the presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the nose.

Nausea: A stomach irritation with a queasy sensation similar to motion sickness and a feeling that one is going to vomit.

NDA (New Drug Application): An application for a new drug filed with the FDA.

Nervous System: It is composed of the brain, the spinal cord, and the sensory nerves. The nervous system carries messages to the brain from the body and motor nerves, which provide messages from the brain to the muscles.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A life threatening, rare reaction to an anti-psychotic drug marked by fever, muscular rigidity, changed mental status, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

Neuron: A cell in the nervous system.

Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that transmits information from one neuron to another by crossing the space between two adjacent neurons.

New Drug Application (NDA): An application for a new drug filed with the FDA.

Nitrazepam: A benzodiazepine drug prescribed as a tranquilizer, hypnotic or muscle relaxer that often leads to dependency and serious side effects.

Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter thought to affect stress.

Novus: A Latin word meaning new, fresh, young; revived, refreshed, novel, unusual, extraordinary.

Novus Medical Detox Centers, LLC.: An inpatient medical detox facility located in Pasco County Florida.

Numorphan (Oxymorphone): A highly addictive drug prescribed for pain relief.

Nutrition: The study of the effects of food on health.

Obesity: The National Institute of Health has determined that a person is obese if they are more than 30 pounds overweight for their body type.

Ocular: Referring to the eye.

Olfactory: Referring to the sense of smell.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa): An atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. The FDA warns that the continued use of atypical antipsychotic drugs can cause tardive dyskinesia (Involuntary twitching of the face or other parts of the body.)

Oncology: The branch of medicine treating cancer.

Onset: The first appearance of a disease or symptom.

Opiate: A group of drugs that are either derived from opium or have similar chemical ingredients. These are generally referred to as narcotics and are prescribed to inhibit pain and, literally, to put to sleep. Examples of opiates are codeine, morphine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxycodone (Oxycontin), oxycodene plus aspirin (Percodan), oxymorphone (Numorphan), hydrocodone (Vicodin), meperidine (Demerol), fentanyl, methadone (Dolophine), darvon and talwin.

Opiate Antagonist: A drug that reacts against something and blocks it from creating the effect it would ordinarily create.

Opium: An addictive narcotic drug made from unripe opium poppy seeds.

Optic: Relating to vision.

Organ: A part of the body that performs one or more functions, such as the eye, ear, lungs and heart.

Ortho: A prefix meaning straight or erect.

Otitis: A condition of the inflammation of the ear.

Oxycodone (Oxycontin): A highly addictive drug prescribed for pain relief.

Oxycontin (Oxycodone): A highly addictive drug prescribed for pain relief.

Oxymorphone (Numorphan): A highly addictive drug prescribed for pain relief.

Palpitation: An unusual and not normal heartbeat, that is sometimes irregular, but a rapid and forceful thumping or fluttering. It can be brought on by shock, excitement, exertion, or medical stimulants. A person is normally unaware of his/her heartbeat.

Pancreas: A gland secreting pancreatic juice (needed to digest fat and carbohydrates) and insulin and glucagon.

Pancreatitis: A chemical irritation with redness, swelling, and pain in the pancreas where digestive enzymes and hormones are secreted.

Panic Reaction: A sudden, overpowering, chaotic and confused mental state of terror resulting in being doubt-ridden often accompanied with hyperventilation and extreme anxiety.

Paresis: A feeling of weakness.

Paresthesia: A condition of burning, prickly, itchy, or tingling skin with no obvious or understood physical cause.

Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat): An SSRI drug.

Paxil (Paroxetine): An SSRI drug.

Pelvic Inflammation: A reaction of the body to infectious, allergic, or chemical irritation, which in turn causes tissue irritation, injury, or bacterial infection characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. The reaction usually begins in the uterus and spreads to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other areas in the hipbone region of the body.

Percocet (Oxycodone with Acetaminophen): A highly addictive drug derived from opium prescribed for pain relief.

Percodan (Oxycodone plus Aspirin): A highly addictive drug derived from opium prescribed for pain relief.

Pharmagenetics or Pharmacogenetics: The study of how an individual’s genetic structure affects the body’s response to drugs. The term comes from the words pharmacology and genetic.

Pharmacokinetics: Study of the way the body absorbs, distributes and gets rid of a drug.

Pharyngitis: Sore throat.

Phenelzine Sulfate: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Phenobarbital: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Phenylketonuria (PKU): An inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation,

Phetobarbital: A drug that slows down first the operation of the brain and then begins to affect heartbeat, respiration, and balance, and leads to slower reflexes, impaired judgment and emotions ranging from euphoria to depression.

Phase I : An FDA-required study which primarily focuses on the safety of the drug in humans. Phase I studies are to assess how to safely administer and dose the drug with an emphasis on evaluation of the toxic manifestations of the therapy, how the body distributes and degrades the drug, and how side effects relate to the dose. Phase I studies typically include fewer than 100 healthy volunteers or subjects.

Phase II: An FDA-required study to explore the effectiveness of the drug over a range of doses and to determine common short-term side effects. Phase II studies typically involve a few hundred subjects.

Phase III: An FDA-required study involving up to several thousand subjects. These studies examine additional uses, may provide further safety data including long-term experience, and consider additional population subsets, dose response, etc.

Phase IV: A study that is done after FDA approval to release the drug. It is intended to provide additional information about the drug’s risks and side effects.

Pheochromocytoma: A type of tumor of the adrenal gland leading to excess adrenaline.

Placebo: An inactive pill, liquid or powder with no medical value. Placebos are given to a group while a second group is given a drug. Then the two groups are evaluated to see if the drug was more effective.