Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I heard about the research regarding Ambien. Apparently, the same dose was recommended for both men/women.
In fact, in a trial study, the women had remaining ambien in their system upon waking, while the men had none left.
Recommendations will be soon, but dosage for a woman should be substantially less for women. (FOR AMBIEN)
This may apply to MANY DRUGS!!! And further studies are coming.
MY THOUGHT is straight to DMARDS and BIOLOGICS.
These drugs suppress the immune system. What if the dosage of them should be less for women than men? Could women be suppressing their immune system so much that we are allowing infections and even cancer to brew?
I long for the day that medicine can be individualized, not just by gender. That is "sort of" how methotrexate is administered. You get to a level that works and don't increase. If the biologics could do the same, it would be great. Someone who only needs 25ml of one, while others need 35ml and still others use the max of 50ml would be much better treatment.
I'm sure you can find the study on Ambien. I heard it on NPR, so it's probably circulating in print too.
In fact, in a trial study, the women had remaining ambien in their system upon waking, while the men had none left.
Recommendations will be soon, but dosage for a woman should be substantially less for women. (FOR AMBIEN)
This may apply to MANY DRUGS!!! And further studies are coming.
MY THOUGHT is straight to DMARDS and BIOLOGICS.
These drugs suppress the immune system. What if the dosage of them should be less for women than men? Could women be suppressing their immune system so much that we are allowing infections and even cancer to brew?
I long for the day that medicine can be individualized, not just by gender. That is "sort of" how methotrexate is administered. You get to a level that works and don't increase. If the biologics could do the same, it would be great. Someone who only needs 25ml of one, while others need 35ml and still others use the max of 50ml would be much better treatment.
I'm sure you can find the study on Ambien. I heard it on NPR, so it's probably circulating in print too.
I was just advised to increase my dosage to 25mg - wondering if I should stay at 20!
of course, that makes me think 'why aren't my drugs working - is it because i'm fat?'. i currently weigh A LOT. i am in the lovely 'morbidly obese' category (which i have so many issues with that label, but that's another post). so do i need more mtx and enbrel than a more modestly sized woman? is that why i'm not getting any relief? ugh.
I'm small & he mentioned my size more then once.
I'm not sure, perhaps some meds weight can be considered but not as a general rule.
I think a persons metabolism may make a difference.
Then that would be hard to determine.
I've heard of patients not absorbing the medication.
Can be a complicated subject.
Sammy
Age is another factor. I've read that people over 65 metabolize drugs far more slowly. A dose that would be fine in a 50-year-old can make a 70-year-old very, very sick, as it builds up to a much higher level.
With weight, also, fat-soluble medications probably behave differently in people of different body types.
Combine sex, age, weight, etc., and it's really complicated. Then add in other drugs taken, level of physical activity, basic metabolic rate, wildly varying diets, and it's easier to see why the drug that works well for me and makes you sick, and why your favorite doesn't even start to do it for me.
I love my Ambien. Ambien is my dear friend. Hope my dose doesn't get changed at my next appointment!
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Hypertension/44240
Be well...