Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Brain imaging studies have shown that people with narcolepsy have changes in certain brain areas, especially those involved in regulating sleep and alertness.

Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle strength triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise. This happens because certain brain areas respond differently to emotions, affecting muscle control.

Sleep paralysis is a common symptom of narcolepsy, which is a long-term sleep disorder that affects how people sleep and feel awake.

The most common medications for narcolepsy include stimulants like modafinil and amphetamines, as well as sodium oxybate for managing symptoms.

Hypocretin, also known as orexin, is a brain chemical that helps keep us awake. In people with narcolepsy, there is often a lack of hypocretin, which leads to symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness called cataplexy.

Narcolepsy medications can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It's important to monitor these effects and talk to a healthcare provider if they occur.

Parents should watch for sudden sleep attacks, excessive daytime sleepiness, and unusual sleep patterns in children as signs of narcolepsy.

People with narcolepsy suddenly fall asleep because their brain has trouble controlling sleep and wake cycles due to a problem with certain chemicals.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis—an immune-mediated skin disease causing well-defined red, scaly plaques (often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back)—and itch is extremely common in it. It could be the cause of your itchy skin, but eczema, fungal infections, and other issues can look similar, so the pattern of plaques, nail changes, family history, and severity matter. There are several factors to consider; see below for key signs to watch for, when to seek care, and the full range of treatments and self-care options.

Natural supplements might help with depression, but their safety and effectiveness can vary. It's important to talk to a doctor before using them. See below to understand more.

Yes, some antibiotic creams can cause allergies, especially those containing bacitracin, which can lead to skin reactions or even severe allergic responses. See below to understand more.

Caffeine can interact with anxiety medications and might make anxiety symptoms worse. It's important to be careful with caffeine if you're taking these medications. See below to understand more.

Drinking alcohol while on insulin can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, so it's important to be careful and monitor your body's response. See below to understand more.

You can take supplements with thyroid medication, but be careful as some might affect how the medication works. Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement. See below to understand more.

Yes, you can use topical and oral antibiotics together, especially for treating acne, as they can work better when combined. See below to understand more.

Metformin, a common diabetes medication, can sometimes lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, especially with long-term use. See below to understand more.

Yes, over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can affect how prescription drugs work in your body. It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them. See below to understand more.

Yes, steroids can increase blood sugar levels, especially in people who are not diabetic. See below to understand more.

Sunscreen does not directly interact with medications, but some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, even when using sunscreen. See below to understand more.

Thyroid medication in liquid or soft gel form can be taken with food, including breakfast, without affecting its effectiveness. See below to understand more.

Yes, using topical steroids can make the skin thinner, especially if used for a long time. See below to understand more.

Some people taking antidepressants feel 'numb' or emotionally 'blunted.' This can happen with different types of antidepressants, like SSRIs and bupropion.

Diabetes pills cannot replace insulin, but they can be used together to help manage blood sugar levels, especially in type 2 diabetes. See below to understand more.

You don't have to take the morning-after pill in the morning. It can be taken at any time, but it's most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. See below to understand more.

Steroid creams can make skin infections worse by hiding symptoms and making it easier for germs to spread. See below to understand more.

To organize multiple medications safely, using a pillbox can help keep track of when to take each pill, making it easier to remember and reducing the chance of mistakes. See below to understand more.

When using steroid cream on your face, apply only a small amount to avoid side effects. Be cautious, as misuse can lead to skin damage. See below to understand more.

The morning-after pill works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours. See below to understand more.

The safest way to dispose of expired medications is to use drug take-back programs or special disposal products available for home use. See below to understand more.

Using antifungal creams for months can be safe, but it's important to follow medical advice and monitor for any side effects. See below to understand more.