Epilim, with a generic name of valproate sodium or sodium valproate, is an anti-convulsant drug derived from valproic acid used in several neurologic conditions. Sodium valproate is the salt form of valproic acid. Epilim is available in enteric coated tablets, crushable tablets, and syrup and injection preparations.

Sodium valproate acts by stabilizing the electrical impulses to the brain to prevent over stimulation of the central nervous system. This results in improving the brain activity and preventing too much firing of nerve impulses. The over stimulation and excessive nerve impulse transmission often results to seizures. In addition, Epilim also enhances the release of GABA. GABA or gamma-amino-butyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for calming the individual and stabilizing the brain function.

In addition, the drug also inhibits sodium from entering the nerves which prevents excessive nerve impulse transmission. Sodium is responsible for initiating an electrical impulse in neurons. Epilim is used for various conditions, but has more Epilim side-effects than other anti-epileptics, which makes the drug second-line treatment for epilepsy and seizures.

Epilim Side-Effects

Epilim side-effects include the following:

1. Pancytopenia

This involves the lowering of platelets, RBCS and WBCs as a result of interfering with the bone marrow activity. These Epilim side-effects should be monitored and prompt treatment is needed. The patient may receive blood transfusions to correct the problem. In addition, the patient should also be careful to prevent easy bruising and infection.

2. Weight gain due to Increased Appetite

The presence of GABA increases the general well-being of clients, which improves appetite. Weight gaining may be managed through exercise and proper diet.

3. Temporary Hair loss

The action of Epilim on cells also affects the hair follicles which results in hair loss. This is temporary although the re-growth may be curly in nature. Hair loss may be treated with hair growth products or herbal remedies such as Aloe Vera.

4. Drowsiness

The excessive inhibition of sodium in the neurons may lead to slowing of the brain conduction that leads to drowsiness as Epilim side-effects. Caregivers should ensure safety to prevent accidental falls especially among pediatric clients.

5. Confusion

Confusion may also be experienced because of slowing of nerve impulse transmission. Management includes orienting the person to time, place and person.

6. Depression

Overdose of sodium valproate may lead to depression because of excessive inhibition of nerve impulse transmission. Correct dosing and administration should be employed to prevent this Epilim side-effect.

7. Skin rashes

Skin rashes appear as a sign of allergy to valproic acid. Stopping the medication is the first action with the administration of antihistamines to relieve allergic reactions.

8. Hyperactivity, Aggression, Tremors

These Epilim side-effects are a result of withdrawal symptoms from the drug. To prevent these, the dose should be tapered accordingly.

9. Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Nausea and Vomiting

These gastrointestinal Epilim side-effects are a result of drug overdose which makes the body act to eliminate the drug. These Epilim side-effects may be prevented by correct dosing.

Epilim use is still beneficial to people with epilepsy, despite the Epilim side-effects, especially those who only respond to this drug. The Epilim side-effects can be managed and prevented while using sodium valproate so patients should not be alarmed in using Epilim if this will save the lives of those having epilectic episodes. Women who want to be pregnant should also inform their physicians in order to adjust the dosage and give folic acid to prevent neural tube defects on the fetus as Epilim side-effects.

Stevia is a plant that is grown in the central and South America, which is a part in the family of sunflowers or Asteraceae. Stevia is also known as rebadiana. Stevia consist of about 240 species all over the world. Recent developments in the food industry have found the use of stevia as an artificial sweetener and can be used as an alternative to sugar. During the past 500 years, Stevia has been used by people in Brazil and Paraguay as a sweetener because it is considered 300 times sweeter than conventional sugar. Other advantages of stevia include the prevention of infections because of inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Being non-sugar, it does not cause tooth decays and high blood sugar levels. Stevia can also be used in cooking or baking because it resists heat.

Stevia side effects

1. Hypoglycemia

Stevia has been linked to the reduction in blood sugar levels because of interference in the glucose regulation. People with diabetes should be cautioned in the use of products with stevia because of possible hypoglycemic states when taken with insulin injections as stevia side-effects.

2. Sterility in men

Studies in hamsters have indicated a reduction in the sperm cells because of affectation of the production of the sperms by the testes. This is especially true in hamsters that received high doses of the plant. There have been no studies in human regarding this matter, but proponents have indicated that this stevia side- effect may not be true in humans.

3. Weakness and fatigue

Stevia is also believed to block the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby leads to inadequate carbohydrates to produce energy. Limited production of energy may contribute to weakness and fatigue especially in children as stevia side effects.

4. Obesity

Stevia is also known to contribute to obesity as stevia side effect because of being 300 times sweeter than sugar. However, because of absence of sugar, the person tends to over eat to compensate with the caloric requirements. The intake of stevia should be monitored in clients with high risk for obesity.

5. Addiction

Stevia may also lead to addiction as stevia side effect, especially to sweet foods because of being too sweet. The body tends to constantly search for sweet things that ARE comparable to the sweetness of stevia.

6. Bloating and abdominal pain

Sweet foods tend to produce more gas in the intestines leading to bloating and abdominal pain as stevia side effects.

7. Increased risk for cancer

Stevia was also linked to the development of cancer; however there are no adequate evidences to support such. DNA mutations have been observed in animals, which can contribute to the presence of cancer.

8. Allergy

Allergy to ragweed may also lead to allergy to stevia because of similar plant components.

9. Numbness

Stevia was also observed to cause numbness especially in the extremities. However, there is no direct link as to why this stevia side-effect occurs.

Additional effects of stevia are the possible problems relating to pregnancy, thereby, pregnant women are encouraged to use other forms of sweeteners during conception.

Despite the side effects, which have no concrete and strong foundations, stevia may still be used as a sweetener being accepted by the FDA. The benefits of stevia can be considered.

Dermabrasion is a term that describes a surgical procedure involving the removal or abrasion of the uppermost layers of the skin. Dermabrasion is done using sand paper or other materials. The most common substances used are Erbium:YAG laser or CO2. The procedure requires the use of local anesthetics because of considerable pain from the nerves that lie under the skin. After the dermabrasion, the skin looks very raw and red and it usually takes months for the skin to heal completely. Dermabrasion is used for removing scars, tattoos, wrinkles and moles. Dermabrasion comes in various forms and one of which is the less invasive procedure called microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion uses mechanical techniques in removing the outermost layer of the skin. Removal of the upper skin layer is called exfoliation. Microdermabrasion differs from dermabrasion in that the former involves only abrading thin surface of the skin, while the latter abrades more deeply. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure, while microdermabrasion is non-invasive.

Uses of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is performed for the following indications:

• To reduce superficial hyperpigmentation of the skin
• To reduce sun damaged skin
• To diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Removes shallow acne
• Diminishes scars
• To remove keratosis pilaris of the upper arm

Microdermabrasion is best for people with mild acne, dull skin, skin discolorations, superficial acne scars and pick marks. It is also best for people with busy lifestyles because microdermabrasion does not affect daily functions and heals fast. Deeper skin problems may require more intensive techniques such as dermabrasion or chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion is also used to allow for topical medications to penetrate the skin better, and also allows smooth application of make-up.

Microdermabrasion Side effects

While microdermabrasion is relatively safe than other skin resurfacing treatments, it may also lead to microdermabrasion side effects. These microdermabrasion side effects are often mild and may resolve quickly. Most often, microdermabrasion is done on the face, which makes the area the common site of microdermabrasion side effects.

Microdermabrasion side effects should not produce concerns from individuals undergoing it because it does not result to serious side effects and is considered very safe, considering that it is non-invasive. Possible microdermabrasion side effects include:

1. Redness

The skin may become red after successive contact with the abrasive materials as microdermabrasion side effect. However, this is only minimal and may resolve in hours after the treatment.

2. Skin tightness

The pressure exerted in passing the diamond tip or bristle in the skin may cause skin tightness. The application of pressure for diamond peels also follows a certain pattern and this creates skin tightness. This microdermabrasion side effect eventually resolves as the skin returns to its original form. Skin tightness may be relieved by applying creams and lotions.

3. Minor bruising

Sensitive skins may also experience minor bruising as microdermabrasion side effect. This also results from the pressure of the material on the surface of the skin that may lead to minor breaks in the capillaries in the skin leading to bruising. The bruise may be removed by placing warm packs over the area.

4. Skin sensitivity

Since the uppermost layer of the epidermis is removed, the skin becomes sensitive following the treatment. Individuals who had microdermabrasion should avoid exposure to the sun several days after the treatment to allow the skin to heal completely and prevent skin burns as microdermabrasion side effect.

5. Small skin abrasions

Skin abrasions may also be present as microdermabrasion side effects. This is caused by the abrasive material used. Certain creams may be applied to hasten healing and prevent minor infections asmicrodermabrasion side effect.

6. Hyperpigmentation

Following micordermabrasion, the skin may undergo inflammatory processes and the result is hyperpigmentation of certain areas of the skin as microdermabrasion side effect. This can be prevented by carefulmanipulation of the skin by the use of the abrasive materials.

7. Minor bleeding

The presence of minor skin abrasions may also lead to bleeding as microdermabrasion side effect. This can be relieved by using cold compress over the area.

8. Bruising of the eyelids

People taking anticoagulants or blood thinners may experience bruising on the eye area as microdermabrasion side effect because of easy bleeding as a result of the medication. It is important to inform thedermatologists of certain medications used such as anticoagulants to prevent the occurrence of this microdermabrasion side effect.

9. Appearance of telangiectasia

Since the skin becomes thinner, it may result in the appearance of underlying capillaries as microdermabrasion side effect. When the skin heals, it usually disappears.

Patients who have inactive herpes infection on the lips and face may experience reactivation of the infection because of the manipulation of the skin as microdermabrasion side effect.