Daphne Berryhill

Each year, a select group of novel new drugs enter the U.S. market. In 2023, 55 new drugs were approved—adding to the more than 20,000 prescription drugs already in circulation. The process of evaluating and approving new drugs dates back to the 1960s, when the FDA began requiring evidence of a drug’s safety and efficacy based on data collected in multi-phase controlled clinical trials. As the decades have passed, the FDA has refined and reformed its process, with important efforts being made to increase clinical trial diversity, protect enrolled participants, and shorten the bench-to-market

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer that’s FDA approved for muscle spasticity in adults. But it also has other “off-label” uses. In fact, research suggests up to 40% of prescriptions of tizanidine are for off-label uses. This is when a prescriber recommends a medication for a condition it’s not FDA approved to treat, but real-world research or experience suggests a benefit. Below, we look at TK tizanidine uses and what the research says about how well it works for each of these conditions. Plus, we’ll cover tizanidine side effects to help you weigh its risks and benefits.

Explainer video: How much iron should I take?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that affects attention, focus, and energy. Luckily, ADHD is manageable with a variety of treatment options, including medications. Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. Ritalin and Adderall are part of the same drug class, but they’re not interchangeable. In this article, we’ll highlight eight key differences between Ritalin versus Adderall, and we’ll discuss several points to consider if you’re prescribed one of these medications.

Medications that deliver estrogen into your bloodstream can help relieve bodywide symptoms related to menopause. You can take a pill or wear a patch, but those aren’t the only FDA-approved options.

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is the most commonly prescribed medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s approved to treat ADHD in adults and children age 3 and older. It’s also FDA approved to treat narcolepsy. Below, we discuss how long Adderall lasts in the body for both the immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. We’ll also cover factors that can influence how quickly your body clears Adderall.

Amino acid dietary supplements like L-tyrosine are often found in sports nutrition products, claiming to boost athletic performance and build muscle. L-tyrosine, in particular, is also often found in supplements labeled as “nootropics” because some research suggests it may have cognitive-enhancing benefits—especially during times of stress. To learn if taking L-tyrosine might be useful for you, read on for expert insights.

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” for short, are a group of medications that treat several health conditions. They’re considered anxiolytics because they treat anxiety, and since they have sedative effects, they can be useful for sleep issues. They also treat panic disorder, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. Every year, tens of millions of people in the U.S. fill a benzodiazepine prescription. Though these medications can be effective, they come with several risks. Below, we’ll answer 10 frequently asked questions about benzos.

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Figuring out what to do and discovering what to treasure

Outside of fiction, I’m feeling weary of stories seeping into everything. Not everything adds up. Not every piece connects. At least not in a short span of time.

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Hair is in a constant state of turnover — some hair falls out, and new hair grows in. Most hair loss (alopecia) occurs when an imbalance favors shedding over growth. If this happens, you might notice more hair in your brush or in the shower drain. Or you may see or feel a difference in your hair thickness. In women, hair loss or thinning is more likely after menopause. But it’s also possible to experience it during your menstruating years. Sometimes, medications can contribute to hair loss.