Until law, GLP-1 drugs were used to treat diabetes, obesity and even the recent evidences suggest that it could as well be used to treat chronic kidney problems. There is yet another research, published in JAMA Psychiatry on February 25, titled Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial that explores if GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder.

What Do Studies Say?

The research was conducted over a period of 9 weeks, where in the randomized clinical trial, the participants who were administered semaglutide, it led to reductions in some but not all measures of weekly consumptions. It also reduced weekly alcohol and craving related to placebo, and also led to a greater relative reduction in cigarettes per day.

The research also found that weekly injections of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy also helped reduce cravings in people with alcohol use disorder.

The lead author Christian Hendershot said that these findings will help in developing new approaches to treat alcoholism. "Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren't widely used. The popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder," said Hendershot in news release by the University of Southern California's Institute for Addiction Research, where he is the director.

The study is government-funded research and was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study was small, and took in account for only 48 adults over two months, thus experts say that it is not yet clear how safe these drugs are for people who do not need to lose weight. Though the results do add up with the evidence form animal studies on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on how it helps manage cravings, not just for food, but also for tobacco and alcohol. Scientists are also studying these drugs on smokers, people with opioid addiction and cocaine users.

Co-author Dr Klara Klein of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who treats people with obesity and diabetes said, "This is such promising data. And we need more of it. We frequently will hear that once people start these medications that their desire to drink is very reduced, if not completely abolished."

Why Does It Work So Well Against Alcoholism?

The GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones GLP-1 in the gut and brain that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. This response is what helps one lose weight, and what helps one curb their craving for alcohol. These drugs that mimic the functioning of your brain, which is responsible to tell your body when to stop consuming, are the same hormones that tell your body about other kinds of consumptions, including alcohol. Therefore by consuming the weight loss drugs one can treat alcohol use disorder.

However, the researchers have pointed out on the limited data on the research and have suggested to continue using the three approved drugs by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, namely, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate to treat alcohol use disorder until large studies confirm these findings.

If you struggle with anxiety or trouble sleeping, your doctor may prescribe lorazepam or alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax). These belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that helps calm the nervous system.

While both medicines are often used to ease anxiety symptoms, alprazolam is also prescribed to control seizures in people with epilepsy. But despite their short-term effectiveness, one clinical psychologist has warned that depending on these medications without addressing underlying issues can be harmful in the long run.

‘Benzodiazepines Don’t Solve the Root Cause,’ Says Psychologist

Spanish psychologist Fernando Azor, known for sharing mental health insights on TikTok, cautioned his followers about the overuse of benzodiazepines.

In a recent video, Azor explained that while drugs such as lorazepam and alprazolam can help calm anxiety attacks, they only mask symptoms rather than helping people understand what triggers their distress.

He added, “People experiencing anxiety crises often struggle to face the physical sensations, such as a racing heart, blurred vision, or nervousness—that come with anxiety. We automatically see them as dangerous or negative, but in reality, they are natural bodily responses to stress.”

According to Azor, perceiving these sensations as something to eliminate immediately can create a cycle of avoidance and dependency, rather than resilience.

Why Relying on Medication Alone Can Backfire

Azor warned that people often reach for these drugs because they take effect quickly, especially when taken under the tongue. This offers temporary relief, but it reinforces the idea that anxiety symptoms must be avoided rather than understood.

He compared it to feeling hunger: “Being hungry can be unpleasant, but it’s not wrong—it signals the body’s needs. Anxiety works similarly. It’s uncomfortable, but not necessarily harmful.”

By suppressing symptoms too quickly, people may avoid learning coping strategies, which can lead to increased distress and reliance on medication.

Learning to Manage Anxiety Through Therapy

The psychologist highlighted that psychotherapy can help individuals build tolerance for uncomfortable sensations instead of fearing them. Through practical exercises and guided experiences, people can learn to sit with their symptoms and understand them logically and emotionally.

“Therapy helps people see that feeling anxious doesn’t always mean something is wrong,” Azor said. “With the right tools, you can live with those sensations without needing to eliminate them instantly.”

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have been feeling persistently anxious, struggling to control your emotions, or having difficulty sleeping for six months or longer, experts recommend speaking to your general practitioner (GP).

According to NHS guidance, treatment for anxiety may include:

• Medications designed to manage anxiety symptoms
• Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Referral to mental health specialists for more tailored support

While benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam can offer short-term relief, mental health experts warn that they should not replace long-term coping mechanisms. Building emotional awareness and resilience through therapy and self-regulation remains key to managing anxiety sustainably.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern over the continued spread of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) across Africa and other regions. In the past six weeks alone, 17 African nations have reported active transmission. Between September 14 and October 19, there were 2,862 confirmed infections and 17 related deaths, according to WHO’s 59th multi-country situation report released on October 30.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Kenya, and Ghana have reported the highest number of cases. Infections have increased notably in Kenya and Liberia, while the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a slight decline and Ghana is beginning to show early signs of improvement.

What Is Mpox and How Does It Spread?

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies two main clades of the virus, Clade I (subdivided into Ia and Ib) and Clade II (IIa and IIb). The widespread outbreak seen during 2022–2023 was primarily linked to Clade IIb.

Typical symptoms include skin rashes or lesions that last two to four weeks, along with fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and headaches.

The infection spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated objects, or animals carrying the virus. Transmission from a pregnant woman to her baby can also occur.

How Serious Is the Global Mpox Situation Now?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a total of 42 countries reported 3,135 confirmed Mpox infections and 12 related deaths in September, with more than four-fifths of all cases recorded in Africa. While most regions have seen infection rates ease, the European and South-East Asian regions are now showing a slight increase.

The WHO stated that all variants, or clades, of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) remain in circulation worldwide. Experts caution that if emerging outbreaks are not swiftly controlled, ongoing community transmission may occur.

It is worth noting that in the same month, the WHO ended Mpox’s designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) after observing a consistent decline in new infections, particularly in heavily affected African countries.

Where Has the New Clade Ib Variant Been Found?

The Clade Ib form of the Mpox virus has been newly detected in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Additional imported cases linked to international travellers carrying the same strain have appeared in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Spain.

Evidence of local transmission—cases without any recent travel exposure, has been confirmed in six countries outside Africa: Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. In the U.S., three patients hospitalised in California tested positive for the new variant despite no travel history, according to The Guardian, prompting concern among health authorities.

Following these developments, WHO has officially classified these countries as experiencing community-level spread of the Clade Ib MPXV strain.

How Are Countries Responding to the Renewed Spread of Mpox?

WHO continues to assess the global Mpox threat as moderate among men who have sex with men (MSM) and low for the general population. The agency is encouraging governments to sustain surveillance systems, improve testing capabilities, and maintain access to vaccines and treatment options to prevent wider community outbreaks.

Medication recall blood pressure: More than 580,000 bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride, a commonly prescribed drug for high blood pressure, are being recalled after tests showed potentially unsafe levels of a cancer-linked impurity. The manufacturer has advised patients using the affected medication to reach out to their doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

The recall, issued on October 7 by New Jersey–based Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., involves 55 batches of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules distributed across the country. The recalled products were sold in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses under the Teva Pharmaceuticals label.

Below is the list of prescription numbers included in the FDA’s recall notice, along with medical advice on what steps to take if your medication is affected.

FDA gov blood pressure medication recall: Which Medicine Is Being Recalled?

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Amerisource Health Services have both recalled certain batches of prazosin hydrochloride this month after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected possible contamination. According to FDA enforcement reports, the affected capsules may contain nitrosamine impurities that exceed the limits set under the agency’s Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA).

Nitrosamines are a group of chemical compounds that, when present in high amounts, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. They can form during the production or storage of certain medications.

The FDA classified these recalls as Class II on October 24, indicating that while the affected drugs could cause temporary or reversible health effects, the likelihood of severe harm is considered low.

Current Blood Pressure Medication Recall: Which Lot Are Affected?

The recall applies only to the 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg capsules of prazosin hydrochloride distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Amerisource Health Services. It affects select batches identified by specific lot numbers and expiration dates.

The majority of the recalled supply, over 580,000 bottles, came from Teva, with the remainder distributed by Amerisource. Details on the affected products, including the complete list of lot codes and expiry information, are available in the FDA’s official enforcement reports.

As reported by USA Today, the recall includes several dosages and packaging of the medication:

• 1 mg capsules: 181,659 bottles (NDC 0093-4067-01 and 0093-4067-10), from lot numbers 3010544A and 3010545A, with an expiration date of October 2025.
• 2 mg capsules: 291,512 bottles (NDC 0093-4068-01 and 0093-4068-10) from multiple lots, expiring between October 2025 and July 2026.
• 5 mg capsules: 107,673 bottles (NDC 0093-4069-01, 0093-4069-52, and 0093-4069-05) from several batches, with expiration dates extending into 2026.

What To Do If You Have The Recalled Blood Pressure Pills?

If you have any of the recalled prazosin hydrochloride capsules, the FDA recommends contacting your doctor or pharmacist before stopping the medication. In some cases, discontinuing treatment without medical supervision could pose greater health risks than continuing it.

Teva Pharmaceuticals has urged patients to check with their pharmacy to confirm whether their medication is part of the recall and to follow the instructions provided for returning or disposing of the affected pills. The company has already issued recall letters to its customers detailing the process.

Teva noted that no complaints have been reported so far related to the recalled batches. The company added that prazosin, which is used to manage high blood pressure, has several alternative treatments available. “Teva prioritizes patient safety and product quality at every stage of a medicine’s lifecycle,” the statement read.

Patients who have concerns or need further guidance are advised to speak with their prescribing healthcare provider.