Help Please

Hey girls: I want to go buy water pills cause I heard they help get rid of some bloating when that time of the month comes. I have never tried these, so can anyone recommend a brand to me? Or is any brand ok? Also, where do you get them? At any drug store, like Duane Reade, or do I have to go to a GNC type of place.

Thanks!

my mom uses water pills - generic from CVS

Thanks girls! I'm going to go get them today

Well I went to 2 drug stores 2nite (Duane Reade and Genovese) and they didn't have them. I'm going to another drug store tomorrow night.

They can be hard to find. Supermarkets/drug stores sometimes carry them in their diet sections.

I use Diurex. Depending on which ones you get, they can make you pee green/blue.

Thanks for the warning Jenny

Girls, just be careful when using them (in other words, don't use them often). They can lead to major health problems.

I would just use them when AF comes. Is that ok? Like I said I have never tried them but heard from someone at school that they're good to relieve bloating. So any advice that you can give, pro or con would be great!

Thanks!

So funny - I had a very brief conversation with my mom about this topic this past weekend. I am leaving for vacation next week and it is more than likely AF will visit and of course the bloating and bathing suit combo - yuck! So my mom said to take a water pill. She said she does every now and then to reduce bloating (or when she feels fat - lol). She was suppose to bring me some on Sunday and forgot. I was thinking of buying some but have no nothing at all about them...I figure if I take it every now and then it can't be too bad. Here is an article I just found. I'll see what else I come up with - also tell me where you found them in the drug store!

(from some Holistic Health site)

When people speak of 'water pills' they are referring to medication that causes the body to lose water by increasing urination. This type of medication is called a 'diuretic' by medical professionals and pharmacists.

Diuretics may be prescribed if you have swelling of your hands, feet, legs and face. In many people this will occur mainly toward the end of the day; however, in some instances, swelling may be present upon awakening in the morning. This type of swelling is very different from that which occurs as a result of an incest bite, an injury, an allergic reaction or severe sunburn. Diuretics are used to treat persons whose tissues, in general, are accumulating fluid. One of the major causes of swelling is 'congestive heart failure.' In this condition, the amount of blood the heart pumps to the kidneys is reduced. The kidneys get the message that the body does not have enough blood available. Not enough blood in circulation causes the kidney to keep more fluid in the body. So, in a way, the kidneys are misinterpreting the situation and fluid accumulates.

Another major use of diuretics is in the treatment of high blood pressure. Even though a person may not appear to be accumulating excess fluid, removing some of the normal amount of tissue fluid can reduce blood pressure. In addition, some diuretics have the ability to lower blood pressure quite apart from their fluid reduction action.

Although the person taking a diuretic will only notice an increase in urination, the basic action of a diuretic is more complex. A diuretic medication causes the kidneys to lose more sodium salt or sodium chloride. Normally, the kidneys will eliminate as much salt each day as you eat and an equilibrium results. If you eat a lot of salt your kidneys will lose a lot of salt. In the process of doing this, the kidneys also increase water loss. In instances where the kidney is not functioning adequately, salt is retained by the body and water accumulates in the tissues causing swelling.

The more effective diuretics must be prescribed by a physician. Here are the names of some of the most widely prescribed diuretics. The first name will be the brand name, followed by the generic name:

-Diuril or chlorothiazide

-Hydrodiuril or hydrochlorothiazide

-Hygroton or chlorthalidone

-Lasix or furosemide

-Dyazide, Maxzide or hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene

Physicians may also prescribe diuretics by using the generic name which identifies the chemical composition of the drug. Caffeine in coffee and theophylin in tea are also mild diuretics.

Now, we should talk briefly about certain side effects of taking a diuretic. The body can become depleted of salt with resulting symptoms of low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, muscle cramps, or even shock. Since diuretics also promote the loss of potassium salt along with the sodium salt, it may be necessary to add potassium to the diet. Added potassium salt does not cause water to be retained. Potassium salt, sometimes called 'light salt,' can be used effectively by persons needing to keep their sodium intake low or replace potassium being lost through diuretic use. Bananas, oranges, and grapefruit are foods containing relatively high amounts of potassium. Another way to avoid potassium loss is to take a combination diuretic containing an agent that reduces the amount of potassium in the urine.

Occasionally, diuretics can interact with certain antibiotics, so it is always a good idea to remind your physician and pharmacist that you are taking this medication.

In general, diuretics are safe with few side effects. However, they, like most drugs, should not be used to control minor problems that can be handled effectively by simple, mechanical means. Reduction of sodium intake, exercise, and elevation of feet and legs can all help control swelling. A diuretic is a regulator and cannot cure a condition.

If a diuretic has been prescribed for you, it is most conveniently taken early in the day. This will help to avoid having to get up at night to urinate. Diuretics can usually be taken at anytime relative to meals. Do not hesitate to ask your physician if there are any special directions you should follow.

Normally the kidneys do a very good job of regulating the amount of salt and water in the body. When they appear not to be working properly, they may be responding to serious problems which are not obvious. Since diuretics by-pass the regulatory wisdom of the kidneys, forcing them to excrete sodium and water, harm can result if these agents are used in the wrong circumstances or excessive doses. In general, if a condition or problem is serious enough to require a diuretic, then the advice of a medical professional should be obtained. In other words, if you are thinking about taking 'water pills,' check with your physician first. Self-medication with diuretics is not recommended.

Niecey:
Thanks for the article. My FMIL found them for me today at Genovese. Do you still live in Bayside? if you do she got them at the Genovese on Northern and 193rd Street. They were with the AF medications. It's called Diurex or something like that.
I'm going to take one tomorrow morning.