May 2025 Archive: Practical guides on Accutane, Lexapro weight, baby teething, and thyroid meds
Four focused articles published in May 2025 that answer real questions fast: how isotretinoin works and what to watch for, whether HIIT or steady-state cardio helps with Lexapro-related weight gain, safe teething options for babies, and a straight comparison of desiccated thyroid vs Synthroid. Each piece gives clear, usable steps so you can act with confidence.
Accutane (isotretinoin): what matters most
The Accutane guide breaks down how the drug works, who is a candidate, and the safety checklist you need. Key points: isotretinoin shrinks oil glands and can clear severe cystic acne when other treatments fail; pregnancy is an absolute no — strict birth control and negative pregnancy tests are required before and during treatment; common side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, and sensitivity to sunlight; labs (liver enzymes, lipids) are usually checked early and periodically. Practical tip: start with a moisturizer routine and lip balm the day you begin therapy — small steps reduce side effects and help you stick with the course.
Exercise while on Lexapro: HIIT or steady-state?
If Lexapro has nudged the scale up, this article lays out which cardio fits your goals. Short answer: both can work, but use them differently. HIIT boosts metabolic rate and preserves muscle if you do 2–3 sessions a week (example: 20–30 minutes total with 30–60s hard intervals and 60–90s easy recovery). Steady-state cardio (30–60 minutes at a moderate pace) helps appetite control and burns calories without extra joint stress. Combine resistance training twice weekly to protect muscle and keep resting metabolism higher. Watch hunger signals after intense workouts — plan protein-rich snacks to avoid overeating.
Want to start simple? Try three weekly workouts: one HIIT, one steady 40-minute walk or bike, and one strength session. Track weight and energy for 3–4 weeks and tweak.
Teething relief for babies focuses on safe, proven options: chilled silicone rings, textured teethers, and cold washcloths top the list. Avoid benzocaine gels in infants and keep numbing ointments off the recommendation list. If a topical product is considered, check age guidance and ingredients. Look for signs that pain is more than teething — high fever, prolonged fussiness, or feeding refusal mean call the pediatrician.
Finally, the thyroid article compares desiccated thyroid and Synthroid in plain terms: potency differences, how dosing is adjusted, and what patients report about symptom relief. Synthroid (levothyroxine) gives a steady, single-hormone dose and is easy to monitor by TSH. Desiccated thyroid contains multiple thyroid hormones and may feel better to some people, but dose conversion and lab targets need close medical oversight. If you’re switching, expect stepwise dose changes and repeat labs over 6–8 weeks.
Which story to read first? Pick the one that matches your immediate need, but all four include practical next steps and questions to take to your clinician. Want the full posts? Click the titles in our May 2025 archive to read each deep dive.
