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Monday, December 17, 2007

Depression Medication

By Crizza Reyes

It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects may appear before anti depressant activity does. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. Before you ingest any medications or apply any to yourself, find out first the benefits the possible negative interactions and side effects. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust, and many can produce withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.

Some people recovery from breakdown and mental health problems can be helped by psychiatric medication. But for others it can be hindrance. Even people who find medication helpful at some point usually give consideration to coming off their drugs, especially when they have come through the worst of a emotional freedom and stress crisis.

Other problems with coming off medication include the resurfacing the original problems and the loose of the benefits of the medication. Although some mental health professionals might call this 'relapse resulting from an untreated illness', people describe benefits from medication even when they do not conceptualize their problems as medical in origin. People also fear becoming as distressed or disturbed as they were at the height of crisis. Mental health professionals, family and friends can go up that fear, as they can be worried about how a person might be if they are not on their medication process. Prediction of breakdown and threat of compulsion are widely reported by people when they try to have conversations about coming off their medication. Make sure you have alternatives to medications as ways of coping with things and have strategies to help withdrawal reactions, the increase in emotional sensations and possible resurfacing of problems you experience before taking medication. Sometimes you might need to just 'sit things out', but relaxation techniques and doing physically and psychologically soothing things can help.

In every day of our life, we over come some precipitation anytime we do not know when it happened. I usually heard this somewhere else and I didn't know who is the one saying this. Just incase if this is true. You feel that you have a blessed life but when the time comes that you are in the downfall part of your life. Mostly of people suffered from a depressions and this is clinically a problem.

Depression can coexist with other illness and in such cases, it is important that the depression and its co occurring illness be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Treating depression naturally is becoming more popular as those who suffer from this sometimes debilitating illness seek to address the health of the whole body, as mind, sole and spirit are interconnected. If you must take a depression medication, your doctor may have you try a few before you settle on one that works for you. The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

But, diagnosing and treating a depressed state is still somewhat guess work, as there are no clinical tests or lab reports that will yield certain results. There are also different levels of depression and different illnesses that are closely related. Prescribed depression medication has proven to be effective and may sometimes be needed in severe cases. However, patients are finding that they can address the health of their bodies and the results affect their emotions and mind, as well. As long as there are no harmful or toxic levels of any natural substance introduced, taking vitamins and herbs that are good for the body will pose no threat, except in cases where these substances do not interact well with artificial medicines. Those wanting an alternative to prescribed medications can find more information about the herbs and natural substances that are used in helping those who are depressed online and should thoroughly research all products before changing a course of action or eliminating prescribed medications.

When there is a severe depressed emotional state, or when a person struggles with a chronic feeling of helplessness and stress, he or she will need to take different measures. Treating depression naturally may not be the best option for true clinical depression. Those who are clinical will most likely have mental health issues that need to be addressed by depression medication that can help prevent life-threatening symptoms, such as thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harming oneself or another. Counseling can also be an effective form of treatment. Having someone to talk to is a healthy way of releasing stress and anxieties. Also, professional counseling can equip patients with new and innovative means for coping with the factors that contribute to their emotional state. Even in Biblical times, people needed the counsel of someone who could provide a better perspective. When we go to Christ as the ultimate counselor, we will receive the perspective of eternal goodness, giving us a hope for the future. Though being depressed is associated with true physiological illnesses, having a healthy mind and spirit contributes to over-all well being.

Anyone who is exhibiting the signs of a major episode of depression should consult with a doctor immediately. No one should ever self-medicate by treating depression naturally without a doctor's consent or oversight. Symptoms that are associated with clinical or severe cases include disruptive sleep patterns, loss of appetite, a sense of hopelessness and defeat, an inability to accomplish small tasks, and an inability to concentrate. Headaches and stomach problems can also be significant signs that indicate a need for depression medication that is prescribed by a doctor.

If you think you might need a depression medication to help keep your emotions on an even keel, take it seriously. Go away to see your doctor and talk about what is going on in your life, and be honest about all of your feelings and what each day is like for you. You should know that when things look depressing you are not alone, and you can take a depression medication to help get rid of a little light into what you may be considering as a very dark way of life. You can feel better; you just have to give yourself the chance. And live life to the fullest!


Four Types of Depression Medication - What You Need to Know

By Flor Serquina

Depression medication is not always a recommended means of treatment. There are many types of effective treatments available and they do not include depression medicines.

Depression medicines are fast acting. They provide instant result to some people but the relief is not permanent and they have side effects. Some types of depression medication are also contraindicated with some types of food. This is the reason why people who are taking depression medication need to have a diet plan that they will have to follow. Between 20 to 40 percent of people do not respond positively to depression medications.

If the person really needs the help of these pills, it is good to know the types of depression medication and have an idea of how they work and what are the associated side effects that each type can bring.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are among the most popular types of these medications. SSRIs work on a neurotransmitter of the brain called serotonin. They are the most prescribed type of depression medication because they have fewer side effects than the older types.

The medicines classified as SSRI are the following: Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate), Zoloft (sertraline), Luvox (fluvoxamine) and Prozac (fluoxetine). Yet another one is Celexa (citalopram). The side effects recorded for this type of depression medication include erectile dysfunction, anxiety and restlessness, hostility, agitation, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, tremors, sweating, drowsiness, fatigue, either diarrhea or constipation, headaches, dry mouth and either weight gain or loss.

SSRI can increase the suicidal tendency of a person. If a person has taken SSRI and wants to switch to MAOI, he should allow three weeks difference before taking MAOI; if not, it could lead to reactions that have grave consequences for the person's life.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclics antidepressants are older than SSRIs. Taking this medication requires two weeks before relief could be felt and they have more side effects than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants works on two of the three neurotransmitters of the brain called the serotonin and norepinephrine. But it was also observed that they are interacting unnecessarily with the other nerve impulses of the brain. It has a sedative effect on the user, making it suitable for patients that are severely depressed.

The list of TCA medicine include Adapin (doxepin),Sinequan (doxepin), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pamelor (nortryptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil (protriptyline), Elavil (amitriptyline), Norpramin (desipramine). Also included are Pertofrane (desipramine), Endep (amitriptyline) and Ludiomil (maprotiline).

The side effects of SSRI can also be observed with TCAs. In addition, people taking it are very sensitive to the sun, and may have blurred vision and difficulty urinating.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOAIs)

MAOIs are the oldest type of antidepressant. They are taken by people with mild cases of depression and those that are overly sensitive with the environment. MAOIs work on all three neurotransmitters: the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MOAIs are recommended only when the patient has not responded to the other types of medications.

A person taking MAOIs must be watchful of his diet. Many types of food are known to counter-react with MAOIs. The list includes chocolates, wines, and cheeses, among others. Effects of these food with MAOIs include hypertension, headaches, fluctuation in blood sugar among diabetics and at worst, brain hemorrhage could happen.

The medicines classified under MAOI are the following: Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (Isocarboxazid) and Emsam (Selegiline ). The side effects include lightheadedness upon standing, sleepiness, headache, insomnia, impotence, dizziness and weight gain.

Atypical or Other Types of Antidepressant

These are the latest modes of anti depression medication and they do not fall under any of the first three types, thus they are classified as atypical. Since these medications have different mechanism of actions, the side effects also vary according to the specific medicine.

The list of atypical types of depression medication includes the following: Trazodone (Desyrel), Venlafaxine (Effexor), Nefazodone (Serzone), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Never forget to ask for medical assistance before starting on any of the types of depression medication. It is also useful to know that many of them can increase the tendency of suicide attempts in a person. Abrupt withdrawal must also be avoided. All types of depression medication need tapering down in order to lessen the side effects that could be very serious.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Facts-About-Depression.com. She provides more information on topics such as types of depression medication, new treatments for depression and depression chat rooms that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

Do You Know The Types Of Depression Medication?

By Mike Selvon

Depression medication can help a person who is dealing with a depressive disorder. Doctors have access to many different drugs, but they all fall into three main categories.

These categories are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Depending on the doctor and the situation, one drug from these three categories will be chosen in order to help a person deal with depression.

One type of depression medication that doctors use is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors otherwise known as SSRIs. SSRIs are different than tricyclics and MAOIs because they work only on the neurotransmitter serotonin.

These types of antidepressants also have fewer lingering effects than the other types of drugs used for treatment for this mental illness. Some well known SSRI's that are used regularly include Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Many times when a woman is dealing with postpartum depression, these are the types of drugs that are prescribed. Side effects of SSRIs may include nausea, insomnia, headache, and dry mouth.

There is one thing to keep in mind when using depression medications within the SSRI category. It can take up to eight weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. They do not work overnight, but they do work if given the chance and are taken regularly.

Another kind of depression medication that is used frequently is the tricyclic group of antidepressants. Tricyclics have been around for a long time and have been known to help many a person who is dealing with depression.

Tricyclics work with various body chemicals that include the serotonin that the SSRIs interact with. Examples of well known tricyclics include Norpramin and Aventyl.

The last category that it can fall under is monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. MAOIs are like tricyclics by the way they affect the body. MAOIs interact with various body chemicals along with serotonin.

MAOIs are less commonly used out of the three categories of depression medication. One reason that MAOIs are not used as frequently is because of the side effects.

For example, MAOIs such as Nardil and Parnate can cause weakness, dizziness, and tremors. MAOIs are also likely to interact in a negative way with over the counter medication such as Aleve.

Several different over the counter drugs have warnings on their labels advising people to not mix their MAOIs with the over the counter medication.

Various types of depression medication are used quite often to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Because the rate of depression is rising, doctors are prescribing more and more antidepressants.

A person should be well aware of the various side effects and warnings about mixing medications that accompany these antidepressants. It can greatly help a person to get better if taken as prescribed.

Discover more about the types of depression medication from Mike Selvon educational portal. We appreciate your feedback at our depression blog.

A Trusted Depression Medication - Its Side-Effects And Withdrawal Symptoms

By Navneet Brar

Depression is that state of your mind which gets afflicted with negativity, inferiority complexes and isolation. You lose the desire to live, the only way that you can think of is suicide. But honey, why so? What is there on this earth that you cannot achieve! What you need is the right guidance. And for this, i am here to serve you.

So many anti-depressants are available in the market these days. What you need at this moment is the good and bad side of the depression medication you are going for.

One such medication is Lexapro.

Lexapro increases your serotonin and this restores your brains chemical balance to normal. Your moods are influenced by a substance in your brain, serotonin. This is the reason why Lexapro is so effective for the depression sufferers.

Lexapro, according to clinical studies, starts its process of curing your depression symptoms by the first or second week. But you may have to continue its intake for much long.

Remember to consult your doctor while taking lexapro. Never stop taking Lexapro all of a sudden. Continue it as long as your doctor advises, even if your condition is improving.

LEXAPRO has fewer and milder side-effects as compared to other antidepressants in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) family of drugs used to treat depression and other anxiety disorders.

Like other drugs, Lexapro also has severe withdrawal symptoms. But as Lexapro is the newest member of SSRI family, nothing as such could be confirmed.

Side-Effects of Lexapro

The side-effects of Lexapro include nausea, insomnia, men having problems with ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating, and fatigue but these are said to be temporary.

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:

• Anxiety, nightmares

• Anorexia

• Restlessness, tremors

• Lack of concentration

• Suicidal tendency

• Bouts of crying

• Aggression/agitation, irritability

• Bright and colorful dreams, hallucinations

• Flamboyant dreams,

• Confusion

• Memory problems, headache, insomnia

• Nausea, chill, fever, flu

• Stomach disorders, diarrhea, vomiting

• Excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness

• Vertigo, instability in gait, lethargy

• Hot flashes, tingling sensations, blurred vision

• Myalgia/muscle pain, joint pain and physical weakness

REASONS for withdrawal symptoms:

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are the outcome of sudden discontinuation of treatment. If you stop your intake of Lexapro all of a sudden or miss even a single dose, withdrawal symptoms might start within eight hours of the last dose.

How Long can the Lexapro withdrawal symptoms continue to occur:

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can last from seven days to nearly two months but in some cases, they might last even longer than other SSRI drugs.

PREVENTION

Doctors usually advise Lexapro treatment to slow down instead of stopping it all of a sudden. This will at least minimize, if not prevent, withdrawal symptoms.

Navneet Brar loves to help the depression sufferers by providing reliable information on the most reliable anti-depressants along with benefits, side-effects, withdrawal symptoms and warnings.

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