Thursday, December 24, 2015

What Effects Does Diazepam Have on the Body?


Generic Valium 10mg is an anti anxiety drug that comes under the benzodiazepines group of medications. This medication is used to calm people suffering from severe anxiety or insomnia, relax people preparing for a surgical procedure and control muscle spasms due to seizures or intoxication. The effects diazepam has on the body are manifold and a basic understanding of these effects can help you and your doctor decide if this medication is appropriate for you.

Calming Effects
Valium is often prescribed to calm people who are experiencing severe anxiety or agitation. The drug works by increasing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA - a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a substance that calms the nervous system. By enhancing the effects of GABA, diazepam can be used to ease the sense of anxiety you may be experiencing.

Insomnia
Oral forms of Valium are also used for short-term treatment of severe anxiety associated with insomnia. Valium decreases the time taken to fall asleep and wakings during the night, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. However, it is only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety as it has a high potential for dependence and addiction. As diazepam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may also last into the next day.

Muscle Relaxation
Valium can be used to control muscle convulsions that have been caused by seizure conditions, poisoning, and tetanus. These situations all increase the amount of electrical stimulation being sent to the brain. Valium allows the neurotransmitter GABA to take a greater effect in reducing brain stimulation. This lessens the muscle contraction, allowing your brain and body to relax. 

Anti-Seizure Effect
Valium can have anti-seizure properties because of its effects on the brain. Valium is beneficial in preventing seizures because it regulates a neurotransmitter chemical that can slow down brain activity and reduce the likelihood of a patient having a seizure. Therefore, a patient who was prescribed Valium for seizure prevention must adhere to his doctor's recommendation when taking this medication. 

Sedation
Valium is also given for its sedating and anxiety-relieving effects as a pre-med before surgery or medical investigations and procedures, and to alcoholics during acute alcohol withdrawal.

Valium has been listed as one of the most important drugs in the modern age, based upon its effectiveness and use in medical situations and surgeries. Psychiatrists and physicians alike both use and recommend Valium to their patients.  However, it is very important that physicians take the time to communicate with their patients about their possible dependency on the drug.  If a doctor believes that a patient may be developing an addiction to Valium, they may recommend a different medication, change the dosage, or try a new treatment all together. 

Friday, November 20, 2015

Effectiveness of Cipralex Entact (Escitalopram) in the Treatment of Major Depressive and Anxiety Disorders


How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Cipralex Entact Escitalopram 10 mg belongs to the group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Increased serotonin levels can lead to an improved mood.
The medication usually begins to work within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it may take several weeks of treatment before the full effects are seen.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?
The usual dose of Escitalopram is 10 mg/day for depression and 10-20 mg/day for anxiety, preferably at the same time each day. The dose may need to be decreased in the elderly and in people with liver problems. Escitalopram is taken once a day and can be taken either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with a glass of water.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Who should not take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or any ingredients of the medication
- have a condition known as congenital long QT syndrome or have a heart rhythm disturbance called QT prolongation
- are taking the medication pimozide
- have taken a MAO inhibitor medication (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) in the past 2 weeks – MAO inhibitors should not be taken until at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment with escitalopram

What are the possible side effects of Cipralex?
Many medications can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Escitalopram are dry mouth, nausea, sleep difficulties, sweating, fatigue and sexual problems.
Less frequently experienced side effects of Cipralex Entact (Escitalopram) 20 mg include: headache, dizziness, irritability and lethargy; vivid dreams; difficulty concentrating; chest pain, high blood pressure or erratic heart rhythm; diarrhea, constipation, increased or decreased appetite, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract; runny nose, sinus problems and cough; agitation, hallucinations.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Depression in Women

Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and comorbid eating disorders. 

Causes of depression in women
Women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Many factors may contribute to the onset of depression, including genetic characteristics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical illnesses, stress, grief, or substance abuse. Any of these factors alone or in combination can bring about the specific changes in brain chemistry that lead to the many symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions.

Signs and symptoms of depression in women
The symptoms of depression in women are the same as those for major depression. Common complaints include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Treating depression in women
In general, the severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are recurrent, will require antidepressant medications (or ECT in severe cases) along with psychotherapy for the best outcome. Patience is required because the treatment of depression takes time. Sometimes, the doctor will need to try a variety of antidepressants before finding the medication or combination of medications that is most effective for the patient. Sometimes, the dosage must be increased to be effective.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) Treatment For Anxiety

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) 20 mg is among the most popular antidepressant medications on the market. It operates as an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) meaning it prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is thought to help with both depression and anxiety, but it is also prescribed for a number of other conditions.


Dosage & When it is to be taken : 
Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose range is 20 - 80 mg/day.
Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.

Overdosage :
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Fluox can be fatal. In addition, combining Fluox with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Common symptoms of Fluox overdose include: Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting
Other symptoms of Fluox overdose include: Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.

Warnings and Precautions : 
Caution should be exercised in patients with history of seizures, heart, liver or kidney problems, stomach bleeding, sugar, metabolic problems, suicidal thoughts, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breast feeding. 
It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication. 
Avoid alcohol consumption. 
It may develop increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers; watch them carefully. 
It may affect blood sugar level; monitor sugar level regularly while taking this medication. 
Patient may develop with increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with the following symptoms: fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat and sweating. If it is so consult with your doctor.
Patient may develop with increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome with the following symptoms: agitation, confusion, hallucinations, coma, fever, irregular heartbeat, tremor, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Storage Conditions : 
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Facts About Depression

What is depression?
Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem.
But when feelings of intense sadness including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may very well be clinical depression - a treatable medical condition.
Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.
Depression, which is treatable, can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life.
Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. One out of four women may have depression sometime during their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression but do not seek help.

What are the symptoms of depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of suicide or death

What causes depression?
Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.
  • Genetic - Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family member with depression. The exact gene involved in this is unknown.
  • Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
  • Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
  • Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
  • Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to depression.

How is depression treated?
Depression is very treatable, with the overwhelming majority of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.  The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness.  As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences.  Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Antidepressant Medication


How do antidepressant medications help?
The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medications. Antidepressant medications help reduce the symptoms of depression, such as: feeling extremely sad for no clear reason; loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy; sleeping too much or too little; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt or worry, and difficulty in thinking, making decisions or concentration. Antidepressants may also be helpful in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How do antidepressant medications work?
People with depression and anxiety disorders often have an imbalance in certain natural chemicals in the brain. Antidepressant medications help the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and so reduce symptoms.

What antidepressant medications are there?
There are many different kinds of antidepressants, including:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (tricyclics)
- Novel antidepressants and others
Like most medicines, antidepressant drugs can cause side effects. Not all people get these side effects. Any side effects you have will depend on the medicine your doctor has chosen for you. Your doctor should talk to you about your medicine.

How long do they take to work?
Antidepressants are usually taken in tablet form. When they are prescribed, you will start on the lowest possible dose thought necessary to improve your symptoms. Like any medication, the length of time a person needs to take antidepressants for depends on how severe the illness is and how they respond to treatment. Some people only need to take them for a short time (usually 6–12 months), while others may need to take them over the long term. Stopping antidepressant medication should only be done gradually, on a doctor's recommendation and under supervision. Antidepressant medication is generally very effective. Around 70% of people with major depression start to feel better with the first type of antidepressant they are prescribed.

What are the possible side effects of antidepressants?
Different antidepressants can have a range of different side effects. Common side effects of antidepressants in general are usually mild and can include: diarrhoea or constipation; nausea; headaches; sleep disturbance; lower sexual responsiveness; dizziness or blurred vision; weight gain; dry mouth; sweating. Side effects should improve within a few days or weeks of treatment as the body gets used to the medication.

How do I know which one is right for me?
Choosing the best medication to prescribe is not always straightforward because the way people respond to medication is different. This means that finding the right one for you may involve trying one or more. However, there are some things you and your doctor can consider to work out what type of antidepressant medication is most likely to be right for you, including whether you have had any physical health problems and what symptoms you are having trouble with.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Zoloft Sertraline - a medicine used for the treatment of depression

Zoloft (Sertraline) 50/100 mg is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It belongs to a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is often used to treat depression experienced by adults and teenagers. This medication may also be used to treat adults and teenagers who experience panic attacks, posttraumatic stress, social anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric issues, and obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Zoloft may help to control the emotions, thoughts, and actions that sometimes accompany these mental health conditions, but it will not cure the conditions.

How should I take this medication?
Zoloft is supplied for oral administration as scored tablets containing sertraline hydrochloride equivalent to 25, 50 and 100 mg of sertraline. You may need to take this medication for several weeks before you begin to feel the effects of this drug. It is important to continue taking this drug as prescribed by your healthcare advisor, even after you begin to feel better.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
As soon as you remember it, take the dose you missed. If it will soon be time for your next regular dose, skip the missed dose altogether. You should not take a double dose to make up for missed medication. Taking two doses over a short period of time may lead to an overdose.

Who should not take this medication?
People who are allergic to sertraline should avoid this medication. Allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, rashes or hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face. Elderly people should not take this medication unless it is being used to treat obsessive compulsive behavior. Children should not be given this drug.

How Should I Store This Medication?
Zoloft should be tightly sealed in its original container when not in use. Store the container at room temperature. Avoid locations that are exposed to excess heat or moisture (such as a bathroom or kitchen). 

Possible Side Effects of Zoloft
Side effects from Zoloft will be different for each person. Some people who take it experience no side effects at all. Serious side effects from this medication may include: unclear vision; seizures; rapid or irregular heartbeat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects of taking this drug can include: drowsiness; disorientation; dry mouth; changes in appetite or weight; restlessness; stomach issues, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; low sodium levels in blood; headache; pain or tingling in extremities; noticeable differences in sex drive or ability; unwarranted tremors or shaking.

How to Safely Withdraw from Zoloft
People who are taking Zoloft should not stop taking the drug all at once. Formulate a plan with your doctor before reducing or discontinuing this medication altogether. You can reduce the symptoms you feel during withdrawal by slowly reducing this medication in your system. Possible symptoms of withdrawal may include: insomnia; abnormal irritability; an increase in general anxiety; headache; confusion; fatigue.
Speak with your doctor about any negative symptoms that you experience when you stop using this medication.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Atarax Idroxizina 25 mg – An effective method to combat anxiety


Atarax is an anti-depressant medications used for treating anxiety, for sedation before and after general anesthesia, and to treat itching due to certain allergic conditions, including hives and contact dermatitis. It works by affecting the brain to reduce anxiety.

Atarax (hydroxyzine) reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and runny nose, or hives on the skin.

Atarax may be used only with doctor's recommendation. This medicine is taken by mouth with or without food. But, if stomach upset occurs, it should be taken with food in order to reduce stomach irritation. The dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. 

Atarax must not be used by: people who are allergic to any ingredient in Atarax, people who are taking sodium oxybate (GHB), women's in the first trimester of pregnancy. This medicine may cause drowsiness. It is prohibited to take Atarax with alcohol or certain medicines.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

The common less side effects of Atarax are:
-dizziness, drowsiness
-blurred vision, dry mouth
-headache
Stop using Atarax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effects such as:
-restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw or neck
-tremor (uncontrolled shaking)
-confusion
-seizure (convulsion)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects.

Atarax should be kept at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Atarax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Use Atarax with caution especially in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

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