wellbutrin http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for wellbutrin Copyright 2008 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:24:32 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/wellbutrin Combating Attention Deficit Disorder With Medication http://www.artwoo.com/article/combating-attention-deficit-disorder-with-medication http://www.artwoo.com/article/combating-attention-deficit-disorder-with-medication#comments Sun, 18 Feb 2007 20:27:05 +0000 attention deficit disorderclonidinstratteraconcertaanti depressantsdrugswellbutrin http://www.artwoo.com/article/combating-attention-deficit-disorder-with-medication Attention Deficit Disorder -- or have a child who has been diagnosed -- there is an element of relief attached to the diagnosis. Finally, their struggles are validated and defined. And now that there's a name for all the symptoms, there comes the opportunity to treat the symptoms as well. For many who are in this situation, Attention Deficit Disorder are the answer for which they've been searching.

Most often -- and most successfully -- stimulants are used as Attention Deficit Disorder drugs. Several have distinguished themselves as the more popular of the group.

Adderall -- a combination of several different stimulants -- is an oft prescribed Attention Deficit Disorder drug that helps to improve concentration and attentiveness in the patient, as well as reduce agitation.

Ritalin, one of the more commonly known Attention Deficit Disorder drugs, has the same effect as Adderall. It has proven very effective in alleviating hyperactivity and emotional outbursts. Other forms of this Attention Deficit Disorder drug are and Metadate.

, most often used to treat hypertension, has shown some success as an Attention Deficit Disorder drug. Much as it lowers high blood pressure it is also beneficial in reducing agitation and hyperactivity.

is the first non-stimulant medication that has been approved in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder. The advent of Strattera is enormously encouraging as it indicates a possible future of other non-stimulant Attention Deficit Disorder drugs.

Some anti-depressants, such as , have also been identified as having possible success as an Attention Deficit Disorder drug. However, most are not appropriate for children under eighteen years of age. Your medical professional will best be able to guide you in choosing the appropriate medications.

Information on these particular Attention Deficit Disorder drugs -- as well as many others -- can be found online. Be sure to thoroughly research any and all medications that are of interest to you. Not every Attention Deficit Disorder drug works for every patient. Be willing to put in the work to find the suitable therapy.

Finding the appropriate Attention Deficit Disorder drugs can sometimes be a journey; but not one to take alone. Proper medical supervision is paramount to finding the treatment that will work for your specific symptoms. Being an advocate for your own medical care -- or that of your child's -- will arm you with information and increase your chance of success in battling Attention Deficit Disorder. For easy to understand, in depth information about attention deficit disorder visit our ezGuide 2 http://attentiondeficitdisorder.ezguide2.com ]]> Stop Smoking Pills Might Be Exactly What You Need http://www.artwoo.com/article/stop-smoking-pills-might-be-exactly-what-you-need http://www.artwoo.com/article/stop-smoking-pills-might-be-exactly-what-you-need#comments Sat, 20 Oct 2007 06:25:01 +0000 stop smoking pillnew stop smoking pillbupropion hydrochloridewellbutrin srcigarette smokingfood and drug administrationchantix http://www.artwoo.com/article/stop-smoking-pills-might-be-exactly-what-you-need Cigarette smoking does have adverse effects such as premature aging, tooth decay, and hair loss. Some people would also like to have a better fitness level.

Whatever the reason is for quitting, there are now many support systems available in the market that can help a person to quit smoking. One of them is the that is available in the market.

The in The Market

Last May, a new stop smoking pill was approved by the or FDA. This is the second nicotine-free quit smoking pill that has gained federal approval, adding to the limited pool of effective drugs for smoking cessation.

Varenicline was shown to help more than one out of five smokers to stop smoking after using it for a year. This stop smoking pill inhibits the feelings of pleasure that smokers feel when they light up a cigarette as well as the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting. This product will now be available to the public under the brand name, . This new stop smoking pill should be taken twice a day for a minimum of twelve weeks in order to be able to quit smoking.

The First Nicotine-Free Stop Smoking Pill

The first stop smoking pill that was approved by the FDA in 1997 is Zyban, the brand name for a sustained-released tablet form of . Bupropion hydrochloride is the same drug that is used as an anti-depressant. This is sold under the name of .

By boosting the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body and inducing the same feelings that are brought about by the flow of nicotine in the body, this stop smoking pill can take away the need for a cigarette. Because this product can give a person a sense of energy and well-being, it's very effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and weaning people out of their nicotine addiction.

This stop smoking pill only works after the person has taken it for a week and has accumulated a sufficient amount of the drug in his body. It should be taken twice a day for a week before a person stops smoking. Most smokers tend to take this pill ten to twelve weeks longer in order to fully give up smoking.

Although the pills that are mentioned above are great for people who want to stop smoking, they should not be taken by women who are pregnant and breast-feeding. They can also be bad for people with a history of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. For these reasons, these stop smoking pills should only be taken with a doctor's prescription. Want to know what the stop smoking pill (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/31/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-stop-smo= king-pill/) can do for you? Visit http://stopsmokinginfos.com now and also learn about smoking facts (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/29/how-will-facts-about-smoking-help/) and the effects of cigarettes (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/28/what-effects-of-cigarettes-should-e= verybody-know-about/). ]]> Chantix: The New Stop Smoking Drug http://www.artwoo.com/article/chantix-the-new-stop-smoking-drug http://www.artwoo.com/article/chantix-the-new-stop-smoking-drug#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:25:04 +0000 nicotine addictionnicotine cravingsvarenicline tartratesymptoms of nicotine withdrawalnicotine receptorsnicotine productsnicotine gum http://www.artwoo.com/article/chantix-the-new-stop-smoking-drug varenicline tartrate, or Chantix. Chantix offers an alternative to those who have depended on nicotine-base patches and gums to wean them from their so that they can give up cigarettes.

The flaw in using to stop smoking has always been that the former smoker never had any way to be certain that he or she had actually broken the addiction to nicotine. If the addiction remains, the nicotine cravings will eventually resurface, as they do in the majority of people who have tired to permanently stop smoking.

How Chantix Works

The new stop smoking drug Chantix, however, takes a different approach to the problem of . It does what the and patches do, without their nicotine. The new stop smoking drug stimulates the brain to release small doses of dopamine, which lessen the ; and it blocks the in your brain, so that if you do succumb to temptation and light up, the warm fuzzies you feel won't be nearly as warm or fuzzy as you are used to them being.

The theory behind the new stop smoking drug is that if the fun of cigarette smoking is gone, your desire to go out and drop your dollars on the weekly supply will go as well.

Chantix may be the new stop smoking drug, but it's not the only one. The anti-depressant Wellbutrin was found to help smokers kick their habits, and reincarnated as the anti-smoking drug Zyban. But Chantix, as a new stop smoking drug, offers an alternative for those smokers who do not like the idea of taking an anti-depressant. With smoking having become the enormous public health problem that it is, anything which can help people give up tobacco is welcome.

Chantix, in addition, has been shown to limit the weight gain which so often accompanies smokers' efforts to quit. The new stop smoking drug hasn't been available to the public long enough to judge its success as a long-term answer for smokers, but trials have shown that over 40% of those who used it for the initial twelve-week course of treatment succeeded in quitting, and between 14 and 24 percent remained smoke=96free after a year.

How To Take Chantix

The new stop smoking drug is taken once a day in pill form for the first part of the twelve week treatment, and then increased to twice daily. Gradually increasing the dosage is designed to reduce the risk of side effects, which have included nausea and vomiting, sleeplessness and strange dreams, and a change in the taste of certain foods.

Because the new stop smoking drug has FDA-approval, you may find its cost covered by your health insurance.

It is also important to keep in mind that these stop smoking drugs are not magic pills that can instantly wipe out that habit which you've been stuck with for years. These stop smoking drugs can only help when you're ready to take the correct path and decide never to look back. You can also find more info on http://www.stopsmokingaidsguide.com/Stop_Smoking_Laser_Treatment on stop smoking laser and http://www.stopsmokingaidsguide.com/Stop_Smoking_Patch on stop smoking patch. http://Stopsmokingaidsguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know smoking and how to get it off. ]]> Your Last Resort: Stop Smoking Pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-last-resort-stop-smoking-pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-last-resort-stop-smoking-pill#comments Fri, 19 Oct 2007 03:15:01 +0000 nicotine replacement therapycigarette smokingnicotine patchnicotine gumcigarette packcigarette packsstop smoking pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-last-resort-stop-smoking-pill cigarette packs, " is dangerous to your health." This is a notice that is commonly disregarded by smokers. Without even reading this notice, they just tear open the cigarette pack, grab a stick, and light it as if they don't want to see the glaring truth in front of it. Unfortunately, the warning stated on this package is very true. Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death. As a matter of fact, 440,000 people in the United States die each year because of illnesses caused by this bad habit.

Fortunately, a lot of people have become aware of what smoking can do to their health and have made attempts to quit. Unfortunately, because of a substance called nicotine that is found in cigarettes, many people find it difficult to resist their cravings for the "high" that this substance can give. The good news is that there are now aids for smokers who want to quit. They can try chewing a or putting on a . These are two of the types of wherein the craving for the pleasurable feelings is quenched by the content of these gums and patches, taking away the need for a stick of cigarette. But, since this method is not always effective, a new option has been added: the .



A New Use for an Anti-depressant

Zyban is a stop smoking pill that causes a sustained release of bupropion hydrochloride, the same substance found in the anti-depressant, Wellbutrin SR. This stop smoking pill boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body, giving the user the same pleasurable feeling that is induced by the nicotine found in tobacco. These pills should be taken a week before a smoker starts to quit smoking in order to combat the withdrawal symptoms that usually haunt quitters.

Although Zyban is more effective than other anti-depressants in this aspect, it has some side effects that doctors should warn their patients about before prescribing this solution. It has been proven to cause depression in users and can increase suicidal tendencies.

The New Stop Smoking Pill

Another stop smoking pill was approved by the FDA last May. Varenicline was proven to help more than one out of five smokers to stop smoking after using it for a year. This pill works by inhibiting the feelings of pleasure that smokers feel when they light up a cigarette. This stops them from associating the wonderful feeling with a stick of cigarette that they usually crave for when they are under stress, cutting off their dependency to it.

Now available under the name of Chantix, this drug should be taken twice a day for a minimum of twelve weeks in order to stop a person from lighting up a cigarette. A side effect of this stop smoking pill is said to be nausea and vomiting.

Because of the side effects that can be caused by these two stop smoking pills, they are usually considered as a last resort for people who would like to quit smoking. And for those who plan to use Zyban to quit smoking, perhaps it should be coupled with exercise in order to decrease the dependency on that medication. Exercise, after all, can hasten the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the body, giving a person the same high feeling that these pills can provide. Dying to quit smoking? Try a stop smoking pill (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/31/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-stop-smo= king-pill/). Visit http://stopsmokinginfos.com for more facts about smoking (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/29/how-will-facts-about-smoking-help/) and nicotine poisoning (http://stopsmokinginfos.com/2007/08/28/i-smoke-so-why-am-i-not-getting-nic= otine-poisoning/). ]]> How To Cope With Stress http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-stress http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-stress#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:30:01 +0000 cope with stresshow to cope with stressstress relief gameways to deal with stressstress factorsdeal with stresschronic stress http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-stress cope with stress has become increasingly important as our society evolves and becomes more complex. can be dealt with in a variety of ways. And depending upon the "severity" of your stress, you may benefit from first discussing with your physician before trying something new.

For milder forms of stress there are a multitude of techniques. These range from taking 5 minutes breaks to play a , to exercise, meditation, taking a vacation, or spending time with a favorite hobby. There are more helpful resources and links on how to cope with stress at the end of this article.

For more severe cases including (again, check with your doctor), it seems an easy way for people to cope with stress is through prescription medicines. There are numerous types of medications available on the market.

Some of the well-known names are Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. Each has its ups and downs, offering relief for some and more anxiety for others. The side effects of medications can sometimes do more harm than good. Often a patient =96 with the aid of their doctor =96 may have to try a variety of them before finding one that suits their needs. Beware: Prescription medications can be addicting.

What else is good to know about how to cope with stress?

Some alternative treatments for stress include self-help, diet and nutrition, pastoral counseling, and again, exercise. All of these are considered natural treatments and will not cause any further detriment to the body or the mind. What they will do is offer and at the same time build awareness to the inner peace that lies within each of us, when performed correctly.

And these are generally effective for mild and moderate forms of stress. Plus they're often used in conjunction with prescription medicines for more severe cases of stress.

Self-help, also referred to as self-treatment, usually includes joining a self-help group. Many find these groups to be invaluable resources for recovery and empowerment as they learn how to cope with stress.

In these group sessions you'll encounter others dealing with stress, others who have overcome stress, and others who have dealt with life-disrupting events. Self-help groups are anonymous, free of charge, and widely available.

Often overlooked is the power of maintaining the right diet and nutrition. Eating right can help reduce stress tremendously. Avoid (or at least seriously minimize) things such as caffeine and alcohol. Ingest vitamins such as vitamin B and thiamine to also help diminish your stress level.

Unfortunately many stress suffering individuals turn to food and alcohol as forms of salvation which can be detrimental to their health. Speak with a nutritionist about what you're eating; you may be surprised at what a few changes will make.

If you have faith in God consider pastoral counseling. Speaking with your minister or pastor might be more comfortable than seeking out an unfamiliar counselor. In their work these leaders typically learn a great deal on how to cope with stress that they can share with you. Then again, prayer and spirituality may be all you need to make you feel at ease with the world around you.

As always, exercise is one of the greatest tools. But instead we tend to use our stressors as reasons why not to exercise. There's no need to join a gym or purchase expensive equipment. Just take a leisurely stroll or a quiet bike ride. The nature that surrounds you will create clarity and sanctity.

So as you can see there are many ways to reduce stress. And there are some important facts to learn about how to cope with stress in order to maximize your personal results. Think about your options and together with your physician you can choose what's best for you. Don't give up, stress can be demolished. For articles on stress and anxiety and their management, or even some of the new treatments for depression, visit http://www.StressAndDepressionAnswers.com, where you'll also find checklists of warning signs of depression and other related illnesses. ]]> Popular Products That Can Help You Quit Smoking http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-products-that-can-help-you-quit-smoking http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-products-that-can-help-you-quit-smoking#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:27:03 +0000 nicotine gumnicotine cravingsnicotine replacement therapyquit smoking productschantixvareniclinezyban http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-products-that-can-help-you-quit-smoking
This andquot;stop smoking productandquot; isn't found on any shelf or in any store or web site. The desire to quit smoking for yourself and for the betterment of your health must be present for a smoking cessation program to be successful.

With that being said, here is a list of available today that you may find helpful in your quest for a healthier, smoke-free life.

Nicotine Patches

This method of quitting smoking is a form of . A small, usually transparent patch is placed on the body and periodically releases small amounts of nicotine. This allows your brain to get the nicotine it craves while weaning yourself from it but without getting the harmful smoke.



Nicotine gum is a popular stop smoking aid in that it serves two purposes. First, the gum releases small amounts of nicotine when chewed, and secondly, it helps keep your mouth busy and may help with overeating.

Quit Smoking Lozenges

These lozenges are said to help decrease and ease withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety and headaches. They're also useful for the oral fixation aspect of quitting smoking and can help some avoid gaining weight.

Quit Smoking Pills

There are a few quit smoking pills available that you can ask your doctor about. is a popular drug that many people have found helpful that doesn't contain nicotine but aids in the withdrawal process.

Zyban contains the same ingredient as the anti-depressant Wellbutrin and has the same effects such as easing irritability and anxiety, but without being classified as an anti-depressant. A new drug hitting the market, under the name , has been shown to block nicotine from attaching to the receptors in the brain. When nicotine is inhaled, the chemical properties attach themselves to the brain receptors, which then act as tiny messengers telling the body to release dopamine.

Dopamine is the chemical that gives us a feeling of relief and pleasure, which is why nicotine addiction is so strong since the body continuously wants to experience that andquot;feel goodandquot; sensation it gets from smoking.

Herbal Remedies

If you prefer the natural route, you may want to consider herbal remedies such as pills, teas and even herbal cigarettes. These cigarettes resemble the real deal without the nicotine and tar and may give you something to do with your hands. They also still allow you to experience the sensation of smoking while quitting the habit.

Hypnosis and Support Groups

If you are a person who is able to be hypnotized, as not everyone is, then perhaps this method is worth trying as several people have reported success after a stop smoking hypnosis session.

Support groups are beneficial in that they surround you with like-minded people who understand your feelings through first hand experience. People often find it easier to quit smoking with the support of others and can share tips, hints and even frustrations in your journey to quit smoking.

Any of these stop smoking products coupled with the strong desire to lead a healthier and longer life can help you realize your dream of being a non-smoker. Remember the adverse ramifications that are well-documented and filling the news reports today such as lung cancer, emphysema, COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, not to mention the damage caused to friends and loved ones by second-hand smoke. Carol Stack lives with her husband, children, dogs and cats in the United States. She has a web site that encourages people as they try to quit smoking. It is also full of tips and methods to help people stop smoking. You can visit it at http://www.onlinestopsmokingtips.com ]]> "Cabin Fever" Beating Those Wintertime Blues http://www.artwoo.com/article/cabin-fever-beating-those-wintertime-blues http://www.artwoo.com/article/cabin-fever-beating-those-wintertime-blues#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:15:01 +0000 circadian rhythmcold cold winternatural clockseasonal affective disordersymptoms of depressionchemical neurotransmitterinternal clock http://www.artwoo.com/article/cabin-fever-beating-those-wintertime-blues Seasonal Affective Disorder' more commonly known as "SAD" or simply "The Winter Blues" suffer real feelings of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, social withdrawal from loved ones and even life, oversleeping often coupled with a loss of interest in activities , an increased craving for sweets and starchy foods. You may notice as well that during the coldest, darkest portions of winter, when the daylight hours are very short and nights long, that the person has great difficulty concentrating and processing information.

What causes this malady that seems to run with the seasons and what can be done about it? One of the most agreed upon causes of SAD is that it revolves around a person's . Essentially since the beginning of time a person's is set by the earth and its seasons. The circadian rhythm is what regulates the body's internal clock. In this case the lack of sunlight in winter, combined with lower temperatures is thought to in essence disrupt the body's and trigger the best to slow down. The person gets let active and in these cases they actually can exhibit standard and common .

The neurotransmitter chemical is the brain "melatonin" is yet another factor in this puzzle. Melatonin is a standard chemical in our brains. Melatonin has been tied to the regulation of sleep as well as depression. In the winter time the body somehow bumps up its production of Melatonin. The problems occurs that at the same time the body slows down the production and release of the one other that might help the person out of their doldrums =96 serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are routine initiators of depression. Indeed the role of the commonly used antidepressant family the SSRIs (Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil etc etc) is to raise the amount of serotonin in the brain. The problem here is the double wallop at the same time - Serotonin going down and Melatonin levels going up.

What can be done?

First of all light treatment or "light therapy" is perhaps the most widely known and useful form of treatment and help. In specially designed rooms, "boxes" or with visors the SAD sufferer is provided with bright light of the correct necessary type. Similar to the light of an outdoor environment the SAD sufferers usually sit for duration of between 30 minutes to an hour. It is said that morning times can be the best time of day for this therapy to be given. Overall treatment success is said to be in the range of 60 =96 70 % with minimal side effects. Interestingly the light in the cold outdoors is similarly beneficial. The person could take a longer walk outside. This will definitely help. However it may be difficult to initiate this exercise =96 both because the person is already depressed and it is "very very cold outside". So it is hard to get enough time of sunlight in with the cold winter weather.

In addition some people also benefit from antidepressant therapy or other medications used to treat depression and depression like symptoms. The FDA has approved the use of the pharmaceutical medication Wellbutrin for those with a history of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is best to contact your doctor in this regard. It is most important for SAD patients to be treated by their doctor in these cases.

Lastly take care to eat well. Eat a well balanced diet. With "cabin fever" and the feeling of being trapped in our homes by the extreme cold weather many will take out their frustrations by "eating for comfort". If yourself , a friend or family member suffers the "Winter Blues " of SAD seek help =96 light therapy , exercise , exercise and walking outdoors have all been shown to be helpful. And remember spring is just around the corner. Margaret Z. Mathews Health Care Practitioner Morgellons Research Foundation Com Medical Tourism Marketing http://www.mmedsolution.com http://www.fortunawebs.com http://www.morgellonsresearchfoundation.com ]]> 5HTP Benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/5htp-benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/5htp-benefits#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2007 10:27:28 +0000 low serotonin levelsmigraine headaches5htpexacerbatedinsomniaconquering depressioncarbohydrate cravings http://www.artwoo.com/article/5htp-benefits 5HTP supplements range from to getting a better night's sleep. 5HTP might also benefit you by relieving your nasty or easing those persistent that keep your hand glued to the cookie jar. If you have a problem caused, or , by , 5HTP can provide benefits.

To understand the benefits of taking 5HTP, it helps to know a little about how 5HTP works, how it affects serotonin levels, and what that means for your health.

5HTP is the raw material needed by the body to produce serotonin. Just like you need flour to make bread, the body needs 5HTP to produce serotonin. The process the body uses to supply the brain serotonin is quite complex and involves several steps. 5HTP is known by scientists as the andquot;precursorandquot; to serotonin, which means 5HTP turns directly into serotonin under the right conditions.

Serotonin is the end product used by the brain and body to regulate lots of things including: mood, sleep, pain, digestion, and cognition. Generally speaking, low levels of serotonin lead to all kinds of ailments, many of which plague our modern day word. Depressed, anxious? Blame low serotonin. Pacing the floor at night, wired with ? Blame low serotonin levels. Migraines forcing you to crawl into a dark quiet retreat? Blame low serotonin levels.

The benefits of taking 5HTP correlate with the benefits of raising serotonin levels. If your headaches are indeed caused by low serotonin levels, then 5HTP might help you. Keep in mind that lots of things cause migraine headaches, low serotonin is just one factor and your headaches might be due to something else entirely.

Depression is often caused, or exacerbated, by low serotonin levels, but not always. Not all depression will respond to an increase in serotonin, but generally about 80% of depressed people do feel better when their serotonin levels are raised. So the benefits you receive from taking 5HTP will depend on whether low serotonin levels are indeed your problem.

5HTP seems to be one of the best and least risky ways to raise serotonin and receive the associated benefits. Raising serotonin is the objective with a very popular class of modern medicines which are taken by millions of people, the SSRI antidepressant medications. Starting with the cultural phenomenon that followed the release of Prozac in the mid-eighties, SSRI drugs have helped, and in some cases, harmed millions of people.

Taken to combat all sorts of mental disorders and stress, SSRIs drugs include well known prescription drugs like Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa, and Elavil. Wellbutrin, Effexor and other medicines used to treat depression are similar but affect other brain chemicals in addition to serotonin. Older medications used to treat depression, known as the tricyclic antidepressants, also affect serotonin levels.

5HTP is the body chemical needed for serotonin production, so often the benefits of taking any of the above pharmaceutical medications can be enhanced by adding 5HTP supplements. This would be the equivalent of giving the baker more flour so she can make extra loaves of bread. Before you do this however, consult with your doctor. This strategy benefits some people, but there are risks involved too.

You can, in effect, andquot;overdoseandquot; on serotonin. Serotonin Syndrome is the name for a condition which can come on suddenly and be extremely dangerous. If the serotonin system in the body becomes over stimulated, a person becomes confused and may slip into a hypo-manic, or mildly manic, state. Serotonin Syndrome can also cause a person to feel agitated and loose coordination like they're drunk. Fortunately, serotonin syndrome is extremely rare and many people have enhanced the benefits of their prescription SSRI regimen by adding 5HTP.

5HTP benefits vary from person to person. Generally speaking, people who need to increase their serotonin levels find 5HTP more beneficial and less harmful than the pharmaceutical treatments used by so many doctors. 5HTP not only can provide more direct benefits with less side effects, 5HTP is cheaper and easier to obtain than a doctor's prescription. Even with insurance, an SSRI can cost more than 5HTP and certainly for the person who doesn't have insurance, 5HTP is a bargain indeed. Lorraine Grula is a seasoned medical journalist with over twelve years and hundreds of health reports to her credit. Lorraine writes consumer-oriented wellness news from a natural health perspective. A rebel against the corrosive effects of big pharma and corporate media on the integrity of most health news, Lorraine vows to provide objective, scientifically accurate, easy-to-understand practical information so consumers can form their own conclusions. Visit her website http://www.FeelingGood4ever.com ]]> Depression Drug http://www.artwoo.com/article/depression-drug http://www.artwoo.com/article/depression-drug#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:27:08 +0000 types of depressionmonoamine oxidase inhibitorsobsessive compulsive disordersmaoistofranildoxepinadapin http://www.artwoo.com/article/depression-drug
There are many different types of drugs available, each with their own pros and cons, but basically all of them work by altering the activity of chemicals in the brain that have an impact on our mood.

The type of drug recommended will depend very much on the nature of the depression, the severity of the symptoms and an individual's personal medical history. It is important to remember that antidepressants can take several weeks for any beneficial effects to be noticed and as with all medications; there is the possibility of experiencing some side effects.

The following describes the more common types of drugs which are used to treat depression, along with some popular brand names (generic names in brackets), their uses and their associated side effects.

Tricyclics (TCAs)

Tricyclics work mainly by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norephinephrine. Some of the more common brands include:

• () - used on a short term basis to treat various as well as other conditions

• Anafranil (Clomipramine) - used to treat depression and

• Aventyl (Trimipramine) and (Imipramine) - used for short-term treatment of various types of depression as well as other conditions such as nerve pain and helping prevent migraine attacks

The more common side effects associated with these types of antidepressants include headaches, dizziness, weight gain, dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision and constipation.

()

This type of drug works by helping to balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. For example:

• Nardil (Phenelzine) - used to treat depression as well as other conditions including panic attacks, eating disorders and cocaine addiction.



Side effects associated with MAOIs include drowsiness, digestive problems, anxiety and nightmares, insomnia, dry mouth and weakness.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the brain. They are newer than the other forms of antidepressant and proving more popular as they are generally considered safer to use. Some common brands include:

• Prozac (Fluoxetine) - often used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, and eating disorders as well as other conditions

• Paxil (Paroxetine) - can be used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders as well as other conditions

• Zoloft (Sertraline) - this drug is used to treat depression and other conditions including panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder

Common side effects associated with SSRIs include nervousness, sleep disturbances, headaches, dry mouth, tremors, digestive disturbances and sweating.

Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs),

SNRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of both Serotonin and Norephinephrine, and include:

• Effexor (Venlafaxine) - used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders. Side effects include nervousness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, digestive disturbances, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite

Other types of prescribed drugs

There are other drugs available to treat depression but which don't fall into any of the previous categories. For example:

• Wellbutrin (Bupropion) - used to treat depression and sometimes to help with stopping smoking. It works by increasing the levels of norephinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, agitation, constipation

• Lithium (Lithium Carbonate) - often used to treat a more severe form of depression known as Bipolar or Manic Depression.

It works as a mood stabiliser to balance out the highs and lows associated with manic depression. Side effects include increased thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, tremors and nausea



Over the counter medicines

There are many preparations on the market that can be bought over the counter, which are probably more suited to milder forms of depression. Even apparently safe medications can interact with other types of drugs and prove harmful, so before taking any alternative or herbal preparation, it is always best to discuss it with a qualified practitioner first. Examples include:

• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) - appears to work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) -- works similar to Prozac by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Can interact with other medications so important to seek medical advice

• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytyptophan) -- increases serotonin levels and improves sleep patters

• Fish Oil (Eicosapentaenoic acid or Docosahexaenoic acid) -- improves blood flow to the brain and inter neural connectivity, also increases serotonin levels

• Homeopathic Remedies --It is advisable to seek the advice of a qualified practitioner. The British Homeopathic Association provides a list of homeopaths in the UK and The National Center for Homeopathy can provide the same in the USA.

Conclusion

It is impossible to know which type of drug or treatment will be most effective for whom so it may be a case of trying more than one. The best person to advise you on the suitability of any depression drug, prescribed or otherwise, is your doctor, as he or she will be able to take into account your full medical history, the nature of your depression, and any other relevant factors, before discussing appropriate treatment options for you. Depression and anxiety are serious conditions that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information about depression and self help come and visit http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk ]]>