Archive for May, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin so that it remains active in the brain longer before being broken down and reabsorbed. The neurotransmitter serotonin gives the sensation of well-being.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Improvement in depression, generally with fewer side effects than other categories of antidepressants. SSRIs have fewer side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which we discuss below. Unlike MAO inhibitors, SSRIs do not interact with the amino acid tyramine found in certain foods. Also, SSRIs do not cause orthostatic hypotension and heart rhythm disturbances, as tricyclic antidepressants can. SSRIs are often the first-line pharmaceutical choice for depression.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

MAJOR CAUTIONS

Tremors can be a side effect of SSRIs. Serotonergic syndrome, in which serotonin levels are too high, is a serious but rare condition associated with the use of SSRIs. Symptoms can include high fevers, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. (more…)

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Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Beta-Blockers

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Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines

  1. Alprazolam Extended-Release (Xanax XR)
  2. Alprazolam oral solution (Alprazolam Intensol)
  3. Alprazolam tablets (Niravam, Xanax)
  4. Chlordiazepoxide (Libritabs, Librium)
  5. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  6. Clorazepate (Tranxene, Tranxene T, Tranxene-SD)
  7. Diazepam (Valium)
  8. Lorazepam (Ativan)
  9. Oxazepam (Serax)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter known as gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). They bind to GABA receptors, which slows down the activity of nerve cells. This causes an inhibitory and relaxant effect.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

These drugs provide rapid relief for those with anxiety. (more…)

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What Is Anxiety?

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives: What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety

Anxiety

It is normal to feel anxiety or worry at times. However, feeling anxious without reason or having it disrupt functioning in daily life can be signs of a generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include:

  1. Restlessness
  2. Being keyed up or feeling on edge
  3. Sensation of a lump in your throat
  4. Difficulty concentrating
  5. Fatigue
  6. Irritability
  7. Impatience
  8. Being easily distracted
  9. Muscle tension
  10. Trouble falling or staying asleep
  11. Excessive sweating
  12. Shortness of breath
  13. Stomachache
  14. Diarrhea
  15. Headache

Conventional treatment usually consists of anti-anxiety medications and psychotherapy. Natural medicines offer a much safer long-term approach. Addressing underlying psychological and spiritual imbalances is the key to prevention.

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Testimonial. Philip

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Testimonial. Philip

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History of Slippery Elm

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

History of Slippery Elm

Slippery elm has traditionally been used among Native Americans for several medicinal purposes

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Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Slippery Elm

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Slippery Elm

This plant has a long tradition of use for acid reflux and a variety of other digestive conditions. It is soothing to the lining of the esophagus and stomach. The mucilage it contains acts as a barrier against the damaging effects of acid on the esophagus. It is generally more effective for occasional or mild GERD.

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm

DOSAGE

Suck on a lozenge after each meal or as needed. It is also available in capsule form. Take 500 to 1000 mg after each meal.

SAFETY

This herb is extremely safe. However, avoid taking medications at the exact same time; they should be taken at least one hour apart.

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Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Nux Vomica

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Nux Vomica

This is the most common homeopathic medicine used for GERD. For many it relieves symptoms quickly and without any side effects. Though no formal studies have been done, we believe it normalizes the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Nux Vomica

Nux Vomica

DOSAGE

Take two tablets of a Nux Vomica 30C potency twice daily until symptoms are gone. Thereafter, use as needed for occasional symptoms. If there is no improvement within one week, stop using it.

SAFETY

Since it is in homeopathic form and highly diluted, there are no safety concerns with this medicine. The only factor to be aware of is that if the medicine is not helping within a week, stop using it. Continuous use without benefit could aggravate your symptoms.

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History of Aloe Vera an Ancient Plant

Monday, May 10th, 2010

History of Aloe Vera an Ancient Plant

Aloe is a popular medicinal plant that is used medicinally around the world. Ancient Egyptian texts describe its use for skin conditions. It has a historical use in China, India, Europe, and North America. It has anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically and taken internally. It also contains 20 amino acids that help with tissue repair.

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Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Aloe Vera

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Aloe Vera

This plant has soothing and healing effects on the lining of the digestive tract. Herbalists throughout history traditionally have recommended aloe vera for the treatment of stomach acidity.

DOSAGE

Take 600 mg of the capsule form, or 2 tablespoons of the liquid form, or 2 teaspoons of the powder form in water 20 minutes before each meal three times daily. Make sure you are using aloe with the bitter latex portion removed; aloe products containing this substance are used as a laxative. Unless identified as a product for constipation, most internally consumed aloe products have the bitter latex portion removed or substantially removed.

SAFETY (more…)

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