Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
This amino acid increases the brain
Posts Tagged ‘serotonin’
Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Thursday, July 1st, 2010Anxiety Drugs Atypical Antidepressants
Monday, June 14th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Atypical Antidepressants
Drugs in this class of antidepressants work in a variety of ways. They act like SSRIs and TCAs but have different mechanisms of action, and they have similar side effects as those from SSRIs and TCSs. Common examples include:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and therefore increases the brain
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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine
Friday, June 4th, 2010Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine
- Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
SNRIs work mainly by increasing the amounts of two neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine. This improves alertness, energy, mood, and motivation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
These drugs can be effective for severe and chronic cases of depression.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Abdominal (stomach) pain or tenderness
- Itching
- Rash
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Increased sweating or flushing
- Loss of appetite, loss of weight
- Loss of sexual desire, erectile, or orgasm dysfunction
- Nausea
- Weakness or tiredness
- Weight gain or weight loss
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)
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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Sunday, May 30th, 2010Anxiety 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…)