Definition of Insomnia The definition of Insomnia, for a particular person, has many facets and requires a close look at their sleep schedule over the short-term and long-term, as well as any stressful or traumatic events that may have triggered the disruption in their normal sleep patterns. Many of us have asked ourselves the question: “Do I Have Insomnia?”. Maybe …
Safety Concerns Surrounding Antipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In combination with other medications, antipsychotics may also be prescribed to treat the following issues: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) anxiety disorders eating disorders severe depression Antipsychotic Basics Antipsychotic medications are used to manage and relieve symptoms of psychosis such as …
Medication Management During Pregnancy
It’s the dream of every mother—a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you’re taking medications for your mental health you’re probably wondering whether they will be safe for your developing baby. The good news is, enough is known about many medications to declare them safe enough for pregnant mothers. Where questions arise, alternative medications and therapies can help secure …
Let’s Talk About Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. Most clinical physicians will use antidepressants to help treat disorders including, but not limited to: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Generalized anxiety disorders Social anxiety disorder Obsessive compulsive disorders Childhood bedwetting Bipolar disorder Depression (major depressive disorder) Borderline personality disorder Prevalence Of Antidepressant Use Studies suggest that …
Dry Mouth: A Surprising Side Effect
You have probably experienced dry mouth, sometimes referred to as “cotton mouth.” Maybe it happened on a warm summer day… or after a strenuous workout. Maybe you were just dehydrated because you went too long without drinking enough water. You know the feeling—when your mouth is sticky-dry and your tongue feels like sandpaper. You find it hard to swallow, talk …
Side Effect of Antidepressants: Nausea
Nausea. It’s that sick, queasy feeling we get in the pit of our stomachs. It can happen at any time, even without food or the thought of food. If the nausea is bad enough, a person can vomit even if they haven’t eaten anything. Nausea has quite a few causes, including: Foods that disagree with the stomach Bacteria Infections Chemotherapy …
Guide to Self Care: Exercise
Regular exercise has been found to have a positive impact on mental health. It’s been proven to help depression, anxiety, ADHD and more. Research has also found that regular exercise can also impact memory, sleep and overall mood. Patients don’t even need to be “gym rats” to reap the benefits of exercise on their mental health, modest amounts of exercise …
Don’t Quit SSRIs Cold Turkey
At some point, almost everyone who takes SSRIs, or other similar medications, starts to feel better and wonders “I’m feeling better; do I really need to continue taking my medication?”. The answer is yes. Antidepressants help balance chemicals in the brain called “neurotransmitters”. These brain chemicals affect our moods, emotions and perceptions of the world. When we have an imbalance …
Side Effects and Symptoms: Cold Hands
Hands (and feet) can become cold to the touch when they fail to receive an adequate supply of oxygenated blood. While sometimes cold hands may be the body’s natural response to cold temperatures, other times it can be a symptom of underlying health issues or a side effect of medications. Cold hands, in general, might not be cause for concern. …