Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, otherwise known as serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors(SSRI), is a group of antidepressant drugs used to treat depression and other psychological disorders such as anxiety disorder, personality disorder and panic attacks. SSRI antidepressants are the most prescribed treatment for depression to date. It is usually used together with psychotheraphy to treat depression. However, as with other drugs, antidepressants like Paxil have reported adverse effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has in fact issued a warning on the potential danger stemming from the use of Paxil. SSRI acts with certain chemicals in the brain responsible for the change of mood. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters present in the brain that causes depression. The excess absorption or reuptake of this type of brain chemical results in depression. SSRI antidepressants block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain thereby improving a person’s mood. Contrary to what many people think, antidepressants cannot make sad people happy. It is not a cure for unhappiness. It is a medication for those suffering from a psychological disorder marked by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement known in medical parlance as depression. The effects of antidepressants may vary. Some people experienced positive effects, some experienced no effect at all, but there are some who also experienced adverse effects. It is worthy to note that as with other drugs, these antidepressants also have potential side effects whichpatients and doctors should consider before taking SSRI medication. Among the very common side effects are:
SSRI may also make the patient feel more worried and restless. The patient may not be able to sit or stand still due to restlessness. SSRIs are usually started at a low dose, which is gradually increased over several weeks to help reduce side effects. However, there are several factors that may affect the chances of side effects such as the dosage and type of SSRI, the age of the patient, other medical conditions experienced by the patient and other medicines being taken at the same time. Some brands of SSRI antidepressants have been reported to cause serious side effects and are now subjected to a Paxil lawsuit. Health care providers as well as patients must carefully consider the risk factors associated with SSRIs. URL References:
Add Comment Insomnia: Causes and Treatment 01/16/2012
Insomnia is an illness characterized by an inability to get quality and sufficient sleep. This leads to feelings of tiredness and lethargy in the morning that potentially affects one’s routines and tasks. The most common symptoms of insomnia are trouble falling asleep on most nights, feeling tired during the day or falling asleep during the day, not feeling refreshed when you wake up, waking up several times during sleep. Causes of Insomnia In many cases, stress and anxiety contribute to the illness. Depression, a chronic illness or any untoward incidents in life make one prone to a sleep disorder as this affects one’s ability to cope with stress.A physical illness, environmental noise, erratic pattern of sleeping time, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and side effects from medication are likewise potential triggers for insomnia. Medical illnesses like hot flushes during a menopause period, urinary tract infections and a prostate disease may lead to sleep problems.Often, an insomniac feels listless at daytime. This could potentially lead to accidents, illnesses due to deterioration of one’s immune system, poor concentration, irritability, work and relationship problems and a general inability to cope. The human body needs sufficient sleep to function at optimal levels. Eight hours are deemed enough rest for many. But this is not necessarily true for all. Sleep hours may vary from one person to another. There are those who thrive well on 6 or even less while others need more than 8. Treatment of Insomnia Sleep hygiene. This pertains to one’s pratical habits, including sleep. A review of one’s sleep hygiene is essential in determining factors affecting the sleep and the modifications needed to alleviate or solve the insomnia. Drug medication. They bring in benefits and potential hazards to one’s health. Antihistamines (the main ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills) may cause memory problems over time, especially in the elderly. Sedatives are not to be used liberally without consult from a doctor as these drugs are known to cause tolerance and dependence. Psychotherapy. This helps screen patients for any mood or anxiety disorder that may have contributed to the sleep disorder. A cognitive-behavioral therapy may alleviate one’s vulnerability to stress and anxiety. Patients diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder are sometimes prescribed with antidepressants. For mild cases of insomnia, here are a few tips to sleeping better:
Sedatives and antidepressants are among the widely prescribed drugs today. However, as their usage grows, so do the controversial issues such as the Paxil lawsuit. Each time you opt for some magic pills, you may be better off starting some good and healthy habits before things can get worse. URL References
GlaxoSmithKline Receives Lawsuits 11/25/2011
One of the leading antidepressants that are out in the market is Paxil manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. This drug has been receiving complaints since the year 1992 when it was first introduced. Side effects are the main complaint of Paxil users. The side effects that were also vary from serious to less serious. Some may be taking multiple antidepressants that they are experiencing Serotonin syndrome. People are being compensated by the manufacturer due to these claims. There are many ups and downs since the introduction of Paxil. Paxil is linked to controversial issues like birth defects. They have changed the pregnancy risk category of Paxil to D because there is already a risk to the fetus according to observations. Babies usually have heart defects like Atrial or Ventricular Septal Defect. This is possible if the mother took Paxil in the first trimester of her pregnancy. The first trimester is the development of the organs of the baby that is why it can really affect the baby if taken during that time. Premature birth and respiratory problem for the newborn will also be encountered if Paxil was taken during the third trimester. The FDA is gathering data to consolidate the findings. Another risk in using Paxil is risk for suicide. One thing common for younger users of Paxil is the prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Monitoring the first few weeks while under Paxil is done for those under 24 years old. Although monitoring of the person is done regularly, there are still cases in which the person succeeded in taking one’s life. Those were only a few of the reasons why people are filing Paxil lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline. Information dissemination about the side effects of Paxil is being done. The FDA also advised physicians to thoroughly discuss the effects of Paxil before prescribing it to a pregnant woman. URL References: webmd.com/depression/news/20060512/paxil-suicide-risk-in-young-adults anxiety.emedtv.com/paxil/paxil-and-pregnancy.html bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aEr_s70bGdYo | ArchivesMarch 2012 CategoriesAll |
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