For years, researchers have been investigating illicit drugs to determine whether they could be used under supervision to treat mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder. Although many of these substances have shown promise, in many cases the side effects and addiction potential outweigh any therapeutic benefits. Other times, many drugs may be temporarily helpful …
A specific type of bird known as a starling tends to gravitate towards sewage treatment facilities to feed on earthworms. Many of these earthworms have already absorbed human waste, some of which contains psychotropic drugs like Prozac. A new study supports the idea that increases in the number of antidepressant prescriptions may be helping people …
Luvox (Fluvoxamine) is a medication that is used predominantly to treat OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) as well as major depression. It is also prescribed to help treat various types of anxiety disorders such as social phobia and PTSD. It is classified as an SSRI antidepressant, meaning that it functions primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of the …
Many people who take antidepressants notice ringing in their ears or “tinnitus.” This tinnitus is usually temporary, and can be a result of changes in levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. In other cases, the tinnitus may emerge as a result of an ototoxic reaction that a person has to a specific antidepressant. Ototoxicity is …
Addiction is defined as repeatedly engaging in a particular behavior or using a substance to experience pleasure, regardless of the consequences. Some believe that addiction can be a result of environmental experiences and/or various psychological conditions. When most people think of addiction, they think of gambling, illicit drugs (e.g. cocaine), alcohol, and sex. One reason …
A new meta-analysis recently showed that the antidepressant Paxil (Paroxetine) is only slightly more effective than a placebo for both depression and anxiety disorders. Prior to this finding, it was assumed that all SSRI antidepressants were significantly more effective than a placebo, hence getting approval to treat depression. In the article I wrote entitled “Do …
According to new research, if you notice your antidepressant affecting you from the very first dose, it probably isn’t “all in your head” or necessarily an indication of hypomania. New research suggests that antidepressants actually change your brain’s activity within just a few hours of taking them. In other words, you could feel or think …