Tag: Antidepressants

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), medications are not a magic bullet for conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but are a powerful tool when used wisely alongside therapy. For many individuals struggling with intrusive, unwanted, and repetitive thoughts, pharmacotherapy can significantly reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life. The key is understanding that medication doesn't eliminate thoughts entirely, but rather helps modulate the anxiety and distress they cause, making them more manageable.

From 1999 to 2014, the use of antidepressants in the U.S. increased by 64% [1.12.4]. Many of these drugs work by increasing levels of a key neurotransmitter. If you're asking, 'Which medicine boosts serotonin?', this article explores the primary classes of medications designed to do just that.

Approximately 27% of people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussions, will develop major depression. If you're wondering, "Can I take antidepressants if I have a concussion?", the answer is often yes, but it requires careful medical supervision and consideration of specific risks.

According to the FDA, mirtazapine (brand name Remeron) is a tetracyclic antidepressant, not a benzodiazepine, and belongs to a completely different pharmacological class. While both can have sedating effects, which often leads to confusion, their mechanisms of action, approved uses, and potential for dependence are distinctly different.

In the United States, approximately 1 in 7 strokes occurs in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 49. This raises questions about medication safety, including if common prescriptions pose a risk. So, **can duloxetine cause stroke?** The evidence presents a complex picture of competing risks and benefits.

Up to 70% of women experience breast pain (mastalgia) at some point in their lives [1.8.1]. While often benign, it's important to understand the potential causes, including asking: what medications make your breasts hurt and why?

Antidepressants can, in some cases, trigger a manic or hypomanic episode, particularly in individuals with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. This phenomenon, sometimes called Treatment-Emergent Affective Switch (TEAS), is a significant concern in psychiatry, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and careful medication management.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 13.2% of American adults take antidepressants, but few will ever experience the rare and unsettling side effect of hallucinations. This article explains the potential link between some anti-depression pills and hallucinations, exploring the contributing factors and crucial steps to take if this occurs.

According to a 2018 review in *PubMed*, specific antidepressants like bupropion and clomipramine are not recommended for patients with epilepsy due to an increased risk of seizures. This critical information answers the question, 'Which antidepressant is contraindicated in epilepsy?' and is essential for safe and effective treatment.

Reports indicate that drug exposure is a common cause of central nervous system toxicity, with some studies showing drug-induced status epilepticus in up to 10% of cases [1.11.1, 1.11.4]. Understanding which medications can lower seizure threshold is vital for patient safety, especially for those with pre-existing risk factors.