ssri

Lactofem Probiotic May Boost SSRI Efficacy & Counteract Sexual Side Effects in Women with Depression (2024 Trial)

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Probiotics may help improve sexual function and reduce depression severity in women treated with SSRIs. Highlights: Depression Prevalence: Approximately 5% of all adults will experience depressive disorder, often accompanied by reduced sexual desire and dysfunction. Study Design: The study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 112 women with depressive disorder treated with SSRIs, comparing …

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How Common Are Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms? Estimated in 31% of Patients (2024 Review)

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Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms occur in about one-third of patients stopping antidepressants, with severe symptoms in about 3% of cases – according to a new Lancet Psychiatry review. Highlights: Incidence of Symptoms: Approximately 31% of patients experience at least one discontinuation symptom after stopping antidepressants, compared to 17% for those stopping placebo. Severe Symptoms: Around 3% …

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Antidepressants for Insomnia Treatment in Adults: Are They Effective? (Cochrane Review Findings)

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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting up to 15% of adults. While sedative medications are often prescribed, their long-term use can lead to dependence. As an alternative, antidepressants are widely used in clinical practice despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy and safety for insomnia. Key Facts: Insomnia affects up to 15% of adults, causing …

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How do Antidepressants Work in the Brain? Delayed Onset vs. Rapid-Acting & Neuroplasticity

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Current antidepressants can take weeks to improve symptoms of depression. New research explores reasons for this delay and provides clues to develop more rapid-acting drugs. Key Facts: Most antidepressants increase brain serotonin and norepinephrine, but their mood benefits are delayed for weeks. Researchers are investigating other mechanisms that could explain this lag. Two leading theories …

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Antidepressants for Cancer Treatment via Autophagy Modulation?

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Antidepressants could potentially be repurposed as anticancer agents based on emerging evidence showing they can modulate autophagy—a process cancer cells rely on for growth and survival. Key Facts: Many antidepressants like SSRIs and TCAs have demonstrated anticancer effects in lab studies. Their mechanisms involve regulating autophagy, which plays a complex role in cancer development. Specific …

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Top Drugs & Medications that Cause Weight Gain: Worst Offending Pharmaceuticals (2012-2021)

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A new study published in Pharmazie takes a close look at adverse event reports related to drug-induced weight gain submitted to the FDA over the past 10 years. The retrospective analysis provides insight into the drugs most commonly associated with weight gain side effects. Key findings include: From 2012 to 2021, 137,370 reports of drug-induced …

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Serotonin Syndrome & Toxicity: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments (2023)

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Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain and body. Key facts: SS is characterized by a triad of mental status changes, neuromuscular abnormalities, and autonomic instability. It is usually caused by certain combinations of serotonergic medications, especially MAOIs mixed with SSRIs or SNRIs. Diagnosis is clinical …

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Antidepressants & Mania in Bipolar Disorder: 5-HTTPLR Gene Impacts Risk

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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. While antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat the depressive symptoms, they can also trigger manic episodes in some patients. New research suggests having a certain gene may increase this risk. Key Facts: Antidepressants can cause manic episodes, called treatment emergent …

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