Side-effects of Antidepressants and Their Management Options

Side-effects of Antidepressants and Their Management Options

Similar to most treatments, the use of antidepressants can also lead to numerous side effects. It can include things like increased appetite, nausea, indigestion and more. Some of these side effects might start improving after a few weeks of treatment. However, some patients might not see any improvement in case of side effects. In such patients, doctors can revise or change the treatment plan of the patients. Some commonly seen side effects of antidepressants are:

Nausea
Nausea is one of the initial side effects observed after one starts the use of antidepressants. It may or may not recede after the body has adjusted to the certain chemicals it is being fed. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to keep it under control. Eating well-proportioned and frequent meals along with the use of certain antacids can help. Increased intake of fluids is also an effective remedy.

Appetite enhancement
Patients often tend to experience an increase in their appetite following the use of antidepressants. Some treatment options are more likely to bring out this outcome as compared to the others. It is best to consult with medical care professionals about the side effects of the treatment method that is being employed. In case of increased appetite due to the use of antidepressants, it is ideal to decrease the intake of sugar and sugary foods. Increase the intake of fibrous and low-calorie foods like vegetables and fruits. Increasing one’s physical activity and improving lifestyle habits are also proven to be beneficial in such situations.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common outcome in patients experiencing depression and also the ones that are undergoing treatment for the same. It is especially prevalent during the earlier weeks of treatment. To overcome this side effect, patients are advised to participate in physical activities like swimming, walking, and/or lighter options like yoga. It is also advisable to keep away from operating heavy machines, including driving vehicles, during this time.

Insomnia
The use of antidepressants increases the chances of developing insomnia in patients. This means they experience difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep. To avoid this, doctors might advise the patients to incorporate their treatment in the morning. Indulging in physical activity a considerable number of hours before bedtime may also help improve sleep quality. Avoiding beverages that contain caffeine in any amount also proves effective.

Dry mouth
People being treated for depression tend to develop a dry mouth. It is one of the side effects of antidepressants that cannot be avoided but can be managed with the application of various tips and home remedies. For example, sucking on ice cubes can help prevent drying of the mouth. So you can chew or suck on sugarless candies or gums. Practices like regular brushing, flossing, and keeping up with dental appointments are also recommended.

Compromised oral health
Just like it causes dry mouth, prolonged use of antidepressants can also lead to dental cavities and decaying of teeth. Adapting proper oral care and keeping regular appointments with the dentist can be helpful. Religiously brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing can go a long way in maintaining oral and dental hygiene.

Constipation
Tricyclic antidepressants are the type of depression treatment option that most commonly lead to the development of constipation in patients. They tend to interfere with the patient’s normal digestion and other bodily systems. However, this side effect is not just limited to this type of depression treatment. It is considered that frequently sipping on the water can help manage the condition better. Inculcating more fibrous vegetables and fruits in meals is also helpful. In patients with severe constipation, supplements can also be used.

Anxiety
Some antidepressants can lead to side effects like anxiety and restlessness. This can result in decreased rest in patients despite their needs. To combat the shortcomings that arise from these side effects, it is advised that patients regularly participate in physical activities like walking, jogging, yoga, or biking. It is also crucial to consult with doctors and health care professionals to discuss the adjustments that can be made to the treatment plan.

Dizziness
Certain antidepressants can increase the patient’s risk of experiencing dizziness as opposed to others. The dizziness is a result of low blood pressure that develops due to the ongoing treatment. To manage this symptom, patients are advised to avoid sudden and speedy movements. Walking with the help of canes, handrails, or with the support of another person is also recommended. Increased intake of fluids, excluding caffeinated beverages, is advisable. It is also safer for these patients to avoid the use of heavy machinery.

Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is a condition which is caused due to low sodium levels. It is a common side effect of the use of antidepressants in elderly patients. This can lead to fluid retention in patients. Patients with mild hyponatremia experience confusion, low appetite, muscle pains, headaches, and sickness. On the other hand, patients with severe hyponatremia experience symptoms like disorientation, seizures, agitation, psychosis, and listlessness. It can be treated with the use of sodium drips and supplements.

Reduced alertness
Patients being treated for depression experience reduced alertness and the inability to concentrate. It can impact the person’s ability to execute activities that require the use of certain skills, like driving.

Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare yet possible side effect in people being treated with antidepressants. The risk of developing this side effect is more prominent in older patients. Doctors may be able to revise treatment plans or incorporate other treatment options to help with the bleeding.

Diabetes
People who have been on prolonged antidepressant treatment are at a greater risk of developing diabetes. People that are above the age of 30 years are statistically more prone to developing diabetes as a result of depression treatment.

Previous Read

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Next Read

How to Choose the Best Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses Online

Contact lens users can choose from a range of categories of lenses. Among the different types, a popular choice is monthly disposable contact lenses, requiring minimum cleaning and easy handling. You can wear a pair of monthly lenses for 30 days before replacing it. But with several options available online, it can be challenging to find a suitable pick. For your convenience, we’ve discussed a few things you can consider before buying disposable lenses online. Popular monthly disposable lenses available online Purchasing a pair of high-quality contact lenses is imperative to ensure good eye health. We have listed six popular lenses from different brands that you can pick from online. Note that each lens for your left and right eye is designed based on a prescription from an eye doctor. Alcon AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® Approved by the FDA, the AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® flexible lenses are designed to sit comfortably in the eyes for 30 consecutive days and nights as you can sleep in these lenses. A box of six lenses costs about $95.99. The product boasts a SMARTSHIELD® Technology - a protective layer of moisture that repels unwanted deposits that may irritate the eye. Moreover, it is one of the softest and most breathable lens options. It allows more oxygen to flow to your eyes compared to other lenses, preventing dryness and keeping your eyes moisturized all day. However, it’s best to limit continuous wear to avoid eye infections. CooperVision Biofinity® toric The Biofinity® toric lenses from CooperVision are designed for people with astigmatism. The contact lenses are soft and can retain a significant amount of water to keep your eyes hydrated and prevent unwanted protein deposits that may irritate the eyes. The lenses feature Aquaform® Technology, which enables maximum oxygen supply to keep the eyes healthy throughout the day. Each box of six lenses will cost you about $71.99. ACUVUE® VITA® Among the popular monthly disposable contact lens brands are the VITA® contacts from ACUVUE®. The brand offers a box of six lenses for a price of $71.99. The ACUVUE® VITA® lenses are designed with INFINITY EDGE™ design and HydraMax™ Technology to improve and increase lens comfort in dirt-ridden environments for the whole month. These lenses also offer protection against UV radiation that may otherwise damage the cornea. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® for Astigmatism Bausch + Lomb has been a well-known brand in the eye care industry for years. Their ULTRA® lenses are crafted for people with astigmatism. The monthly disposable lenses come with a unique moisture seal technology to avert lens dryness and retain significant moisture for about 16 hours a day. You can wear the lenses six nights and seven days consecutively, but in between wears, ensure to rest your eyes without the lenses and clean and store the lenses appropriately, at least for a night. You can dispose of the old pair after 30 days and start with a fresh set. A box of six lenses is available for $69.99. Alcon TOTAL30® Alcon TOTAL30® are water gradient lenses designed for those interested in monthly disposable lenses. The lens has a unique water gradient technology that features about 100% water content on the outer layer. Another exclusive feature of these monthly lenses is its CELLIGENT® technology. The feature forms a protective layer that repels significant bacterial deposits and attracts tiny healthy water molecules. The eyewear can even block more than 90% of UVA rays. Alcon TOTAL30® should cost you about $74.99 if you purchase a box of six lenses. How to order monthly disposable lenses online Purchasing monthly contact lenses online will require you to submit a prescription on the vision care website. Several vision care websites, such as 1800contacts, offer multiple discounts on contact lenses on different occasions. On the 1800contacts website, you can either upload a picture of your prescription or enter the information manually. Alternatively, if you do not have a hard copy of the prescription, the brand will contact your eye care provider to get a copy, which might take one business day. Keep in mind that you will have to order the brand recommended on the prescription by your eye care provider. However, there is a 10-minute online vision exam on the 1800contacts website, where a board-certified ophthalmologist issues multiple options for you to try. Once the prescription is verified, the contact lens order is shipped to your address. Tips before buying disposable contacts lenses Purchasing a good pair of lenses is more complex than it seems. So before you select a pair of monthly disposable lenses, keep these tips in mind to ensure you receive a reliable set.  Read reviews from customers to assess the ratings of the lenses by a verified consumer. If there are multiple issues flagged in a review, steer clear of those lenses. Avoid heavily discounted lenses as they can be defective and even ruin your eyesight over time. Cheap lenses may come in torn, unsealed boxes and be made of inferior quality. Look for disposable contact lenses on websites that accept vision insurance, which can save you a lot of money on monthly prescriptions. Ways to take care of your monthly disposable contact lenses Once you purchase your monthly contact lenses online, you will need to ensure that they last their duration by taking appropriate care. Although you can use monthly lenses for hours at a stretch, they require minimum daily maintenance. The following are some tips to take care of your monthly contact lenses: Wash your hands clean before inserting or removing the lenses. Ensure you dispose of the old pair and start with a new set at the end of 30 days or as the eye doctor directs. Disinfect, clean, and store the lenses in a lens case with fresh solution daily. Visit the eye doctor yearly to keep track of your overall vision health. Never swim or get in a hot tub while wearing contact lenses. Avoid wearing torn lenses. Do not share your contact lenses with others.

Our Blogs

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
Read More
Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
Read More
Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
Read More
Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
Read More
Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
Read More
Top 4 Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Top 4 Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers, and while senior citizens may not get behind the wheel as often as they used to, auto insurance for them too is a mandate. Insurance companies offer special discounts, tailored policies, and perks for senior drivers who might not want to use their car often. Mature drivers can compare and choose best priced car insurance plans from insurance companies that offer them. Best car insurance for seniors  These four companies offer the best combination of affordable premiums, senior-specific discounts, and exclusive policies to save money on car insurance. Nationwide ® Nationwide ® car insurance rates are 21% lower than the national average for drivers over 60. For a cheaper premium, the insurance company pays for all liabilities related to bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, treatments, and comprehensive collision coverage. Nationwide ®  also ensures quality customer service, a grievance-free claims handling process, and ranks among the top vendors for customer loyalty. One of the company’s key highlights is the SmartMiles program beneficial for senior drivers with limited mileage after retirement. The yearly car insurance premiums are calculated based on the total number of miles driven with SmartMiles. This policy, available in 40 states, is suitable for seniors who commute less than 12,000 miles per year and can still afford to pay for car insurance after retirement.
Read More