Antidepressants and Their Side Effects

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The first thing about depression and getting treatment (medicated or not) is recognizing it. So many people walk through life with a dark cloud over their days and cannot look closely at what is happening. They have lost interest in their hobbies. They may have lost connections with their friends or community. They may have even lost their job or stopped school. And yet they still have not wondered if there might be a way out of the bleakness.

The reality is depression is a complex disorder. And typically, it takes work and professional help for folks to work through it. That said, antidepressants can help. But there are quite a few out there, and different ones affect people differently. So, when considering if you need antidepressants, you may want to consult this list of antidepressants and their side effects.

The Role of Antidepressants and Their Side Effects

Along with getting depression therapy, antidepressants can have an important role to play in helping with depression. The right medicines can elevate your mood and lift you from the constantly depressed state. They can also be the first line of treatment to treat depression that is mild, moderate, or severe. Depression medicines may be used alone or along with counseling and other therapies.

There are many different types of depression medicines currently available. With the right one, you may feel more emotionally stable and work with the psychotherapist to work through the complexities of your depression.

Types of Antidepressant Medications and Common Side Effects

Depression medications work in different ways.

 SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others are often the first choice of antidepressants because they have fewer side effects, even at high doses, and are pretty effective. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and other bodily functions.

Common Side Effects of SSRIs:

  • Nausea, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal problems
  • Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Insomnia or drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Anxiety or agitation

 SNRI

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Fetzima, and Savella work by keeping up the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine (feel-good chemicals in the brain) and alleviating depression symptoms.

Common Side Effects for SNRIs:

 Nausea, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal problems

  • Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Insomnia or drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Sweating or hot flashes
  • Increased blood pressure

TCA 

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are a reasonably old treatment and may be used in people who do not respond to other medications. By blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, more of these neurotransmitters remain in the synapses between neurons, which can increase their activity and improve mood regulation. Some include amitriptyline, Norpramin, Tofranil, Pamelor, Vivactil, Surmontil, and others.

Common Side Effects for TCAs:

  • Dry mouth, constipation, or urinary retention
  • Blurred vision or other vision problems
  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Increased heart rate or other cardiovascular effects

MAOI 

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) were also popular in the 1950s and worked by inhibiting monoamine oxidase production in the body as this chemical removes feel-good chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. When these chemicals are present, you are likely to feel better.

Common Side Effects for MAOIs:

  • Dangerous interactions with certain foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods
  • Dry mouth, constipation, or urinary retention
  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Increased heart rate or other cardiovascular effects 

 Atypical Antidepressants

Atypical Antidepressants are Desyrel, Serzone, Remeron, Brintellix, Trintellix, and others. Under this category are also herbs and natural remedies like St. John’s Wort, which may be effective in some people.

Common Side Effects for Atypical antidepressants:

  • Nausea, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal problems
  • Drowsiness or insomnia
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Headaches or dizziness

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Depression Medication

Before prescribing any one or more medications, your doctor will consider your personal health history, the medications you currently take for any other health issues, and other factors. Keep in mind that antidepressants help let you lead a relatively everyday life.

Occasionally side effects may be temporary and may wear off when the medicine is taken for some time, and at times the risk and reward ratio must be considered. Whether you or your loved one choose to go with medications to help with depression, a structured mental health program is still the best option for long-term wellness.

Lido Wellness has vast experience and knowledge of the best options for each case. For example, many of our patients have responded well to TMS therapy. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. EMDR also has helped people with depression and trauma. Of course, our psychotherapy in Newport Beach is sought after and highly acclaimed. To find out more, call our team today for a free consultation:  Call Us Now 949-503-9655.

 

Social Anxiety or Generalized Anxiety?

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Sarah had always been a shy person, but as she grew older, her shyness turned into something much more intense. She found herself avoiding social situations at all costs, skipping family gatherings and even turning down invitations to hang out with her closest friends if they were going out to see other people.

She would worry for days before an event, imagining all the ways she could embarrass herself or say something wrong. This is the beginnings of social anxiety disorder. It might seem like an intense shyness to some, but it can be a debilitating disorder creates isolation and loneliness.

Sarah has symptoms of social anxiety.

On the other hand, meet John. John was always a bit of a worrier, but in recent years, his worries had gotten out of control. He found himself constantly overthinking everything—from his health to his job to the state of the world. He had trouble sleeping, had frequent panic attacks, and John was constantly in a state of neurosis.

John has symptoms of generalized anxiety.

Beyond Feeling Nervous

While some anxiety is normal in people, it is when you have constant and overwhelming emotions that they are characterized as anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders affect 19.1% of people in the U.S. according to this report. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are two anxiety disorders. Social anxiety disorder often makes people feel self-conscious, anxious, and they may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and an increased heart rate when they are in or about to be in a social situation.

Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when you are constantly worried about everything including health, money, relationship, lifestyle, education, or even things that are not under your control.

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

If you are anxious to the degree that it is affecting your life in a negative way in any kind of social situation whether, at work or a social engagement, you may well have SAD.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include fear of meeting people, fear of embarrassment and ridicule, blanking out, not registering anything mentally, and more. These can manifest as physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat (even palpitations), blushing, feeling breathless, and others.

Any kind of social situation may be a trigger for social anxiety disorder. Whenever you are meeting anyone you may feel anxious about talking, eating, or even your appearance in front of them.

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When you feel unreasonable fear and anxiety about things that you may not even have any control over, and this feeling is constant, that is likely generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include persistent worry about everything, unable to relax and being constantly on an edge, muscle tension, sweating, sleep disturbances, a feeling of panic, aches, pains, and the like.

Triggers for generalized anxiety disorder include health, medical, financial, work, and other issues that may or may not be real since the worry is disproportionate to the actual issues.

Differences between Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The main difference between SAD and GAD is the focus of the anxiety. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear in such places as public speaking, meeting new people, or being observed by others. In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about a wide range of everyday situations, including health, finances, work, and relationships.

The other big difference is in the way they are treated. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to treat both disorders, but the focus of the therapy may be different. In SAD, the focus may be on improving social skills and reducing avoidance behaviors, while in GAD, the focus may be on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.

Getting Help for Anxiety Disorders

No matter what, anxiety disorders are tough to live with. They will disrupt your life and could lead to isolation and depression. If you are experiencing excessive worry, fear, panic, avoidance behaviors, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or heart palpitations, it may be a good idea to reach out for help. Mental heath issues don’t typically just go away. But, with help, they can be managed to the point where they have little ability to cause harm.

Remember, getting help for anxiety disorders is a process, and it may take time to find the right treatment for you. If you want to talk to someone about GAD or SAD, call Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach today. Our mental health services in Newport Beach are designed to help individuals with anxiety and other disorders that affect millions of people across the country.

Crisis Prone Personality

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Do you get text messages that seem like the world is going to end? Is it a common occurrence? Do most of these texts come from the same person? Maybe this person feels like the sky is always about to fall. Or it’s falling right now! You might know someone with a crisis-prone personality. Running from one emergency to another to the degree that even simple tasks seem filled with impending doom. Things often get out of control, and they constantly let everyone know how bad it is.

In mental health terminologies, a crisis refers to a traumatic event and a person’s reaction to a situation. It also means an experience or perception of an event as an intolerable difficulty that surpasses the individual’s present resources and coping mechanisms.

A crisis-prone individual wakes in the morning and has to deal with life’s daily activities filled with potential crises and distress. For these people, being in an emergency is their way of life. The typical characteristics include significant discomfort or impairment in occupational, social, or other crucial areas of functioning. Just about anything can trigger it.

Causes of Crisis Prone Personality

Your personality—how you feel, think and behave—primarily forms during childhood. Your experiences, environment, and temperament all work to shape your character.

Some contributing factors to crisis prone personalities that might have come from environmental factors in their childhood include:

  • Childhood trauma
  • Chaos
  • Instability
  • Abuse
  • Genetic predisposition

Personality Disorders That May Contribute to Crisis Personalities

But there is more. While it’s important to note that not everyone with a personality disorder is necessarily “crisis-prone,” certain personality disorders may contribute to an increased likelihood of experiencing or perceiving crises in life.

Some of these include:

  1. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Individuals with BPD often have unstable emotions, intense mood swings, and a fear of abandonment. They may engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors, which can contribute to the perception of a crisis or create crises in their lives.
  2. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) – Those with NPD have an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They may have difficulty handling criticism or perceived slights, leading to interpersonal conflicts and crises.
  3. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) – People with ASPD exhibit a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and irresponsibility. Their behaviors may lead to frequent legal, financial, or interpersonal problems, increasing the likelihood of crises.
  4. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) – As mentioned earlier, individuals with HPD seek attention and validation from others. Their dramatic, attention-seeking behaviors may contribute to the perception of crises or result in the creation of crises in their lives.
  5. Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) – Those with DPD have an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors. They may struggle with decision-making, and their reliance on others can create tension or crises in relationships.

Living with Someone with Crisis Prone Personality 

At Home and Work:

When managing crisis-prone colleagues in the workplace or at home, it’s important to really, honestly look at the situation objectively. Taking everything at face value will allow extra stress and drama. Determine whether the crisis is genuine or fabricated to place the individual in the spotlight.

If the crisis is genuine, appropriate action should be taken. However, if the facts don’t line up or things feel manipulated to maintain an emergency mindset, staying calm will help others recognize that the issue does not warrant immediate attention and discourage the drama.

In a Relationship:

Being crisis-prone in relationships probably includes frequent drama. Individuals with such tendencies may start fights for diversion, excitement, or to play the rescuer. They might also be drawn to makeup sex, finding emotional extremes enticing and sex more appealing after arguments.

To handle a crisis-prone partner, be prepared for unexpected turbulence in an otherwise peaceful atmosphere. When a conflict begins to emerge, avoid getting entangled in it. Instead, try to understand your partner’s feelings and determine whether the issue stems from genuine concerns or a desire for stimulation caused by boredom.

Addressing these underlying needs may prevent the argument from escalating. If you’re the one inclined towards crisis, strive for self-awareness and examine the underlying needs that conflicts might satisfy.

Seeking Professional Support

If you or someone you know struggles with crisis-prone behavior, seeking professional help can move you towards a healthier and more stable life. A mental health program can provide valuable guidance and support in identifying the underlying causes of the behavior and developing effective coping strategies.

By engaging in therapy and working towards self-awareness, individuals with crisis-prone tendencies can learn to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and cultivate a more balanced approach to life’s challenges. Do you want to talk more about this behavior and how a mental health IOP such as Lido Wellness can help? Call us today: 949-503-9655.

 

Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disorder can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. But not just for for those who experience its mood swings. The people who are close to them, who love them, and care for them are on that ride and it can feel like there is no way to get off the ride.

If someone you love is battling this mental health disorder, you can be their anchor in the stormy sea. The first step is to educate yourself about the condition and understand the symptoms of the different types of bipolar disorder. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and support them through their journey. Help them build healthy habits and provide the care they need to navigate the ups and downs of this challenging condition. With your love and support, they can find stability and lead a fulfilling life.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

As someone looking to help a loved one with bipolar disorder, it helps to understand the condition’s symptoms and its impact on those affected.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Here are the symptoms of the common types of bipolar disorder:

  • Bipolar I. The list of symptoms includes manic and depressive episodes. A diagnosis is usually made if the manic episodes last beyond a specific period or are severe.
  • Bipolar II. This condition causes depressive and hypomanic episodes without full manic episodes.
  • Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymia is associated with prolonged periods of depressive and hypomanic episodes of at least two years with occasional normal moods.
  • Other related disorders. Several specified and unspecified bipolar disorders may not meet the criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Individuals and Their Loved Ones?

Individuals that experience the extreme mood swings caused by bipolar disorder find it challenging to work, study, maintain relationships, perform tasks, and navigate their daily lives. This is due to the unpredictability of their behavior. In addition, their loved ones often witness their mood episodes, which can cause stress and relationship strain.

Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

  • Educating oneself about the disorder. Understanding how bipolar disorder works can promote empathy and the realization that the affected individual needs love and support. A deeper dive on the types of bipolar is a good place to start.
  • Encouraging treatment and medication adherence. People with bipolar can lead normal lives if they receive the care and support they need to seek and adhere to prescribed treatments.
  • Supporting healthy lifestyle habits. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an essential coping skill for dealing with bipolar disorder.

Navigating the Challenges of Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

  • Managing mood swings and behavior changes. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs and triggers of bipolar disorder to minimize the risk.
  • Addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s best to be open about bipolar disorder and encourage your loved ones to seek help if there’s a high risk of suicide.
  • Coping with caregiver stress. If you’re a caregiver for someone with bipolar, practicing self-care is essential to avoid burning yourself out.

Getting Help for Bipolar Disorder

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition and provide the support they need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging them to seek professional help and supporting their treatment can make a significant difference in their quality of life.

Take the time to learn about the symptoms and impact of bipolar disorder, and work with your loved one to develop healthy lifestyle habits. Remember to be aware of warning signs and triggers, address suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and practice self-care to avoid caregiver stress. Your support can make a world of difference to your loved one with bipolar disorder.