Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Chronic Headaches and Pain Alleviated by Dentistry

You may not immediately think of your dentist the next time you suffer from a migraine, but you might be surprised to know that there are many causes of headache, face, neck and shoulder pain that can be relieved by dental treatments. If this is not something you've tried, consider scheduling a consultation to find out if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition in which the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, causing muscle contractions in the jaw joint that lead to tension and pain.

A number of treatment options are available, depending on the cause of your pain. For example, you may not know it, but you might be clenching and unclenching your teeth many times throughout the day or night. This can wear down your teeth and create tension in your jaw, creating your headaches and other pain. If your dentist finds this is the case, he or she will prescribe useful home exercises and physical therapy, to be used in combination with a mouth guard that reduces the intensity and frequency of your oral stress and protects your teeth from further wear and destruction. This will restore the muscles of your head and neck area to normal length, function, posture and full range of motion, helping to reduce your symptoms.

The following treatments may also be helpful for treating chronic headaches and related pain:

Occlusal Splint - Also called a night guard, the Occlusal Splint protects the teeth from further wear and reduces the severity of grinding at night, allowing the muscles to rest. In severe cases, the splint may need to be worn all day to allow the joints and muscles to rest.

Jaw Rest - You must rest your jaw for it to heal. Do not:

- chew gum


- bite your nails


- clench your teeth together


- chew on pencils


- eat excessively chewy and crunchy foods during treatment

Moist Heat - penetrating moist heat promotes blood flow, aiding in healing and relaxation of the muscle and helping pain medications work more effectively. A wet washcloth with a hot water bottle will do, or purchase moist heating pads.

Exercises - Some simple jaw and neck exercises may be recommended to help the muscles stretch. A good time to do some of these is in the warm, moist environment of the shower or bath, particularly in the morning and/or before bedtime.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapy can help relax the muscles and increase joint flexibility. We can teach you some simple stretching therapies during your office consultation. If necessary, you will be referred to a physical therapist.

Stress Management - Stressed-out muscles that are contracted and cramped lead to pain. Emotion and stress can cause your muscles to become stressed-out. Any stress reliever that works for you is helpful. Reading, exercising, listening to music, going for a walk are all ways people reduce the stress in their lives. You may want to consider counseling to learn stress management. The point is, it is almost impossible to get relief from TMJ if your underlying emotional issues are not addressed. If you can't do it yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Anterior Deprogrammer - A less well known treatment method is an anterior deprogrammer. This device contacts the four lower incisors when you close your mouth, and reduces resistance when the lower jaw moves back and forth, reducing muscle contraction intensity and helping teeth the become properly aligned. An anterior deprogrammer is meant for short term use and emergency situations.

Medication - Pain medication may be prescribed. Often, over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen are enough. These medications relieve pain and reduce inflammation during the healing process. Occasionally a mild muscle relaxant may be prescribed.

The most effective drugs for TMJ management include:


1. Non-narcotic analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).


2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, Trilisate, ibuprofen, Naproxen and prescription strength NSAIDS.


3. Muscle relaxant drugs such as Carisoprodol (Soma) and Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).


4. Tricyclic anti-depressant medications such as Amitriptyline (Elavil), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), and Doxepin (Sinequan).

Referral - In some cases, a specialist may be needed from physicians, oral surgeons, orthodontists, psychotherapists, physical therapists, or prosthodontists. Very severe cases may be referred from the start to a pain center or a dentist whose main focus is the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.

Dr. Michael Iott has the education, training and experience to diagnose and treat the cause of your chronic headaches and pain. Why not schedule a consultation and allow Dr. Iott to offer you the very best options to relieve your symptoms? Click here to contact Dr. Iott's office now.

What can you do to help yourself at home?

- Limit your jaw opening (yawning, etc.) to no more than 2 finger widths.


- Rest your jaw by avoiding heavy chewing (e.g. gum, bagels, tough meats).


- Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth by keeping the teeth slightly apart and the jaw relaxed.


- Avoid leaning or sleeping on the jaw.


- Avoid tongue thrusting and chewing fingernails or non-food objects.


- Avoid playing wind, brass and string instruments that stress, retrude or strain the jaw.


- Use cold/ice packs or moist heat compresses as directed by your doctor or therapist.


- Use over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen, Tylenol or Percogesic, as directed by your doctor or therapist.

If you are experiencing chronic headaches, pain in your face, neck, shoulders and upper back, or any of the other symptoms described here, call our office to schedule a private consultation.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Home Remedy for Hives

Hives also known as urticaria. Allergic reaction to a drug or food is a cause of hives. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Hives can occur on any skin surface, but usually spare the palms and soles of the feet. Hives are classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of the episode. Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. Hives may be associated with dramatic swelling reactions; swelling of the lips, eyes, and ears can suddenly and grotesquely alter the appearance of an allergy victim. Swelling of the lips and tongue may occur immediately after eating a food and may be life-threatening because of airway obstruction. Some patients get hives occasionally only when they ingest a specific food or food additives. Other get hives as a chronic problem which can go-on for years. Most studies of chronic hives suggest a low % of food allergy causes usually because diet revision attempts were inadequate to reveal the hidden food causes. Swelling from angioedema can also occur around your hands, feet, and throat.

Hives and angioedema form when, in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Hives and angioedema can happen at any age. Angioedema typically causes swelling of the lips, larynx (producing hoarseness or shortness of breath), or the lining of the stomach and intestines (causing abdominal pain). Symptoms include muscle soreness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea. Urticarial disease is thought to be caused by the release of histamine and other mediators of inflammation (cytokines) from cells in the skin. Histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels leading to swelling in the skin. In rare cases urticaria and angioedema are accompanied by shock and difficulty breathing. This is called anaphylaxis. Ordinary hives may be widespread and disturbing to look at, but the vast majority of cases do not lead to life-threatening complications. Sometimes hives are caused by a physical stimulus like contact with heat, water, or pressure. Hives can also be caused by contact with substances that are irritating. Just about any substance has the potential to be irritating.

The treatment of hives depends on the severity of the symptoms. Psychological treatments such as stress management can sometimes lessen severity and occurrence. The most commonly used oral treatments are Non-sedating antihistamines, including Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, and Zyrtec, are also used to treat hives, expecially hives that last longer than 6 weeks. Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. Oral steroids (prednisone, Medrol) can help severe cases of hives in the short-term, but their usefulness is limited by the fact that many cases of hives last too long for steroid use to be continued safely. Other treatments can sometimes include doxepin (Sinequan), an antidepressant that can work as a potent antihistamine, montelukast (Singulair), and medications such as ranitidine (Zantac) or cimetidine (Tagamet), which are more commonly used to treat reflux. To mangage hives and swelling avoid hot water (use luke warm), gentle or mild soap, apply a cool compress or wet cloths to the affected areas, enter a cool room, wear light weight clothes. Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. Apply calamine lotion.

Home remedy for Hives Tips

1.Calamine lotion-applying this lotion it can grant you relief from the itchy feeling.

2.Milk of magnesia on the lesions, provides some relief. As milk of magnesia is an alkaline solution it helps in removing the irritating itchy sensation

3.Stop the itching get 1/2 a tub filled with warm water, add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup baking soda. Soaking yourself at least once a day can make a lot of difference.

4.Applying aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the affected area at least twice a day can benefit you a lot.

5.Have nettle tea which is made by 2 tsp. powdered stinging nettles. You can add honey or lemon to add flavor your tea.

6.Consume cayenne pepper capsules to help the healing procedure. You can also have vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc for quick relief.

7.Herbal tea is very good for health. To soothe your nerves, go in for peppermint or passionflower tea. Other good options include chamomile, valerian and catnip

8.To relieve pain, apply cool compression on the affected area.

9.Make a paste with 2 cups of oatmeal and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add a little water to make it into a paste. Apply to affected area for 15-30 minutes. It dries the hives up within a couple of hours.

10.Take cayenne pepper in capsule form to aid the healing process.

11.Take an Ice cold shower or bath and sit in front of a fan on high for about five minutes.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies. She also writes articles on beauty tips.

Depression Medication

Depression can affect any one of us at any time of our lives and is more than just feeling a bit fed up or down in the dumps. When you cannot just snap out of it and the symptoms of depression persist for more than a couple of weeks, and interfere with your ability to carry out your normal routines on a daily basis, then your health care provider or GP may prescribe some form of medication to help you combat the depression.

There are many different types of anti-depressants available and the earlier ones include Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Newer types include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and others, which may not fall into one specific category but which all work by impacting on the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for our mood and how we feel.

The following list represents the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression, their brand names and the name of the pharmaceutical company producing them (in brackets), as well as a brief description of how the different types are believed to work.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants are so called because of their molecular structure in that they contain three rings of atoms. Although no one understands exactly how they work, it is thought that the beneficial effects are due to their ability to balance the natural neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. The most common side effects are dry mouth and drowsiness and possibly blurred vision, sweating, and a slight hesitancy when passing urine. The following list represents some of the most commonly prescribed Tricyclic antidepressants:

- Doxepin - Brand names: Adapin (Lotus Biochemical Corporation) and Sinequan (Pfizer Inc)


- Clomipramine - Brand names: Anafranil (Geneva Pharmaceuticals)


- Nortriptylene - Brand Names: Aventyl (Eli & Lilly) and Pamelor (Novartis Pharmaceuticals)


- Imipramine - Brand Names: Tofranil (Novartis Pharmaceuticals)


- Protriptyline - Brand Names: Vivactil (Merck & Co)


- Trimipramine - Brand Names: Surmontil (Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

This type of medication works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which in turn increases the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. They are not prescribed as often as they used to be as the newer type of medication known as SSRIs have become more popular. MAOIs would usually be prescribed when other medications have proved ineffective. MAOIs can interact with foods containing tyramine and raise blood pressure; they can also interact unfavourably with many other drugs and over the counter preparations. Some MAOIs include:

- Isocarboxazid - Brand Name: Marplan (Oxford Pharmaceutical Services)


- Phenelzine - Brand Name: Nardil (Pfizer Inc)


- Tranylcypromine - Brand Name: Parnate (Glaxo Smith Kline)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain so that levels of serotonin are increased. They are generally considered safer than other types. Side effects include nausea, anxiety, sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunction. They can also interact with other drugs. Some of the more commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

- Citalopram - Brand Name: Celexa (Forest Pharmaceuticals)


- Escitalopram - Brand Name: Lexapro (Forest Pharmaceuticals)


- Fluoextine - Brand Name: Prozac (Eli & Lilly)


- FLuvoxamine - Brand Name: Luvox (Solvay Pharmaceuticals)


- Paroxetine - Brand Name: Paxil (Glaxo Smith Kline)


- Setraline - Brand Name: Zoloft (Pfizer Inc)

Some other types of medication

There are other types of medication available for depression which are not included in the previous categories but which all work in various ways to alter the balance of chemicals in the brain to alleviate depression. For example:

- Bupropion - works by inhibiting the reuptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine. Often used to treat the type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as well as ADHD and as part of a stopping smoking programme. Brand Name: Wellbutrin (Glaxo Smith Kline)

- Duloxetine - works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline (SNRI). Brand Name: Cymbalta (Eli & Lilly)

- Venlafaxine - Also an SNRI. Brand Name: Effexor (Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals)

- Maprotiline - Known as a tetracyclic antidepressant because its molecular structure consists of 4 rings in a T shape. Brand Names: Ludiomil (Novartis Pharmaceuticals)

Which type medication is most suitable?

The type of medication prescribed by your GP will depend on many factors including the kind of depression diagnosed, the severity of the symptoms, other medication that you may be taking and of course the potential risk of any side effects.

It is not possible to predict with any degree of accuracy which one will be most effective and it can take a number of weeks for any effects to be noticed. If after six weeks or so there is no improvement, then another medication may be prescribed until you find the most appropriate one for you.

Regardless of the type of depression diagnosed, the right medication can alleviate the symptoms of depression and help you get back to your old self again.

Depression is a serious condition that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information about depression and self help come and visit =>Fighting Depression.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

All You Need To Know About Antidepressants

Many people often have misunderstandings about what antidepressants are capable of.

First of all, they are not pick me up pills; they don't artificially bring on a feeling of happiness, euphoria, or unrealistic well-being. Nor do antidepressants insulate you from life, make you not care about vital things, or make you oblivious to sorrow or loss.

What antidepressants do is avert depressed persons from sliding into the blackest depths of depression when something awful happens. They can still feel wounded, pain, and apprehension, but they feel these the way people normally do when they don't have depression. They also can help depressives sleep soundly, increase their energy, and improve their ability to concentrate.

The way antidepressants work is interesting. There are two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, that have to do with the transmission of impulses between nerve cells in the brain and seem to be allied with depression. It would appear as if depressed people use up these chemicals at an accelerated rate than other people. Antidepressants help to retain these chemicals, apparently leading to feelings of reduced anxiety, more security, increased self-worth, assertiveness, and resilience.

There are a mixture of types of antidepressants, but they fall into a number of straightfoward categories. These are tricyclics, MAOIs, and lithium, and the newer medications: hetereocyclics and Prozac and Prozac-related drugs.

Until rather recently, tricyclics were the normal treatment for depression. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptiline (Elacil), Vivactil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Sinequan. Still in conventional use today, 40 to 70 percent of depressed patients improve substantially with tricyclics.

Although they are quite efficient medications, there are some negatives to their use. They generally take several weeks of constant administration to be successful, which is difficult to handle when people are sincerely distressed. Also, it is relatively easy to take a disastrous overdose. In general, tricyclics should only be used on a short-term basis. They are not addictive, but they must be used with care, especially with people who have cardiovascular disease.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (ie. MAOIs) include Marplan, Parnate, and Nardil. They are a different class of drugs and cause a different reaction in the brain. These drugs are helpful from some people who do not respond to tricyclics. These drugs can have disagreeable side effects, but the main disadvantage of MAOIs is that they can also cause a stroke if certain foods containing the compound tyramine (cheese, red wine, pickles) are consumed while they are being used.

Lithium is generally the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder (the cycle of manic highs with depressed lows). In the correct dose, lithium reduces by about 50 percent the chances of another manic episode within a year. Mood swings become fewer, shorter, and less harsh. The success rate for lithium treatment is 70 percent, and 20 percent of people become symptom-free. It is generally seen as a maintenance drug. Once the patient is on Lithium, they are on it for life.

One of the most well-known drugs on the market today is Prozac. It has been followed into the marketplace by many other new antidepressant medications like Zoloft and Paxil, two near cousins, Effexor and Serzone, and some more distant cousins, notably Wellbutrin, Desyrel, and Buspar.

Unlike tricyclics, which affect the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil affect only serotonin. Hence they are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, meaning that they prevent or slow down the reabsorption of serotonin. Effexor and Serzone affect both serotonin and norepinephrine, and the others have more complex effects. All, however, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. The choice of which of these medications to use for a particular person has to do with their dosage and side-effect profile. Paxil, for example, seems to have a soothing effect on anxiety that Prozac lacks. Effexor has the reputation of being more energizing than Prozac.

Compared with tricyclics, the side effects of Prozac and its cousins are usually small. Tricyclics can give you dry mouth, make you constipated, and actually slow you down, whereas Prozac has none of these problems and gives you a little more energy. However, there are some side effects with the newer antidepressants which should be mentioned. Most notable among these is a reduction of interest in sex and complications maintaining an erection. Although the male performance problems usually go away after a few weeks, many people on SSRIs report a continued diminished interest in sex, which can certainly add to marital problems.

For more info on antidepressants visit All you need to know about Antidepressants

Friday, June 27, 2008

The Usefulness Of Light Therapy In The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia

FM has no known cause as there is little evidence supporting any of the theories suggested by researchers. It is however thought to be triggered by,

1. Sleep disorders


2. Injury and Muscle Trauma


3. Genetic predisposition


4. Immune System Abnormalities, and


5. Infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria

FM has two main components, pain and fatigue. Pain is felt throughout the body (ligaments, tendons and muscles) and can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating. It can also continue for months and even years. Fatigue can be experienced as anything from feeling a little tired to feeling absolutely exhausted, and can make the pain of the illness harder to bear.

Symptoms include:


1. Morning stiffness


2. Wide spread pain


3. Sleep disorders


4. Chronic headaches


5. Dizziness


6. Nausea


7. Depression


8. Facial and jaw pain


9. Irritable bowel, frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation and irritable bladder


10. Cognitive dysfunction including lack of concentration and mixing up words

(To mention a few)

Patients often feel they are aching all over, with muscles feeling sore, stiff and overworked. Muscle twitching is also not rare in FM and can sometimes feel like they are burning.

Treatment for FM tends to be very comprehensive and can involve a number of health care providers including physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and occupational therapists. Common treatments include pharmaceutical treatments such as the use of Lentizol, Sinequan or Seroxat. Other treatments include relaxation techniques, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise program, acupuncture, change in diet and cognitive behaviour therapy, to mention a few.

Light therapy is an alternative therapy, which can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can help reduce muscle pain, depression, fatigue and sleep disorders. Three different types of light therapy can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia: Bright Light Therapy, Colour Therapy and Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT).

Based on the idea that our body is specifically attuned to light, bright light therapy uses high powered fluorescent lights to help trigger the release of specific hormones, which help to restore the body's natural rhythm and overall health. Bright light therapy for fibromyalgia is typically carried out using a light box, which is typically placed in front of you at eye level. Depending on the intensity of the light box, treatment time could be between 15 minutes to 3 hours. You remain seated in front of the box without staring at the light box, but absorbing the light while carrying out other activities such as reading, eating, etc.

Colour therapy is a form of phototherapy, which delivers coloured beams of light to various parts of the body and its usage is becoming more popular among chronic pain sufferers. As the eyes see the coloured beams of light, the light energy is converted into electric impulses, which travel through the brain, triggering the release of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, which help to improve your mood and ease pain. The four colours typically used are red, blue, violet, and white. Colour therapy is very relaxing and typically lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Also known as Cold Light Therapy or Soft Laser Light Therapy, Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) helps to reduce pain and promote healing by increasing the energy levels of certain cells in the body. Low-frequency laser light beams are applied to various painful areas of the body, once the photons emitted by these beams are absorbed by the body; they are converted into cellular energy by the energy power houses within the cells (the mitochondria). Consequently, this helps to increase the rate at which your body heals thereby eliminating pain.

Various studies have suggested that light therapy is highly effective at reducing symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, and as such is worth a try for fibromyalgia patients who yearn to be relieved of their symptoms. Read more about light therapy in our brand new Light Therapy Learning Centre. As effective as light therapy is for various disorders, certain individuals are advised against using it especially those suffering from epilepsy, skin sensitivities, glaucoma, bipolar disorders, cataracts and other eye diseases.

Start shopping from our range of Light Therapy products.

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

http://www.allergymatters.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Four Types of Depression Medication - What You Need to Know

Depression medication is not always a recommended means of treatment. There are many types of effective treatments available and they do not include depression medicines.

Depression medicines are fast acting. They provide instant result to some people but the relief is not permanent and they have side effects. Some types of depression medication are also contraindicated with some types of food. This is the reason why people who are taking depression medication need to have a diet plan that they will have to follow. Between 20 to 40 percent of people do not respond positively to depression medications.

If the person really needs the help of these pills, it is good to know the types of depression medication and have an idea of how they work and what are the associated side effects that each type can bring.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are among the most popular types of these medications. SSRIs work on a neurotransmitter of the brain called serotonin. They are the most prescribed type of depression medication because they have fewer side effects than the older types.

The medicines classified as SSRI are the following: Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate), Zoloft (sertraline), Luvox (fLuvoxamine) and Prozac (fluoxetine). Yet another one is Celexa (citalopram). The side effects recorded for this type of depression medication include erectile dysfunction, anxiety and restlessness, hostility, agitation, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, tremors, sweating, drowsiness, fatigue, either diarrhea or constipation, headaches, dry mouth and either weight gain or loss.

SSRI can increase the suicidal tendency of a person. If a person has taken SSRI and wants to switch to MAOI, he should allow three weeks difference before taking MAOI; if not, it could lead to reactions that have grave consequences for the person's life.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclics antidepressants are older than SSRIs. Taking this medication requires two weeks before relief could be felt and they have more side effects than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants works on two of the three neurotransmitters of the brain called the serotonin and norepinephrine. But it was also observed that they are interacting unnecessarily with the other nerve impulses of the brain. It has a sedative effect on the user, making it suitable for patients that are severely depressed.

The list of TCA medicine include Adapin (doxepin),Sinequan (doxepin), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pamelor (nortryptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil (protriptyline), Elavil (amitriptyline), Norpramin (desipramine). Also included are Pertofrane (desipramine), Endep (amitriptyline) and Ludiomil (maprotiline).

The side effects of SSRI can also be observed with TCAs. In addition, people taking it are very sensitive to the sun, and may have blurred vision and difficulty urinating.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOAIs)

MAOIs are the oldest type of antidepressant. They are taken by people with mild cases of depression and those that are overly sensitive with the environment. MAOIs work on all three neurotransmitters: the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. MOAIs are recommended only when the patient has not responded to the other types of medications.

A person taking MAOIs must be watchful of his diet. Many types of food are known to counter-react with MAOIs. The list includes chocolates, wines, and cheeses, among others. Effects of these food with MAOIs include hypertension, headaches, fluctuation in blood sugar among diabetics and at worst, brain hemorrhage could happen.

The medicines classified under MAOI are the following: Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (Isocarboxazid) and Emsam (Selegiline ). The side effects include lightheadedness upon standing, sleepiness, headache, insomnia, impotence, dizziness and weight gain.

Atypical or Other Types of Antidepressant

These are the latest modes of anti depression medication and they do not fall under any of the first three types, thus they are classified as atypical. Since these medications have different mechanism of actions, the side effects also vary according to the specific medicine.

The list of atypical types of depression medication includes the following: Trazodone (Desyrel), Venlafaxine (Effexor), Nefazodone (Serzone), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Never forget to ask for medical assistance before starting on any of the types of depression medication. It is also useful to know that many of them can increase the tendency of suicide attempts in a person. Abrupt withdrawal must also be avoided. All types of depression medication need tapering down in order to lessen the side effects that could be very serious.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Facts-About-Depression.com. She provides more information on topics such as types of depression medication, new treatments for depression and depression chat rooms that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What Ways Can Fibromyalgia Pain Be Relieved

For those suffering from Fibromyalgia the thing they find most frustrating is having to find ways of relieving the chronic widespread pain that they feel. In many cases people suffering from this disease have difficulty coping with it because they are unable to explain to others what it is they are actually going through. You will often find that they will avoid any stressful situations and because of the depression that is often associated with Fibromyalgia they often feel helpless as well.

Often people suffering from Fibromyalgia will complain that they "hurt all over" and as yet there is no known cure for it, as well as there being no way of removing the pain that they feel. The only option really open to sufferers is for them to manage the pain. Although there are plenty of support groups out there offering advice and encouragement to the sufferers it is only the sufferer themselves who can decide what treatments and management techniques work best for them in relieving and managing the pain they feel.

The use of relaxation exercises, heat therapy, self-hypnosis, stretching exercises, medication and self evaluation is the best way to develop a persons plan for the sufferers themselves in order to control and be in control of the pain. Sufferers have to learn how to describe the pain they are feeling to both physical therapists and their family doctor and they should at all times keep a diary of all activities they participate in and the medications that they take, noting any differences that have occurred either before or after the activity or the medication that has been taken. This will hopefully help to try and pin point what is working and what isn't.

Although if not suffering from chronic pain is bad enough, another disabling side effect of Fibromyalgia is the constant fatigue a sufferer will feel. In most cases the sufferers accept the fact that they will wake up every morning feeling tired and certainly dealing with every day activities is a constant battle for those with Fibromyalgia. Even simple tasks such as preparing a meal, taking a letter to the post box or just putting on your make up can seem overwhelming to Fibromyalgia suffers and seems to drain what energy they do have.

However, the management of widespread pain can be very complicated and in order for people with Fibromyalgia to deal with it effectively they must plan everything ahead of time. But pain management is a skill that they must give themselves a chance to learn. It is best that any ordinary everyday tasks should be given priority and where possible other tasks should be handed over to someone else who is willing to assist them. In many companies now they often use the phrase "work smarter, not harder" and this should be used by those dealing with Fibromyalgia as they will soon find that this can help improve their quality of life.

By developing a pain management plan the person suffering with the pain should look at and discuss the medications that are available and that they need in order to make their life that little bit more comfortable. It may be an idea for them to look further at such medications as Zoloft, Sinequan, Flexeril, Prozac, Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien or one of the many others forms of medication that are available and which seem to provide sufferers with temporary relief from the pain. In some cases sufferers have found that certain medications have done more than provide a temporary fix to the pain that they are feeling and will need to discuss these issues further with their doctor.

Everybody deserves to live a good and fruitful life and flexibility and creativity are two of the most important elements in a Fibromyalgia sufferer's life in order to make them more productive, energy and thus lead a happier life. Certainly those people who have the ability to manage their Fibromyalgia will find that they can lead a more fulfilling life and manage their daily routines more easily and at their own pace.

Kerris Samson a work from home mum now residing in Spain and who has spent a vast amount of researching the causes, the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia and how it can be treated. If you would like to know more about this disease and the effects it has on people, please visit http://www.fibromyalgia.oneohtwo.info.