Understanding Adderall: A Stimulant for ADHD Adderall, a medication in the amphetamine class, is widely used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It differs from methylphenidate-class stimulants (like Focalin and Ritalin) in its stimulating effects. The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Effects Adderall does influence cardiovascular health. Its primary function is to boost dopamine […]
What a Good Antidepressant Response Really Looks Like
As a psychiatrist dedicated to mental health education, I often receive questions that reflect common concerns about psychiatric medications. A viewer named Trey recently asked, “I’m not sure if my antidepressant is working or not. When I take it, I feel numb. I’m glad that I don’t feel sad, but I don’t like feeling numb […]
Folate Supplementation and Depression
We have known for years that folate, a B vitamin is required for cell growth and brain function. But more recently we have seen the role that folate plays in the production of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine – the mood chemicals. We consume folate naturally by eating green leafy vegetable and other foods, then the […]
Full Ambien Dose Not Safe for Women
The FDA has ordered Sanofi, the makers of Ambien to reduce the recommended dose of Ambien due to recent research findings that show women metabolize the drug slower than men and still have enough drug in their systems eight hours after consumption to impair driving.
Depression Medication Linked to Gestational Hypertension
Currently SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed during pregnancy for those who have been previously responsive to SSRI’s and those who have severe depression or anxiety. A March 2009 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry reported increased incidence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in women who took SSRI’s during the last trimester […]
Depression Medications Don’t Make You Bulletproof
Taking antidepressant medication does not mean you will not feel bad. It’s important to have reasonable expectations of how you should feel on an antidepressant medication. Depression medication corrects a chemical imbalance responsible for the typical depressed symptoms. Some of these symptoms include a depressed mood, appetite changes, poor sleep (too much or too little), […]