Featured Articles
Stages of Protracted Withdrawal
Discontinuing psychiatric medications is undoubtedly a challenging process that requires patience and support. People considering coming off these medications often fear the unknown and what awaits them on the other side. In this article, we will outline and discuss the various stages of healing.
Exercise and Depression: How Physical Activity Can Transform Your Mental Health
We all know exercise is good for our physical health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your mental health? In recent years, studies have shown that exercise can help treat depression, offering a natural and effective way to manage symptoms of this complex mental health condition.
Enhancing Antidepressant Treatment with Bupropion: A Comprehensive Guide
In today's article, we delve into the nuanced approach of integrating bupropion as an adjunct to antidepressant therapies. This discussion is inspired by the common clinical practice of combining bupropion with SSRIs and other antidepressants to enhance treatment efficacy. Addressing residual symptoms and minimizing side effects are pivotal in optimizing mental health outcomes for individuals undergoing antidepressant therapy.
Bupropion, known commercially as Wellbutrin, operates as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, pivotal in enhancing mood, cognition, and motivation. Its complementary role alongside SSRIs offers a multifaceted approach to treating depression, targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways.
Join us as we navigate the benefits, considerations, and clinical nuances of incorporating bupropion into antidepressant regimens, shedding light on effective strategies and crucial precautions in mental health care.
Understanding Deprescribing: A Guide for Patients
In today's fast-paced world, where medication seems to be the answer to every ailment, it's crucial to pause and reflect on what we're putting into our bodies, especially when it comes to psychotropic medications. In this blog post, we're going to delve into the concept of deprescribing, its significance, and how it could potentially benefit you or someone you know who's considering coming off psychotropic medication.
Comparison of Fluoxetine (Prozac) vs. Sertraline (Zoloft)
When considering your mental health treatment options, a common choice is Sertraline (sertraline hydrochloride), known by the brand name Zoloft. Another is Fluoxetine, known by the brand name Prozac.
Both are SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) medications. They work by inhibiting reuptake, making the neurotransmitter serotonin more available. Healthcare providers prescribe them for several mental health conditions, including major depression.
The Risks Associated with Benzodiazepines
When seeking medical advice to treat mental health conditions, benzodiazepines (benzos) can be part of the conversation with your healthcare provider. Yet, there is much to consider before taking benzodiazepines. While benzos may be an effective treatment option, side effects, and serious risks must be recognized.
At Levelheaded Mind, we know that education is the key to working with your healthcare provider to make wise mental health decisions. Helping you make informed choices is our goal. Therefore, in this article, you will find the following:
5 Steps to Safely Withdraw from Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are medications such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin). They help treat mental health conditions such as anxiety disorder and panic disorders. They may also be used as an antidepressant.
Yet, there may come a time when you decide to stop your use of benzos. Adverse side effects, tolerance, and benzodiazepine addiction may be factors that motivate you to begin benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Trintellix: Treatment for More Than Just Depression
If depression prevents you from dragging yourself out of bed or makes you feel like you’re floating through the day, instead of really engaging with life, you’re probably looking for help. You want new ways to cope, faster ways to feel better, and a healthcare provider who listens to your needs and responds appropriately. Trintellix, or vortioxetine, is an antidepressant medication that could be a vital part of your best mental health treatment plan.
Is Buspirone the Right Medication For You?
Does anxiety cause you to feel restless, nervous, or unable to relax? Do you have trouble concentrating that affects your work, school, or home life? Living with anxiety can make completing tasks or developing healthy relationships difficult. You wake up exhausted from a troubled sleep and wander through your day, trying to avoid a panic attack. You want help, and you want to feel better, but you don’t know where to start. Information about treatment options can help you feel empowered to take the next step toward managing your mental health.
What You Need to Know About Abilify
Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression can keep you from enjoying life the way you want. The best way to manage your condition is a combined approach, including therapy and medication overseen by a healthcare provider. Aripiprazole, or Abilify, is a medication option you can discuss with your healthcare professional.
Bupropion Review: A Versatile Antidepressant
Does depression make it impossible for you to accomplish daily tasks? Do you want to do well in school or excel at work but struggle to find the motivation? Do you worry about taking medication to manage your mental health because of the weight gain associated with most medications? Bupropion, or Wellbutrin, is a versatile option for people seeking to treat depression and many other mental health concerns, especially if low energy and lack of motivation are their primary concerns.
“The Happy Pill”: 5 Things to Know About Prozac
Mental health concerns can make every area of your life a challenge. When you suffer from major depression, just getting out of bed may seem impossible. Many people look to medications like Prozac, often called the “happy pill,” to provide a quick fix. However, depression treatment is more complicated than simply taking a pill.
Increasing Emotional Intimacy in Romantic Relationships
Emotional intimacy is crucial to our individual wellbeing as well as the health of our relationships. For most, emotional intimacy is a core fundamental need and the primary reason we seek companionship. Despite its importance, we often struggle with understanding exactly what it is and how to improve it.
Looking for Anxiety and Depression Therapists Near You?
If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, seeking out professional help can be a vital step in getting your life back on track. But with so many different therapists and counseling options available, it can be tough to know where to start.
Sleep Your Way to Better Mental Health
According to the CDC, “Over 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems” (2017). For these individuals, sleep, or the lack thereof, contributes to a poor quality of health that may be riddled with exacerbations or development of mental illness, chronic diseases, and/or physical injuries. Read on to see what you can do to improve your sleep and mental well-being.
The Ultimate Guide to Antidepressant Medications
Depression is a serious medical condition that can negatively impact every area of your life. If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020.
If you are considering taking antidepressant medication. This guide will provide you with an overview of the most common types of antidepressant medications so that you can make an informed decision with your psychiatric provider about which one may be right for you.
Online Mental Health Therapy: What You Need To Know
Online mental health therapy is a growing field that offers many benefits to patients. In this article, we'll explore what online mental health therapy is, how it works, and what you need to know before you start.
The Top Symptoms to Identify Anxiety and Depression
Everyone experiences some form of anxiety or depression at some point. Stress can trigger a passing phase for some people. For others, it is a chronic condition that requires treatment and management. But how do you know if your anxiety or depression is manageable or more serious? This article lists the top 5 anxiety and depression symptoms to help you identify if you are suffering from an anxiety or depression disorder.
5 Anxiety and Depression Treatment Options
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. If you or someone you know lives with anxiety or depression, there are a number of treatment options available. This article will explore five anxiety and depression treatment options you may consider.
How to use Deep Breathing Techniques to Reduce Anxiety
Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to calm the mind and body. It can be done anywhere and at any time. In this article, you will learn how to use deep breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and stress levels through two breathing styles that have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety significantly.