Tag Archives: Depression

Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms and Causes

Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms and Causes

Disease, health and medicine, ,

Major depressive disorder is a medical condition that affects your mood and ability to function. This type of disorder may occur only once during your life. During these times, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day including feelings of sadness and emptiness. As to what causes major depressive disorder, a variety of factors may be involved. 

Anxiety and stress

Signs and Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration
  • Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food 
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble thinking and concentrating
  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts 

Factors That Cause Major Depressive Disorder

As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors may be involved, such as:

  • Hormones: Depression may be caused or triggered by changes in the body’s hormone balance. Pregnancy, postpartum, thyroid problems, menopause, and other conditions can cause hormonal changes.
  • Biological differences: There are physical changes in the brain of people who suffer from depression. It remains unclear what the significance of these changes is, but they may eventually help determine the cause.
  • Brain chemistry: Depression is likely caused by neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring brain chemicals. According to recent research, changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and their interaction with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may contribute to depression.
  • Inherited traits: Depression is more prevalent in people whose blood relatives also suffer from it. Depressive disorders may be caused by genes, according to researchers. 
Alcohol or drug abuse

Complications Associated With Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a serious illness that can be very difficult to deal with. Without treatment, depression can lead to emotional, behavioral, and health problems that affect every aspect of your life.

  • Pain or physical illness
  • Alcohol or drug misuse
  • Excess weight or obesity can lead to heart disease and diabetes
  • Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems
  • Social isolation
  • Anxiety, panic disorder, or social phobia
  • Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, or suicide
  • Self-mutilation, such as cutting
  • Premature death from medical conditions

Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

People with a major depressive disorder often have medications and psychotherapy to effectively treat the condition. 

Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or psychological therapy. It is a general term for treating depression by talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health professional.  

Medications may include antidepressants such as:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Atypical antidepressants
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The usually recommended medication for major depressive disorder:

  • Escitalopram – is an antidepressant drug that is used in adults and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. 
Depression

Depression

Disease, health and medicine,

Depression is a common and serious medical illness. Having this condition negatively affects the way you think and act as well as how you feel. Being depressed causes feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in the things you once enjoyed. Depression might lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems. It can also lessen your ability to function in your everyday life.

This condition is different from feeling down or just sad for a few hours or a couple of days. It is also different from experiencing sadness after a difficult event or grief over losing a loved one. People with depression cannot just pull themselves out of it.

There are different types of depression and it includes:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Dysthymic disorder
  • Psychotic depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Bipolar depression

What Causes Depression?

There are various reasons why a person may have depression:

  • Family history: If you have a family history of depression, you may be more at risk.
  • Hormone levels: Changes in hormones especially in women occur. The hormones progesterone and estrogen change during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, postpartum period, or menopause.
  • Stress: Stressful life events such as work responsibilities, trauma, abuse, or poverty may lead to depression.
  • Medical problems: Dealing with a person with a serious health problem such as cancer may lead to depression. Some medical conditions such as stroke, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s disease may cause changes in the brain that can trigger depression.
  • Pain: Those who feel physical or emotional pain for long periods are much more likely to develop depression. The pain may come from an accident, chronic health problems, or trauma.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

If you have experienced most of the following symptoms each day over 2 or more weeks, you may meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis. Some of the symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling of hopelessness
  • Lack of energy
  • A persistent feeling of sadness or loneliness
  • Difficulties with attention or concentration
  • Eating too little or too much
  • Getting too little or too much sleep
  • Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Depression may look different from a different person and the intensity of the symptoms also varies. If you have depression, may have experienced every symptom. This condition might appear differently in children than in adults. Some symptoms in children can include anxious behavior or anxiety.

Risk Factors of Having Depression

The following are the listed factors of getting the disease:

Areas affected by the condition:

Accordingly, when it comes to places/areas, United States, China, India, Brazil, and Bangladesh have the highest rate of depression. 

People who are at risk:

Depression may affect everyone even an individual who seems to live in relatively ideal environments. Various factors can play a part in depression:

  • Genetics: Depression can run in families.
  • Personality: People who are easily overwhelmed by stress, with low self-esteem, or who are normally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
  • Biochemistry: Variances in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
  • Environmental influences: Constant exposure to violence, poverty, or abuse may make some individuals more susceptible to depression.

Safety Precautions

If you do have depression, you can do a few things to keep it from getting worse:

  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
  • Stick with your treatment plan. If you are on medication, take it as prescribed. Don’t skip therapy sessions. Let your doctor know if isn’t working for you.
  • Try ways to fight stress like yoga or meditation.
  • Spend time with family and friends. Do things that keep you connected to others.
  • Don’t make big life decisions on a day when you’re feeling down.
  • Know yourself and pay attention to the things that seem to make your symptoms worse. Keep records and let your doctor know about it.
  • Talk to your doctor about medication that can stop depression from coming back.

Treating Depression

Depression is curable with the majority of those who search for treatment showing progress. The most commonly used treatments are psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two.

The treatment depends on the severity, pattern, the history of the illness, and persistence of depressive symptoms. As with several diseases, early treatment is more effective and helps avoid the likelihood of serious reappearances. Depression should be cured by a physician or qualified mental health professional.

Buy Quetiapine Fumarate

What condition Does Quetiapine Fumarate Treat and Its Price?

health and medicine, , ,

Quetiapine Fumarate is an antipsychotic drug used in sleep disorders. This medicine alters the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain which are dopamine and serotonin. Even though this medicine has a sedative effect, Quetiapine Fumarate is not recommended for use in insomnia.

What condition does Quetiapine Fumarate treat?

Quetiapine Fumarate is an FDA-approved prescription used for the treatment of:

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Schizophrenia

  • Depression

This is in the class of medications called antipsychotic drug which is an atypical type that has various benefits such as:

  • Restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain lessens hallucinations and improves your concentration.

  • Improving your mood, appetite, energy level, and helps you feel less nervous.

  • Helping you think more clearly and positively about yourself and take a more active part in your everyday life.

How does Quetiapine Fumarate work?

Quetiapine Fumarate affects various neurotransmitters specifically serotonin (5HT) and dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals stored in nerve cells. These are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters known to be involved in regulating behavior, mood, and thinking. This medication works by:

  • Blocking the receptors in the brain that dopamine acts on

  • Preventing the excessive activity of dopamine

  • Controlling certain symptoms of psychotic illness

This medicine improves symptoms such as:

  • Disturbing thoughts

  • Hallucinations

  • Feeling depressed

  • Having a lack of emotion or becoming withdrawn.

The psychotic illness appears to be caused by disturbances in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.

What is the dosage of Quetiapine Fumarate?

The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it.

  • Quetiapine Fumarate is to be taken usually 2 to 3 times a day by mouth with a full glass of water as directed by your doctor.

  • Each dose may be taken with or without a meal.

  • Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects.

  • Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day.

You must take this medication exactly as it is given by your doctor. You should not take less or more often than the prescription. Take it regularly for the best result from this product. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not double the doses to make up for the missed dose. Call your doctor right away if your condition gets worse or does not improve.

What are the precautions in using Quetiapine Fumarate?

  • Let your doctor know if you have any medical history especially of seizure disorder, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stomach/intestinal blockage.

  • Avoid performing activities that may cause you to overheat as this drug might make you sweat less which makes you more likely to get heatstroke. Drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly when the weather is hot.

  • This is not permitted for use in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

  • This is not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding women.

  • If you have any allergies, tell it your doctor right away. Inform also your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to this product.

  • If you have current medications including vitamins or herbal supplements, tell to your doctor.

  • Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Quetiapine Fumarate. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

  • It is important to continue taking this even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking Quetiapine Fumarate without the consent of your doctor. It may worsen your condition.

  • While having this treatment, do not drink alcohol. Risky side effects might occur.

  • Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, you may feel dizzy.

  • Never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the prescribed condition.

  • You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive or use any machinery that needs your alertness.

Price of Quetiapine Fumarate vs. Seroquel

The generic Quetiapine Fumarate costs a lot cheaper medicine than the branded name Seroquel. Per unit of Quetiapine Fumarate only costs:

  • $0.6 of 25 mg

  • $0.9 of 50 mg

  • $1.6 of 100 mg

  • $2.1 of 200 mg

  • $3.1 of 300 mg

The cost of Seroquel per unit is:

  • $1.53 of 25 mg

  • $1.71 of 50 mg

  • $1.80 of 100 mg

  • $3.33 of 200 mg

  • $3.51 of 300 mg

Treating Major Depressive Disorder with Duloxetine

Treating Major Depressive Disorder with Duloxetine

health and medicine, ,

Duloxetine is a medicine to treat major depressive disorder. It helps to cure anxiety disorder, nerve pain in case of diabetes patients. It even gives relieve in fibro-myalgia. Duloxetine belongs to the class of SNRI drugs for treating depression and other disorders. It is helpful in arthritis and chronic back pain.

HISTORY:

Lilly researchers discover Duloxetine. Four persons including the co-discoverer of fluoxetine were inventors on the patent application. They filled it in 1986 and was granted in 1990. In 2001, Lilly filled a new drug application for this drug with the USA FDA. It got approval for various disease – see the step by step below;

YEAR                                                 APPROVAL

Aug 4, 2004                             For the treatment of depression

Sep 7, 2004                              For the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Feb 26, 2007                            For the treatment of nerve pain related to diabetes

Nov 30, 2007                           For the treatment of major depressive disorder

Jun 16, 2008                            To manage fibro-myalgia

Nov 3, 2009                             Treatment for maintenance of anxiety disorder

Nov 5, 2010                              For the treatment of chronic muscles and skeleton pain

As you can see it got  approval for various disease slowly over the years.

DOSAGES:

It is available in the form of tablets. The strength are 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg. The Maximum dose is 120 mg per day.  Dosage depends upon the disease and its intensity. This varies from person to person. Increase in dose is step by step as required by patient.

Don’t chew, crush or open tablet. Swallow it as whole with water or other liquid. Take it with or without food.

USES:

  • It improves mood and sleep
  • improves appetite and energy level
  • Decreases nervousness
  • Decreases the pain due to certain medical condition like
  1. Fibro-myalgia
  2. Chronic back pain
  3. Osteo-arthritis
  4. Stress urinary incontinence
  5. Major depressive disorder
  6. Nerve pain in diabetic patients
  • It belongs to the class of SNRI drugs. This helps to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain
  • It is helpful in treating some disease out of the medication guide

SIDE EFFECTS:

It can show withdrawal effects such as;

  • Dizziness, Nausea
  • Fatigue, Vomiting
  • Insomnia, Diarrhea,
  • Anxiety etc.
  • It is necessary to reduce dose step by step over at least 2 weeks

Major Side Effects

In rare cases it can lead to major side effects .It is necessary to look for doctors if any of the following symptoms occur.

  • Stomach pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Change in alertness
  • Clay colored stools
  • Confusions
  • Faintness on getting up with speed from a lying or sitting position.
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Joint or muscular pain
  • Tightness in chest

PRECAUTIONS:

  • It is important to take special care to give the treatment in certain cases like;
  • Person with kidney or liver disease
  • Person with peritoneal or hemo-dialysis
  • Safety is unknown in patients younger than 18 years
  • It has got approval to use in patients aged 7-17 years in case of generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Don’t sprinkle capsule in food
  • Don’t drive or operate dangerous machinery

COST OF BRAND VERSUS GENERIC DRUG:

Generic drugs have same active ingredient as in brand drugs. It is a lower version of a brand drug. They vary in terms of packaging and pricing. The cost is 30- 80% low than brand drugs. Cost of 60 mg tablet of generic duloxetine cost $1.11. Cost of brand Cymbalta is $17 to $30 USD . There is a great difference in cost yet the generic and brand have the exact same effect on health – just not in the wallet.

Buy Bupropion Hydrochloride

Bupron SR 150 (Bupropion)

health and medicine, ,

Bupron SR 150 (Bupropion) is an antidepressant prescription medication. It is prescribed for the treatment of depression due to hormonal imbalance in the brain. It also treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD) also known as winter depression. It is sometimes used to help people stop smoking. It helps reduces nicotine cravings and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. It’s also used off-label to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Bupropion is the active ingredients found in Bupron SR 150 and belongs to a class of aminoketones drug. It works by affecting the chemicals in the brain that the nerves use in sending messages to and from the body. It helps restore the balance of neurotransmitter in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

Why Buy Bupropion?

Bupropion is approved by the U.S FDA to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It is unique among all other antidepressant medication. It can treat a number of conditions without affecting your libido and sexual functions. It is in fact prescribed with other antidepressants to help counter sexual side effects.

How to Take Bupron SR 150 ?

Bupron SR 150 comes as an immediate release, extended release and sustained release. For the immediate release, take two or three tablets daily. Each dose must not exceed 150 mg and should be taken 6 hours apart from each dose.

Depression

Take 100 mg of immediate release tablet three times a day for the treatment of depression. The maximum dose is 450mg a day. Take 150mg of the extended-release tablet with a maximum dose of 450mg a day.

Smoking Cessation

The initial starting dose is 150mg a day for three days. You may increase your dose to two tablets of 150mg a day for 7 to 12 days.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Take 150mg to 300mg a day. Start treatment in the autumn before the onset of the SAD symptoms. Take the medication in the morning. Do not exceed more than 300mg within 24 hours.

Use Bupron SR 150 to get the most benefit from it. Take it orally with or without food. Do not take more than what is prescribed to you or longer than the prescribed duration of treatment.

Things to Remember

  • Your condition may worsen if you will stop taking this medication without prior consulting your doctor. If you wish to stop, consult with your doctor. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dose.
  • Bupron SR 150 may cause severe side effects like other anti-depressant medications like:
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Panic attack
  • Seizures and suicidal thoughts
  • Impulsiveness
  • Unusual swelling
  • Fainting
  • Get help right away if the side effects are serious and life-threatening.
  • This medication should only be used by pregnant women when clearly needed.

Why Buy Alprazolam

health and medicine, , ,

Alprazolam is a prescription drug used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is also indicated for the treatment of conditions like:

  • Panic disorders
  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Severe premenstrual syndrome

It is also used to treat Agoraphobia, a type of anxiety disorders where patients fear and avoid places and situations that cause them to panic and feel helpless and embarrassed. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepines medication that acts on the brain and the central nervous system. It works by slowing down the nervous system which gives you a calm feeling. It enhances the effect of certain chemicals in the body known as GABA. Low levels of this natural chemical are linked with conditions like anxiety and panic disorders. This drug is used as a long-term treatment but you can take this drug as a short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety and anxiety linked with depression.

How to use Alprazolam?

Alprazolam comes in a tablet form and a concentrated solution that you need to take by mouth. Your dose is based on your:

  • Medical condition
  • The severity of your condition
  • Age
  • Response to the treatment

Take this medication two to four times a day or as directed by your physician. The dose for the elderly and patients with liver disease may be lower. Follow the instruction of your doctor to reduce the risk of having side effects. Do not stop taking this medication so suddenly or you may experience withdrawal reactions. If you wish to stop using this medication, gradually reduce your dose. This medication can be habit-forming. Do not take it in larger dose or longer than the prescribed duration of treatment.

What are the side effects of Alprazolam?

Alprazolam may cause side effects like any other anxiety disorder medications. Common side effects are:

  • Insomnia
  • Memory problems
  • Light-headedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight changes
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Headache
  • Irritability

Call your doctor right away if you will experience an allergic reaction with symptoms like:

  • Swelling of your lips, face, tongue and throat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Hives

Serious side effects are:

  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Hallucination
  • Problem with balance
  • Changes in behavior
  • Speech problems

Important Information

  • Do not stop taking Alprazolam without your doctor’s knowledge. This drug can cause withdrawal symptoms that include:
    • Sweating
    • Depression
    • Blurred vision
    • Suicidal thoughts or action
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications for your conditions.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this drug.

Medication That Treats Depression and Improves Mood

health and medicine, ,

Citalopram is an oral prescription medicine. It’s available as a brand name and as a generic drug. It is prescribed for treating depression. Citalopram is an anti-depressant drug that belongs to SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. It works by improving depression. It increases the number of substances in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is a natural substance that helps maintain mental balance. Increasing the amount of serotonin helps improve the ability of the brain to transmit messages from one brain cells to another. Citalopram also helps improve the mood. It is sometimes used to treat conditions like:

  • Panic disorder- a sudden attack of extreme fear
  • Alcoholism
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder- emotional and physical symptoms before menstrual cycle
  • Social phobia- excessive anxiety
  • Eating disorder

How to use Citalopram?

Citalopram is an oral medication. The usual recommended dose is 20mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose depending on how well your response to the treatment. Take the medication either in the morning or in the evening. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Take Citalopram exactly as directed.

What are the side effects of Citalopram?

Some of the side effects of Citalopram are:

  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Increased sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Sleepiness
  • Shakiness
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Stuffy or a runny nose

See your doctor if you will experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Signs of blood clotting such as bruising, blood in the urine, coughing cuts that don’t stop and bleeding gums
  • Overactive thoughts
  • Restlessness or unable to sit still
  • Symptoms of low sodium in the blood
  • Changes in the heart rhythm such as pounding heartbeat, seizures and fainting
  • Liver problems with signs such as loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice and dark urine

Important Information

  • Citalopram may cause a decreased appetite and weight loss in children.
  • This drug may interact with other medications, vitamins and herbal supplements. When used with other drugs that increase serotonin, life-threatening complications may occur.
  • Citalopram may cause sleepiness. Do not use alcohol while under this medication.
  • Patients who have heart problems, low potassium and magnesium level, kidney and liver problems must use this drug only upon the advice of your doctor.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take this drug.
  • Do not stop taking this medication all of a sudden. Stopping citalopram right away can cause anxiety, change in the sleep habit, irritability and other serious symptoms.

FIBROMYALGIA

health and medicine, , ,

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle and skeletal pain. It is accompanied by sleep, fatigue mood issues, and memory loss. People with this condition are sensitive to pain because it amplifies how the brain processes the pain signals. This disease mostly affects women than men. Many people with this condition are likely to develop several pains.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA

The following are the symptoms a person may experience:

  • Chronic widespread pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Tension headaches
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness all over the body
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • A headache
  • Having trouble with thinking and focusing.
  • Numbness in hands and feet
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

RISK FACTORS

The following are the factors of having the disease:

  • Age of a person
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Sex of a person
  • A person with post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Having a repetitive injuries
  • Illnesses
  • Having a family history
  • Overweight or Obesity

CAUSES OF FIBROMYALGIA

The exact cause of this disease is unknown. Doctors, however, identified different factors that may have caused this disease.

  • Infections
  • Genetics
  • Emotional trauma
  • Physical trauma

FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may perform several tests to diagnose this disease such as:

  • Conduct a physical test
  • Knowing a patient’s history
  • X-ray
  • Blood test
  • Thyroid function test

FIBROMYALGIA TREATMENTS

This condition should be treated by an expert. A doctor uses treatments like:

  1. Medications with prescribed drugs include:
  1. Having an aerobic exercise and muscle exercise.
  2. A patient education classes (primary care).
  3. Stress management techniques.
  4. Having a good sleeping habit.
  5. Conducting a Cognitive behavioral therapy.
  6. Self-management techniques.

FIBROMYALGIA COMPLICATIONS

People with this disease may have a complication such as:

  • Having a disruption in lifestyle
  • Having a mental change from time to time.
  • Having a lower quality of life
  • Prone to higher major depression
  • Having higher death issues (suicide and injuries)
  • Prone to other related illnesses

STEPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

A person can improve their life by doing the following:

  • Stay active by performing regular exercise.
  • Get some exercise like swimming, walking, and yoga.
  • Get a complete sleep.
  • Get rid of yourself from drinking coffee in the evening.
  • Choose the right kind of food to eat.
  • Maintain a healthy diet.
  • Join a program that focuses on how to manage your condition.
Buy Mirtazapine

Moderating the Level of Certain Natural Chemicals To Treat Depression

health and medicine, ,

Mirtazapine belongs to the class of tetracyclic antidepressant. It is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). Remeron is the brand name drug of above drug in market. This drug treats depression by moderating the level of certain natural chemicals. It treats anxiety disorder. It was launched in the United States in 1996. This drug is also a good choice for Patients showing anxiety or insomnia. 

How does Mirtazapine work?

Mirtazapine is an oral medicine used in the treatment of depression. It exhibits both noradrenergic and serotonergic activity. It works by affecting the balance of the neurotransmitters (NT) such as serotonin and noradrenaline.

These NTs act as a messenger between the nerve cells in the brain. In depression, it is thought that there may be a decreased amount of above NT. The mood lightens if these chemicals are released at the nerve ending.  If they are bound to the nerve ending in the brain, then this may lead to a depressed mood.

Mirtazapine blocks the receptors called alpha-2 receptors on nerve cells in the brain. Generally NT bind to this receptors. Thus Mirtazapine avoids binding of nerve cells in the brain to the alpha-2 receptors. This relieves the depression and lightens the mood.

What are the uses of Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug which works on the nerve ending in the brain. It treats various symptoms of major depressive disorder [MDD]. It helps in improving the following symptoms.

  1. A depressed mood like feeling sad, empty or tearful.
  2. Feeling hopeless or guilty.
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  1. Feeling nervous.
  2. Low energy.
  3. Trouble concentration.
  • Unusual sleeping or eating habits.
  • Psychomotor retardation

This drug helps to come out of above symptoms and behavior. It does not affect cholinergic or dopaminergic receptors.

How to take Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine comes in the form of a tablet of strength 7.5mg, 15mg & 30mg. General dosage for Mirtazapine is 15 mg/ day. This is a single dose to take preferably at night. Your Doctor may change the dose depending on

  • Your condition and
  • How you respond to the lower dose.

These are orally disintegrating tablets. Place it on the tongue as soon as you peel the foil.  It will dissolve in seconds. You can swallow it with saliva. No need to drink water.

What are the precautions in taking Mirtazapine?

It is necessary to take precautions with Mirtazapine in certain condition discussed below.

  1. Avoid this drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
  2. Keep the difference of 2 weeks prior and after you take MAO inhibitor treatment.
  3. Inform your doctor in case of other medications you take. This may avoid risk of side effects and interaction.
  4. It isn’t suitable to use this drug in children.
  5. Elder people may need some adjustments in the dose to avoid side effects.
  6. There are no adequate proofs to use the drug in pregnancy or breast feeding.
  7. Tell your doctor regarding Heart problems or other metabolic disorders.

Cost of Mirtazapine.  [Generic & Brand]

The brand version of Mirtazapine is Remeron. The generic and brand Remeron differ in their price both in physical and online pharmacy. Their effect remains same as the basic active ingredient is Mirtazapine.

# Cost of generic Mirtazapine.

-The 7.5mg tablet is $ 0.37 per unit and pack of 30 tablet is $11.

-15 mg tablets are $0.73 per unit and pack of 30 tablets is $22.

-30mg tablet is $ 1.17 per unit and pack of 30 tablets is $ 35.

# Cost & Brand Remeron.

-15mg tablet is $ 6.49 per unit & pack of 30 tablet is $ 194.60.

-30mg tablet is $ 6.67 per unit & pack of 30 tablet is $ 200.24.

This shows the cost difference between the generic and the brand version. It is always beneficial to go with Generic.

Buy Escitalopram

Treating Depression And Certain Types of Anxiety Disorder

health and medicine, , ,

Escitalopram is a type of anti-depressant. It is inexpensive drug used to treat depression and certain types of anxiety. It belongs to the group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Adults and children age 12 to 17 years of age can use this drug. The depressed mood interfere with the normal routine.  Many symptoms may express depression, such as

  • Loss of interest in usual activities
  • Change in weight or appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Psychomotor retardation
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling of guilt, hopeless
  • Trouble to concentrate
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Depressed mood

Other symptoms in anxiety disorder are;

  • Restlessness
  • Low energy (fatigue)
  • Sleep disturbance

How Escitalopram works?

Escitalopram is in a class of anti-depressant called (SSRIs). Neuro-transmitters are present at the junction in two nerve cell. They help carry messages between the cells. One cell releases and other cell absorbs the serotonin to pass the message. Sometimes, first cell reabsorbs a little serotonin. This disturbs the chemical balance of serotonin. Above drug restore the balance of the serotonin. Serotonin is a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. This improves your mental health condition enough to do your usual activities.

How To Take Escitalopram?

It is available in the form of tablet of strength 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. Doctors decide the strength depending upon your condition like

  • Your age
  • How severe is your condition
  • Other medical condition
  • How you react to the first dose

General dosage:

Adult dosage (age 18-64 years) – 10 to 20 mg one time every day

Child dosage (12-17 years) – 10 to 20 mg one time every day.

Child dosage (0 to 11 years) – No strong proof available regarding its safety in people of this age limit.

Dosage above 65 years- The processing of the drug is slow at this age. So the drug remains for long time in the body. This increases the risk of side effects. The doctor may use a lower dose or different medication schedule.

How To Use Escitalopram?

  • Escitalopram treats the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder.
  • It restores the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
  • It helps to increase energy level and feeling of wellbeing.
  • Decrease nervousness.
  • Useful in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.
  • Other problems such as body dysmorphic and pervasive disorder may also treated.
  • It shows fewer side effects and drug interaction than other SSRIs medication.

What Are The Precautions in Taking Escitalopram?

Precautions to take note of:

  • Avoid grape fruit with this drug. It may interact with the drug.
  • Use with caution in pregnancy and breast feeding.
  • If you have a surgery, inform doctor as it can interact with anesthetics.

Cost of Escitalopram (Generic Versus The Brand)

Brand Lexapro, Cipralex contain escitalopram. It is easily available in the market. Difference between the prices is due to brand name, packaging and pricing. Both work effectively as an anti-depressant drug. Cost of generic drug is cheaper than brand ones.

Cost of per pill of generic drug is

$0.2 for 5 mg,

$ 0.4 for 10 mg and

$ 0.8 for 20 mg.

Cost of brand Lexapro is

$ 6.33 for 5 mg,

$6.93 for 10 mg and

20 mg for $7.43.

This shows us the difference in their costing. So you should go with generic prescription drugs.