Three Antidepressant Herbs

Most of us feel sad, miserable or 'down in the dumps' sometimes. We can feel like this when someone we love has died or moves away or we have lost a job or our home or have difficult things or circumstances to cope with. Usually, these feeling become less intense over time -- especially, when other good things are happening in our life. However, when these feeling of being sad or down are intense and persistent and stop us from doing the things that we would normally do then it is likely that we have a depressive illness.

The depressive illness can range from interfering with our usual activities and relationships (mild to moderate depression) to making it hard to relate or communicate with others or to do day-to-day tasks ( debilitating or severe depression). If you or someone you know has depression (mild, moderate or severe) it is important to seek professional health care. However, there are many things that the depressed person can do to help themselves -- the information on herbal remedies provided in this article is particularly geared to someone with mild or moderate depression.

There are many herbs that are able to help lift the spirits, help a person to relax and relieve stress (which is often at the base of depression). This article concentrates on the following anti-depressive herbs:

• damiana,
• ginseng,
• lady's slipper

There are many other herbs that are widely known for their anti-depressive qualities and some of these will be explored in other articles. You will notice from the description of the herbs that are included here that they have many qualities other than relieving depression. These additional qualities can be beneficial to the body -- as well as elevating the mood. They can support the body in dealing with other conditions that may in themselves contribute to the depression

Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)

Damiana is a strengthener for the nervous system. It also has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac - this may or may not be true but it is a tonic for the central nervous and hormonal systems. The pharmacology of the plant suggests that it has a testosterone like action.

Damiana is an anti-depressant and is considered a specific for anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor.
It can be used to strengthen the male sexual system.
As a nerve tonic it is often used with oats and depending on the situation it combines well with kola or skullcap.

Ginseng (Panax Ginseng (Chinese/Korean/Japanese), panax quinquefolius (American) Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian)). It is also known as man root, life root and heal all.

Ginseng root protects the body and nervous system from stress, stimulates and increases metabolic function, enhances physical and mental efficiency by improving circulation. It also helps to keep balanced blood pressure and glucose levels, increase gastrointestinal movement, iron metabolism, and promote RNA synthesis.

Ginseng:

• stimulates the nervous system and boosts energy,
• stimulates hormone secretion,
• lowers blood cholesterol level,
• protects cells from damage due to radiation and exposure to toxins,
• enhances memory, concentration and learning,
• helps to lessen the effects of stress,
• improves liver detoxification function,
• improves the appetite,
• helps to elevate the mood (anti-depressant action) and
• improves sleep.

Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens)

Lady's slipper is one of the most widely applicable nerviness available. It can be used in all stress reactions, emotional tension and anxiety states. It will help to elevate the mood -- especially where depression is present. It can help ease nervous pain -- though it is best used in combination with other herbs for this purpose. It can be used to treat anxiety that is associated with insomnia.
Lady's slipper combines well with oats and skullcap. For nerve pain it can be used with Jamaican dogwood, passion flower and valerian.

Damiana, ginseng and lady's slipper are three herbs that can be used to help with depression especially for those with mild to moderate depression. If you have depression it is important that you seek professional help. You will also benefit by joining an overcoming depression program.

Antidepressant Medication Research

What Is Antidepressant Medication Research and Where Is It Heading?

The main focus of most antidepressant medication research is how to counter the various side effects that these medications cause. Besides that, the research also wants to discover how these side effects work and which medications give the best results when taken. It has been known that side effects occur because the client's body produces resistance to the actions of the drugs, thereby sending signals to the brain through the neurotransmitters that affect serotonin and norephinephrine.

Antidepressant medication research has also found out that most of these antidepressants' effectively starts after several days or weeks at a time because studies have shown that the body's brain adapts slowly to the effects these medications want to achieve. Another research is to discover how these antidepressants will achieve the long term effects of these drugs and how to combat any side effects that may arise. Discovery on how antidepressants function when taken into the body will be a big help in finding out what actions to take to lessen side effects and to know which antidepressants will give the most benefits versus the side effects that it may produce.

Another antidepressant medication research gears on the possibility of multiple medications that will treat depression and anxiety disorder jointly. Anxiety disorders consist of but not limited to post traumatic stress disorders, societal withdrawal, and panic disorders. It has been known that anxiety disorders are the reasons why an increased number of suicidal attempts occur. Some antidepressant research is directed to learning the various effects of SSRIs antidepressants and how these medications affect suicide attempts in patients taking them. Some studies have shown that SSRIs such as fluoxatine, sertraline, and escitalopram have affected suicidal tendencies mostly in children and adolescents.

Antidepressant medication research was able to discover that when children undergo antidepressant medication therapy, their suicidal tendencies lessen. Additionally, herbal medication such as St. John's wort and hypericum has been proven effective in decreasing depression by this antidepressant research.

Antidepressant Side Effects

MAOIs hold the potential to induce life-threatening problems. The Side Effects associated with its use are hypertensive crisis, rapid heartbeat, blood cell problems, insomnia, dizziness, headache, fluid retention, and loss of appetite. It therefore cannot be used in patients of congestive cardiac failure or in those with a history of liver disease. It is unsafe for those who are hypersensitive to its ingredients.

Though the type of Side Effects experienced by the patient due to TCAs or MAOIs are many times similar, the frequency of these Side Effects is much less in the case of TCAs. Thus, TCAs enjoy a better rate of acceptance by the patients. The potential Side Effects of TCAs are allergic reactions, blood cell problems, blurred vision, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, difficulty with urination, sexual dysfunction, sweating, muscle twitches, rash, dizziness, tremors, ECG abnormalities, seizures, stroke, and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (with amoxapine). The secondary amine TCAs (desipramine and nortriptyline) are generally better tolerated than tertiary amine TCAs.

The SSRIs are associated with nausea, anorexia, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, headache, dizziness, tremor somnolence, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and sexual dysfunction as the general Side Effects. The sexual Side Effects of SSRIs often become the reason for its desired discontinuation.

The currently available SNRIs (desipramine, duloxetine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine) keep both serotonin and norepinephrine at the right level to alleviate depressive symptoms. The Side Effects associated with the use of nefazodone include dry mouth, constipation, and somnolence. Venlafaxine has significant anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy, and constipation) and induces sedation. Other Side Effects observed with its use are hypertension, agitation, tremor, sweating, headache, nausea and sleep disturbances. It has potential withdrawal effects.

The drug bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorder or a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Agitation, tremor, insomnia, decreased appetite, GI upset and psychoses are the bupropion-induced common Side Effects. The most common adverse effects of mirtazapine (a tetracyclic Antidepressant) include increased appetite, weight gain, lethargy and dizziness.

The most commonly associated Side Effects with the use of St. John's wort (a natural Antidepressant) include fatigue, sedation, restlessness, anxiety, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin reactions. Studies have reported that the rates of adverse events with St. John's wort are comparable to those with a placebo.

MS Pain Relief

No matter what stage of multiple sclerosis a person is in, they will experience some level of pain. As the disease progresses some form of MS pain relief is going to be needed as that pain levels can become quite acute. Unfortunately for most people the standard over the counter NSAIDs have little to no effect on their pain and most physicians end up prescribing a range of anticonvulsants and antidepressants to help lower the patient's pain levels.

About the Pain

In a recent report put together by the National MS Society it is estimated that at least 50 percent of all multiple sclerosis patients suffer with some level of chronic pain. The hardest part of finding MS pain relief that works is that the disease affects everyone differently. Each person can experience different levels of pain in separate areas of their body at the same time or at different times and no two people are likely to experience the same pains.

Because multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, the pains can occur suddenly, be excruciating and then be gone just as quickly. Other pains can be chronic and last for hours or days; either type of pain needs to be dealt with as they can definitely take away from the patient's quality of life.

Treatments that Offer MS Pain Relief

Since none of the common over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are of any use as a form of MS pain relief, many physicians use much stronger medications. These include drugs such as Neurontin or other anticonvulsants as well as a variety of antidepressants such as Elavil. However all of these medications are known to have side effects such as weight gain, cotton mouth and in worse case scenarios have been known to cause seizures.

If the drugs can cause symptoms that are almost worse than the pain that they are supposed to be relieving, what is a person supposed to do? Most holistic practitioners will tell you that eating a healthy diet that includes seafood that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and plenty of green vegetables combined with plenty of exercise at a level the patient can manage will help significantly with MS pain relief.

One of the latest treatments being tried is Botox. This product is used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles and nerves. Recent research is showing that the same paralysis of the nerves can help with MS pain relief; however it has not yet been approved by the FDA for widespread use.

I have benefited greatly from a book which has examined the link between what we eat and multiple sclerosis. If you would like to know what foods are attacking your body, what supplements you must take and how to create the energy that you need, then this book is a must read.

I am not a doctor nor am I qualified in medicine in any way. These are things that have worked for me in controlling my MS. Before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician first.

Relieving Pain

Current Thoughts on Drug Treatments For Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain results from damage to or dysfunction in the nervous system, triggered by trauma, infections and nervous system disorders. This type of pain is difficult to treat and often requires a combination of pharmacological therapies, psychological counseling and the use of some form of alternative and complementary medicine. In 2007, a study cited in the Journal of Pain estimated that 170 to 270 million people around the world suffer from peripheral neuropathy (e.g., phantom limb syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome) and neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain can be described as numbing or burning, plus sensations of tingling, electric shock, crawling, itching, or shooting. Excruciating pain can be caused by even the lightest touch. Mild pain stimuli are perceived as very painful. Pain on one side of the body is also felt on the other side. The area of pain increases to include larger and larger areas of the body.

Common Drug Treatments for Neuropathic Pain

o Antidepressants

Several types of antidepressants have analgesic effects (e.g., SSRI's, SNRI's, and TCA's) and can alleviate pain, but only one, duloxetine, has been approved for pain treatment by the Federal Drug Administration.

o Anticonvulsants

Several anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) are used as standard treatment choices for neuropathic pain, even without definitive studies and in spite of such side effects as dizziness, sleep problems, or fatigue.

o Topical Medications

Topical medications (e.g., capsaicin - the pungent ingredient in hot chili -- and lidocaine) work on a small local area of the body, so they do not usually cause systemic side effects and rarely any interaction effects with other drugs. However, if the pain extends to a wider area of the body, topical treatment would not be as effective.

o Opioid

Studies have shown that opioids (e.g., oxydodone and morphine) do alleviate the pain in different neuropathic pain conditions. Common side effects of opioids include sedation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and respiratory depression. The long term use of opioids can also lead to physical dependency which should not be confused with physical addiction. Patients who are taking opioids to alleviate pain, if they have a prior history of drug addiction, sometimes find themselves triggered back into their addiction. Those who do not have a history of drug addiction do not first develop such an addiction from being treated with opioids.

o Other Medications

Additional medications often used to treat neuropathic pain include muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety, tranquilizers), sedatives-hypnotics, and psychostimulants. Current clinical trials of cannabis-based drugs (drugs containing a substance found in marijuana) indicate potential to alleviate neuopathic pain.

Continuum of Treatments for Neuropathic Pain

In 1990, The World Health Organization established guidelines for the treatment of malignant pain. This approach recommends beginning with the least invasive and the most easily manageable treatments first before attempting more invasive interventions such as pharmaceuticals, neurostimulation or opioid delivery through a reservoir or pump implanted directly inside the patient's body.

o Exercise
o Meditation and relaxation
o Over-the-counter medications
o Prescribed medications
o Physical rehabilitation
o Cognitive and behavioral therapies
o Oral opioid medications
o Nerve blocking
o Spinal cord stimulation
o Intraspinally administered opioids
o Tissue destruction procedures

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Neuropathic Pain

Many methods considered complementary and alternative healing modalities are not mentioned in the above list. Treatments that may have profound healing and pain relieving possibilities include the following.

o Mind-body awareness, mindfulness, guided imagery and visualization
o Breath work
o Body therapy (e.g., massage, acupressure, acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch, etc.)
o Somatic Body Psychotheapy
o Expressive arts and movement therapies
o Diet and herbs and homeopathic remedies
o Aromatherapy

If you are currently suffering from neuropathic pain or chronic pain from another cause, it may be worth your while to at least check out some of the methods listed above before subjecting your body to more invasive treatments.

Anticonvulsants Market to 2016

Various anticoagulants, both branded and off-label are being used for the treatment of many indications such as epilepsy, fibroblast, migraine, osteopathic pain, bipolar disorder and anxiety. The patents of leading anticoagulants such as Topmast (respirator), Trilateral (oxcarbazepine), Departed (divalent sodium), Kepler (levetiracetam), Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Tegretol (carbamazepine) expired in 2007-2008. The wide applicability of the anticonvulsants for management of the various indications has caused the emergence of generics for these anticonvulsants in the market. This generic erosion will cause decline in the anticonvulsant market in the future.

Two anticonvulsants, Fosphenytoin and Stedesa have been filed in the US with FDA and 44% of the total anticonvulsants product pipeline is in Phase III clinical studies. The majority of these molecules are being studied as monotherapies for the treatment of epilepsy.The expected launch of these new anticonvusants in the future is expected to to stabilize the declining anticonvulsant market.

Lyrica (prefabbing) is the branded conversant product of Pfizer. Lyrica is indicated for the treatment of the epilepsy, fibroblast and osteopathic pain. Lyrica along with Neuron tin (parenting) is the first line of therapy for the treatment of osteopathic pain, especially when tricycle antidepressants are contraindicated. Lyrica is the only anticoagulant which has been approved for the treatment of fibroblast. Lyrica generated revenue of $2.57 billion and $2.84 billion for Pfizer, in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

GBI Research, the leading business intelligence provider, has released its latest research, "Anticoagulants Market to 2016 - Cost Advantage and Dosage Convenience Provided by Generic Anticoagulants Will Limit Commercial Opportunities for Novel Therapies", which provides insights into global anticoagulant market and market forecast until 2016.

Report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Research's team of industry experts.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the top five therapeutic indications for which often anticoagulants are prescribed which includes epilepsy, fibroblast, migraine, osteopathic pain and bipolar disorder. The report also examines the Global anticoagulant treatment usage patterns for the covered indication. In addition, the report also includes insights into the anticoagulant R&D pipeline.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment - Antibiotics vs A Natural Treatment?

Did you know that almost 10 million people visited the doctor last year for urinary tract infection treatments? Most of these people did this to relieve the painful symptoms associated with urinary tract infections which include: frequent urination; need to urinate but to no avail; frequent needs to urinate during the night; aches above pelvis; clouded urine; blood in urine; fatigue; vomiting; fever; and chills and night sweats. The symptoms of urinary tract infections can make life miserable and a U.T.I. treatment should be considered immediately!

If a urinary tract infection is left untreated, pain will become significantly worse and you could risk greater complications to your body including severe kidney problems. But what should you choose for a treatment? Antibiotics or treating the urinary tract infection naturally?

Unfortunately, of those 10 million doctor visits, most people get prescribed antibiotics to treat their urinary tract infection. Many patients will take the antibiotics and be fine while other patients will take the same antibiotics and nothing will happen except more pain. Even more unfortunate, most patients who take the antibiotics do not understand what urinary tract infection antibiotics are doing to their body.

Antibiotics Uncovered

Antibiotics have their purpose in the medical field and have done some good in some cases. However, antibiotics are being prescribed more than ever before and might be causing more harm and good. If you or a love one suffers from a urinary tract infection please pay close attention! The word 'antibiotic' literally translates as 'anti-life.' Why do you think this is?

Antibiotics (especially urinary tract infection antibiotics) are drugs used to kill bacteria (E-coli). You might think this is good but unfortunately urinary tract infection antibiotics can NOT tell the difference between 'good bacteria' and 'bad bacteria'. In a perfect world, the antibiotics would only kill the E-coli and nefarious germs that cause urinary tract infections in the bladder. However this is not the case, U.T.I. antibiotics will most of the time kill those harmful bacteria and good bacteria. And all bacteria is NOT bad!

Antibiotics Effect on Body

For instance, urinary tract infection antibiotics will also kill intestinal flora which helps digest food and immune system bacteria which aids in a healthy immunity. Over time and through more antibiotics, digestion complications will arise as well as destruction of the immune system. Also, as we become more and more dependent upon antibiotics, the harmful bacteria in our bodies become more and more tolerant of antibiotics. The result is doctors prescribing harsher antibiotics to kill the tolerant harmful bacteria (and more 'good bacteria'). Are you skeptical? A 2003 medical report stated that 42% of E. coli was resistant to one or more of the 12 antibiotics that researchers investigated.

A Better Option

You do not have to treat your urinary tract infection with antibiotics! In fact, one of the best ways to treat a urinary tract infection is by allowing your body to cure the urinary tract infection itself. By given the correct means, the body can actually cure itself in less than 12 hours naturally (no harmful antibiotics). Treating U.T.I is as simple as preventing bacteria from residing in the bladder by simply keeping your acidic levels high while flushing your body with the correct fluids.