#uses of fluvoxamine

[techramonic]

A Comprehensive Analysis on Eric Harris, 3.

Disclaimer: This analysis/psychoanalysis is limited only to analysis as a means to reflect and understand the people involved. It is strictly informative. Just like all of my posts, I am detached from the media I write about and solely focus on the people to understand their psychology, for others to gain insight. There is no room for me to romanticize or glorify anything I write because I am only here to explain. I understand and research, but I do not condone. Thank you.

note: This is all solely based on independent research. If I may be wrong with the medical aspects of this post, please correct me. I would appreciate it a lot.

Fluvoxamine Maleate

Just a few days before the shooting, Eric was promptly rejected from his application to serve in the marines. Despite his desirable qualities, he was rejected for the sole reason of being tested positive for consuming a prescripted drug after rejecting that he was off any medication. With a trace of Luvox in his system, theories speculate that the drug's side effects played a role on the events that have transpired. Luvox is a medication prescription drug that is used to treat mental illnesses such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and others. While there are positive effects, the downside are heightened sensations of dread, irritation, depression, and arising violent behaviors. It also has a chance to increase manic symptoms, especially if taken in particularly large doses.

Anti-depressant usage, effects of overdose, and detoxification

When taken over the prescribed dosage, Luvox can lead to increased agression and suicidal ideation and tendencies. Eric was in anger management therapy after being on probation alongside Dylan for attempting to steal a vehicle containing thousands worth of valuable electronics and tools. After getting caught, Eric openly expressed his difficulties in managing his anxiety and explosive anger issues that his counselor said, "he frequently blew up and often cried." Revealing that this influences his homicidal and suicidal thoughts, so he was prescribed Fluvoxamine, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). These drugs increase the capacity of the brain to receive serotonin.

According to an interview with Eric's friends, they speculate that Eric was off his medication completely for sometime. Abruptly stopping medication can lead to the development of a more violent response. For some people, drugs are able to fix their chemical imbalances, but it can also lead to withdrawal symptoms of taken for over the duration of 6 weeks. Abruptly discontinuing anti-depressants can lead to rebound depression or relapse. Symptoms may return stronger than before. Furthermore, SSRI's such as Luvox and Prozac take about 5 days to linger in one's system before subsequently washing off.

In a period of 11 months, Eric and Dylan have been under a juvenile detention program at Jefferson County district — this was in 1998, just a year before the shooting. They were allowed to leave the program by early February 1999. After finishing, Eric wrote a letter contained in his juvenile diversion program file. He states, "I learned that thousands of suggestions are worthless if you still believe in violence."

After public demands for stricter regulations on SSRIs after the tragic shooting, Luvox was temporarily banned in 2002. By 2008, drug manufacturers had reformulated Luvox to a controlled-release version specifically designed to treat OCD, excluding indications for depression or anxiety. Subsequently, the FDA approved Luvox CR for the treatment of OCD. The label does not explicitly prohibit prescribing it to the pediatric population, it notes that the smallest dose "may not be appropriate" for children, without providing further explanation.

Eric was about 17 at the time of taking the medication, which means he is part of the pediatric population. Though it's still unclear if he was taking normal doses for a long period of time or taken more than what was prescribed, it is clear that there was negligence with prescribing a child a SSRI that has the posibility of worsening their already apparent symptoms.

Columbine was really a case that opened the public's eyes into the dysfunctional aspects of society and institutions, transcending even to the medical field.

[tec-a0l]

What kind of mental Disorders do you think Eric and Dylan have? I’ve thought Eric was BPD and Dylan was Depressed and Skitzotypal and autistic.

typically diagnoses aren’t made post-mortem—plus i’m not a mental health professional, nor have i met either of the pair obviously—so i can’t say definitively what specific mental illness(es) they may have had.

that being said, there is sufficient evidence that dylan was indeed depressed (both from self-admission and observations from friends & family) and suffered from suicidal thoughts/ideation. sue has stated she thinks dylan could have been on the spectrum, noting behaviors in his childhood that are indicative of potential neurodivergence. in regards to schizotypal personality disorder—and any other personality disorder for that matter—it’s extremely uncommon for individuals to be diagnosed under the age of 18, as the brain is still in its height of development, so i don’t think it’s really likely.

we know dylan self-medicated with both alcohol and st john’s wort, however it seems that no antidepressants were ever prescribed to him.

eric on the other hand was prescribed several different SSRIs (specifically zoloft/sertraline and luvox/fluvoxamine), which can be used to target depression, anxiety, and OCD. from his diversion files, we know he often felt “mixed up or confused,” and he marked the following things as stuff he struggled with:

however whether any of these were due to mental illness or were simply internal turmoil isn’t able to be determined.

i do want to emphasize that there’s really no way to tell for sure what they may or may not have been dealing with, since they’ve been dead for over 25 years now. this is just my amateur opinion lol

[authorgirl0131]

Decriminalizing drugs isn't enough. They should be legalized. They should be made in safe places using medical-grade equipment and ingredients just like ibuprofen is. Getting them through a pharmacy should be a very easy option, whether it's be prescription or over-the-counter. Needles, too, and sharps containers should become a more common thing. There should be education on drug safety that isn't the equivalent of abstinence-only sex ed. Doctors should be allowed to discuss drugs with their patients, discuss heroin and its risks and the way to use it safely just like they do with prescription ibuprofen. A person using heroin should be treated like a person using fluvoxamine no matter what. Treatment for dependence and withdrawal and possible rehab and methadone and whatever else have you should be easily accessible, judgement-free, safe, and inexpensive if not free.

You wanna stop violent drug-related crimes? You wanna decrease the amount of people getting sent to prison for drugs? You wanna decrease drug cartel violence? You wanna see overdose deaths stop? You don't do that by making laws that punish drug use. You do that by treating addicts the same way you treat people who need sudafed or an antidepressant.

[melliotwrites]

I noticed that in the Genius annotations for If We Met Up Again it mentions Anthony having OCD! is there anything you can share about that?

In the scene where Joey and Anthony are researching their various interests, Anthony mentions he takes Fluvoxamine, which is an SSRI that is used to treat OCD (but also depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)

Part of the summarized content (specifically, the last scene in Act 1) is Joey and Anthony coming into conflict over one of the symptoms of Anthony's OCD: fixating on his ex. While it's part of how Anthony's neurodivergence affects his life, due to his own insecurities Joey reads it as Anthony holding a secret preference for Garrett over him, leading to conflict — and eventually If We Met Up Again, where Anthony, frustrated by thinking too much about Garrett, tries to burn him out of his life and mind (which of course doesn't really work.)

[hell-garden]

I think the fact that a certain idiot wants to make a list of all children with Autism diagnoses is the perfect example of why so many people's parents and the medical industry fails people when it comes to self dx.

For example, my parents told me "you don't need a diagnosis". What they meant may have been "you don't want this on paper that can follow you for your whole life." However to a struggling teenager, this comes off as "I don't think you have this disorder and you're just being annoying". Especially if they aren't providing you with support

I also had (Thankfully, in hindsight) psychiatrists say "I'm going to put down "elements of x" but not diagnose you with x." What they mean: this is a harsh diagnosis that can follow you for life and potentially impact your ability to adopt kids, ex. Treatments for x are very similar to treatments for anxiety or depression so it's easier to have those in your chart. However what you hear is : you don't have this disorder. Nothing is wrong with you and your feelings are just dramatized.

If people would explain what they mean and sit down with their kids or patients and say:

It definitely sounds like you may have X. However, I am not putting it in your chart or having you get DX 'ed because it puts you in potential danger. This does not mean you are not valid, and if you need meds we can prescribe them under (similar diagnosis).

For example, I was told "you have elements of OCD. We're giving you fluvoxamine which is also argued to treat depression and anxiety. But we don't want to write OCD in your chart because it's a stigmatized diagnosis, but the treatment is the same as anxiety (bec OCD is an anxiety disorder, so ssris are used anyway)"

Basically we deserve help and understanding without leaving a paper trail that can end us on a government list... And a lot of parents and doctors fail to explain this in a way that doesn't force us to triple down on getting a diagnosis because we aren't taken seriously otherwise

[weirdpersonifiedpills]

🌟💊-Welcome!-💊🌟

Heyo, I’m Mouthy (@mouthydraws), welcome to my funny pill blog! I’m an autistic artist with a special interest in pharmacology, specially psychiatric medications, more specifically antidepressants, even more specifically SSRIs. A lot of the stuff I post here will be older until I’m able to catch up, but that hopefully won’t take too long!

New blog for my medication personifications? First post obviously has to be the SSRI lineup from 2022, here come the white-tailed deer ready to fight for your mental health!

From left to right: Zelmid (zimelidine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and Lexapro (escitalopram)

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants used to treat a variety of mental illnesses, most notably anxiety disorders and depression. They’re my absolute favorite class and the reason I’m currently in college for pharmacology. Prozac’s history in particular is my favorite to read about, so expect plenty of him and his history lol.

F.A.Q.

What are personified pills?

Personified pills are, as the name suggests, personifications of medications. Each aspect of the character, from their design to their personality, is carefully chosen based on historical, chemical, and pharmacological aspects of the actual medication. I enjoy drawing the characters in scenes that reference the real-life history of said drug.

Are these your OCs?

Yes. While I don’t own the idea of personifying medications, the designs and characters themselves do belong to me. You’re welcome to design your own personifications, or use mine with credit!

Why are they animals/furries?

Each class of drugs is a different animal species, I think it adds a lot to the characters, and specific animals are chosen in the same way every other aspect of the characters are chosen. Having the characters be animals also allows for clear distinctions between drug classes. I don’t enjoy drawing humans, but even if I did, I’d still keep them as animals.

Do you have a personification for *insert medication here*

All of my personifications are on my Toyhouse (@mouthydraws) under the ‘Medications’ folder. It can take some background knowledge on the class of the drug/possible subclasses or categories to find some of them, so I’ll also be uploading all of them here and using tags to make them easier to locate. If you have a specific medication you want to see, feel free to let me know!

Will you personify illegal drugs?

Given that most illegal drugs either didn’t start out as illegal or are only illegal in certain forms/circumstances, yes. I’ve started on the opioid personifications, and diacetylmorphine (her0in) is definitely going to be a part of that, as well as ADHD medications, which means m3thamphetamine hydrochloride (crystal m3th) is also on the horizon.

Are real people/names included in character lore?

No, I try to keep real people out of the personified pill lore, as it is fiction that’s simply based on actual events. A lot of the history behind these medications can be upsetting, and I do my best to treat these events with the respect they deserve. I’ll talk a lot about drug companies (Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, etc. etc.) but I won’t mention anyone specific lore-wise. I enjoy talking about drug history OUTSIDE of these characters, and will probably do that here too (with appropriate tags of course).

My inbox is always open, but I’m more active on Instagram and Twitter (@mouthydraws). I post a lot of WIPs and general pharmacology ramblings on my Instagram stories, so if you’re interested come check it out! I’m always looking for more pharmacology mutuals!!

[funnelcloudd]

There’s a certain strain of virulently anti-psych communist on here who will be real shitty and dismissive to mentally ill people then turn around and sort of diagnose them using ML theory terms lmao

Yeah capitalism sucks but I’d still have OCD under some glorious statist revolution you dumb fucks. Anyway fluvoxamine saved my life.

[neustartpsychiatry]

Can Medication Help with OCD? Discover Options in Salem

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a challenging mental health condition that affects millions of people. Characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), OCD can significantly interfere with daily life. While therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the cornerstone of OCD treatment, medication can also play a crucial role in managing symptoms. If you’re in Salem and exploring treatment options, understanding how medication can help with OCD is essential.

How Medication Can Help with OCD

Medication for OCD primarily targets the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation and anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, these medications can help reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and the urge to perform compulsive behaviors. While medication doesn’t cure OCD, it can make symptoms more manageable, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe OCD.

Common Medications for OCD

There are several types of medications commonly prescribed to treat OCD. These medications are often used in combination with therapy to achieve the best results.

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of medication for OCD. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help alleviate the symptoms of OCD. Some of the SSRIs frequently prescribed for OCD include:

Fluoxetine (Prozac): Often used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, Fluoxetine is also effective in reducing OCD symptoms. It is usually prescribed at higher doses for OCD than for depression.

Sertraline (Zoloft): Another SSRI that is commonly prescribed for OCD, Sertraline has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of obsessions and compulsions.

Paroxetine (Paxil): Paroxetine is another SSRI that can be effective in managing OCD symptoms, particularly in cases where anxiety is a prominent feature.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox): Specifically approved for the OCD treatment Salem, Fluvoxamine is often prescribed as a first-line medication for individuals with OCD.

Escitalopram (Lexapro): Escitalopram is another SSRI that may be prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms, especially when other SSRIs are not well-tolerated.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

While SSRIs are the first choice for treating OCD, SNRIs may also be considered, particularly if SSRIs are not effective or well-tolerated. SNRIs work by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. An example of an SNRI that may be used to treat OCD is:

Venlafaxine (Effexor): Venlafaxine can be effective in reducing OCD symptoms, particularly when SSRIs are not providing sufficient relief.

3. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants, particularly Clomipramine (Anafranil), have been used to treat OCD for many years. Clomipramine works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and it is often effective in cases where SSRIs are not sufficient.

Clomipramine (Anafranil): Clomipramine is a TCA that has been shown to be highly effective in treating OCD. However, it may have more side effects than SSRIs, so it is often used when other medications are not effective.

Finding the Right Medication in Salem

If you’re considering medication as part of your OCD treatment Salem plan, it’s important to work closely with a psychiatrist who specializes in OCD. Finding the right medication and dosage can take time, and it’s essential to have professional guidance throughout the process.

In Salem, there are several options for seeking psychiatric care. When meeting with a psychiatrist, be sure to discuss your symptoms in detail, including the severity and impact on your daily life. Your psychiatrist will take into account your medical history, any previous treatments, and your specific needs when prescribing medication.

Combining Medication with Therapy

Medication is most effective when combined with therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). While medication can help reduce the intensity of OCD symptoms, therapy addresses the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that drive the disorder.

In therapy, you’ll learn strategies to manage and challenge your obsessions and compulsions, which can lead to long-term improvement. Combining medication with therapy provides a comprehensive approach to Ocd Treatment Salem, offering the best chance for symptom relief and recovery.

Managing Side Effects and Expectations

It’s important to understand that medication for OCD may come with side effects, which can vary depending on the specific medication and individual response. Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, insomnia, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects are often temporary and may diminish as your body adjusts to the medication.

Your psychiatrist will work with you to find the right balance between managing OCD symptoms and minimizing side effects. It’s essential to communicate openly with your psychiatrist about any side effects you experience, as adjustments to the medication or dosage may be necessary.

Long-Term Considerations

Medication for OCD is often a long-term treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. Some individuals may need to take medication for several years, while others may be able to taper off under the guidance of their psychiatrist once their symptoms are well-controlled.

It’s important not to stop taking medication suddenly without consulting your psychiatrist, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of OCD symptoms. Any changes to your medication regimen should be done gradually and under professional supervision.

Conclusion

Medication can be a valuable tool in managing OCD, helping to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life. If you’re exploring treatment options in Salem, consider consulting with a psychiatrist to discuss whether medication is right for you. By combining medication with therapy, you can take significant steps towards managing OCD and regaining control over your life.

For those seeking professional guidance in Salem, NeuStart Psychiatry offers expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you navigate your OCD treatment journey with confidence and support.

[moldybits]

Hello, I had a question about medication! I have ocd and me and my therapist have toyed with the idea of starting SSRIs, so my question is how does the medication actually work? For depression I understand it makes serotonin last longer, but would that actually help me with ocd obsessions? I don't understand how it would help me not want to wash my hands anymore!

disclaimer that i am not a doctor or pharmacist or any other type of licensed medical professional. i’m a certified pharmacy technician, and please do not take anything i say as medical advice. always talk your doctor or pharmacist before making any medical decisions!

Alright this a long one so here we go!

So SSRIs work by increasing the the balance of serotonin in the brain. I’ll try to the explain this process simply here:

Your brain sends messages through neurons. But when the message gets to the end of a neuron, it needs to jump the gap (synapse) to the next neuron(s). So in order to get through, very small amounts of neurotransmitters are released into these gaps. Serotonin being one of these neurotransmitters. Once the message has made it across the gap to the next neuron, the neurotransmitter serotonin is supposed to be absorbed by the nerve cell (this is what is called “reuptake”, the R is SSRI).

The gene that is in charge for the process of making the serotonin transporters is called hSERT. So the transporter is supposed to absorb the extra serotonin after it goes from one neuron to the other. What is believe could be happening is that some people’s hSERT gene is working TOO fast and is absorbing ALL the serotonin before the next neuron has received the message. So the job of an SSRI is to slow down the collection of serotonin by transporters such as the gene hSERT and slow down the process of the serotonin being returned back to the end of the neuron the serotonin was originally from- this is to increase the chance of the neurons being able to receive messages from each other.

So how does this connect to OCD?

We just simply do not know if OCD is caused by low serotonin levels (and the concept of low serotonin being the main reason for things like depression is likely way more complicated than initially thought, but I digress). For OCD, it is likely way more complicated than that. However studies have shown that an increase in seratonin can improve symptoms in some people and/or make them more responsive to therapy.

Why? Unfortunately, like almost all psychiatric medications, we truly do not know yet. So many medications seem to help with many different disorders, and for all we know about how a drug works chemically and why a disorder may be happening… why a specific drug helps a specific disorder or symptom is unknown. It really seems to be “it works and we have no true idea why, but we have possible theories”.

Alright so basic things to know about the drugs!

The specific SSRIs used are:

-Citalopram (Celexa)

-Fluoxetine (Prozac)

-Sertraline (Zoloft)

-Paroxetine (Paxil)

-Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

(You may also see clomipramine (Anafranil) used, it’s a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It is not first line of use due to side effects compared to SSRIs, but is an option. This was used before SSRIs were an option)

Studies say that about 40-60% of patients with OCD respond to an SSRI or TCA, but unfortunately it does not predict which drug that’ll be. Some people respond to Prozac but not Celexa, and vise versa. If one drug does not work for you, or you have side effects, do not be afraid to tell your prescriber and consider switching to another drug. It does usually take 10-12 weeks to truly know if it is working (but typically some response is seen between 6-8 weeks). Not all symptoms will disappear, but it seems to be about 40-50% of symptoms decrease in 60% of patients.

It is possible to augment SSRIs with another drug of a different class such as second generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Personally I’ve also heard things about the antiepileptic drug toprimate (Topamax) and interestingly, an OTC drug called Nac that is used in Tylenol overdoses. Nac seems to help some people with compulsive behaviors, including things such as hair pulling and skin picking.

So TLDR: SSRIs are a common treatment for OCD in conjunction with therapy and even other meds, because one of the possible causes of OCD is unbalanced/low seratonin in the brain. Why that would be the case is still being researched, but it seems to be a successful treatment option for a good deal of people.

Hope this answers your question and thank you for asking!!! Please feel free to follow up with anything other questions. And of course, talk with your pharmacist with any true questions or concerns about your medication, its side effects, and interactions!! That’s what they are there for!

This was very fun for me :3c

[threepiecechickendinner]

So, I was going to say that the half-life of caffeine is about 5 hours, meaning that if you consume it at 8-10am, that occurs around 1-3pm, meaning Ta Da! energy drop in the early afternoon.

However, it looks like -- as with so many things -- it's a little more complicated:

In healthy adults, caffeine's half-life is between 3 and 7 hours.[5] The half-life is decreased by 30-50% in adult male smokers, approximately doubled in women taking oral contraceptives, and prolonged in the last trimester of pregnancy.[125] [...] The antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox) reduces the clearance of caffeine by more than 90%, and increases its elimination half-life more than tenfold, from 4.9 hours to 56 hours.[190]

So. Is this just caffeine depletion? Probably. Is that for sure 100% yup you betcha? Probably not. Could there be variations depending on a person's use of things like oral contraceptives? Sure, but calling it a "hormone drop" is like saying your car engine dying (because you ran out of gas) is an engine problem, rather than recognizing it as a fuel problem.

[one-possible-erin]

So, there's this post wondering why people with OCD are writing more now about the really torturous mental elements of the disorder, with the implication that it's for some unsavory and attention-seeking reason. But that's not what really pissed me off about it. I mean, the internet is full of jerks asking why people with [insert mental illness here] have the temerity to be so gross and weird.

No, the part that made me lose my shit is where the person essentially asks, but if you have no particular reason to think you ran someone over with your car, and you just felt a little bump driving down that dark street and you saw no person at all at any point in the proceedings, why on earth would you obsessively worry afterwards that you ran someone over with your car?

YES, YOU HAVE SOLVED OCD WITH YOUR LOGIC SKILLS, CONGRATULATIONS. Whyever do we have fluvoxamine when all this time we had you to let us know our illogical fears are illogical, and we should just stop having them, and most importantly stop talking about them in public spaces where you can be grossed out by how uncomfortable and painful and weird and illogical they are?

YES, OF COURSE IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE AND PAINFUL AND WEIRD AND ILLOGICAL. THAT IS WHY IT'S A DISORDER.

You want to know why people with OCD are talking more about the really awful intrusive thoughts and fears and less about checking to make sure you didn't leave the stove on? It's because the stove-checking is just the part that other people notice. It's the outer manifestation of the really horrible shit that makes OCD hell to live through. If there is a "socially mediated reason" for talking about it, it's that there's less fear and more knowledge around OCD than there used to be, and it's a HUGE RELIEF to see others who have the disorder talking about the worst parts of it, the parts you were convinced made you the worst person in the world.

When it's at its worst and you haven't had therapy and medication in whatever combinations necessary to treat it, OCD (especially the "pure O" variety) basically pokes around in your brain and your life and the things you care about for something awful to fear and tries to make you prove to yourself that it's not true, all day every day. The fear is the obsession, the proving is the compulsion. You cannot, of course, prove a negative, and the only way to win is not to play.

Unfortunately, OCD also makes you feel like if you stop trying to prove it untrue, it really must be true after all. The more ambiguous the fear, the worse it is to fight. Getting to the "don't play" part is why you need the meds and exposure therapy and becoming comfortable with ambiguity and so on.

Telling people with OCD "that's silly though" doesn't actually work, because half the time, WE OURSELVES KNOW THE FEAR IS SILLY. The problem is the other half of the time, when our brain whispers, "But what if it's true?" and we tie ourselves in knots trying to prove to ourselves that it's not true, of course it's not true, it can't be true can it? OH GOD.

(The other fun part is, on the occasions when you do manage to successfully prove to your OCD's satisfaction that a particular fear is in fact silly? It takes very little time at all for your brain to find something else to worry about that's harder for you personally to crack. I have had one long-term OCD fear resolve itself only for another to take its place in mere hours. There is no end to it, it's a snake eating its own tail. Again, THAT IS WHY IT'S A DISORDER THAT REQUIRES TREATMENT.) And knowing this and talking about it publicly? Is good actually. Because it makes seeking treatment easier, rather than cowering in the dark, sick at other heart over whether you might actually have run someone over that night.

[nursingwriter]

Pharmaceutical drugs have become the first line of defense against depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems for a majority of patients. As they have become generally safer and more socially widespread, certain side effects have begun to attract a great deal more attention than they had previously. Currently the attention of many researchers is being drawn to the issue of iatrogenic sexual disorders caused by antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs. It appears that many such medicines may cause mild to severe sexual dysfunction as a class side effect. This appears to be especially true of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . A number of other drugs have been suggested to either replace SSRIs as the drug of choice for young, sexually active patients, or to help ameliorate the side effects of traditional psychotropics. There are many barriers to research in this area, including the lack of prior clinical studies and a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the biology of depression and the biology of sexual desire and functioning, and patient hesitance to volunteer information about sexual functioning. However, some steps have been made in remedying these effects. Six recent articles dealing with this topic shed some light on the issue of sexual disfunction and their causes and treatment. Rivas-Vazquez et al. report on "Psychologists becoming aware of sexual dysfunction with antidepressants." In 2000 Rivas-Vazquez and his team reported on the increase in interest among researchers on treatment-induced sexual dysfunction, chronicling the many recent discoveries concerning sexual side effects. Though they complained that existing literature dealt mainly with case studies, small-scale trials, and tests which were not randomized and placebo controlled, a rough understanding of the trends did emerge. They found that among the newer generation of antidepressants which had replaced prior, less safe drugs (such as MAOI inhibitors and tricyclics), those which interfered with serotonin levels (SSRIs and venlafaxine) had far more severe sexual side effects than the atypical drugs (bupropion, nefazodone, and mirtazapine) which did not directly effect serotonin. Rivas-Vazquez et al. record a variety of sexual dysfunctions that may occur as side effects of psychotropics, ranging from unpleasantly increased erectile ability (such as priapism) and unusually high arousal levels to impotence, and delayed or even painful orgasm. The article compiles a list of drugs and effects. The suggest that trazadone has been known to infrequently cause priapism, and that fluoxetine, venlafaxine, and bupropin have all been known to occasionally cause increased libido. However, both venlafaxine and fluoxetine have also been known cause serious sexual dysfunction including decreased sexual desire, inability to function sexually, and decreased orgasmic reactions. Similar negative effects have been discovered in the use of paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine. Part of the difficulty in determining exactly what effects drugs are having may be due to the comorbidity of their symptoms with the original psychiatric problems which prompted their use. Depression itself can cause sexual dysfunctions, or create strains in personal relationships which may continue even past the resolution of the illness itself. So, for example, fluoxetine might usually decrease sexual desire physically, but provide such a release from depression that the individual has a higher sex drive than before they became depressed (albeit reduced from a natural baseline which they may never have fully experienced, or may have forgotten). Additionally, the functioning of serotonin and its role in sexual arousal may not be fully understood. It is generally understood that serotonin does affect sexual functioning by changing the levels of other neurotransmitters which directly control sexual functions at different stages of the sexual style. Dopamine, for example, enhances sexual pleasure and libido, is an intrinsic part of the orgasmic experience and has had some level of the emotional bonding inherent in sex attributed to it. Increased serotonin levels can inhibit dopamine, among other neurotransmitters, which could reduce arousal, libido, and orgasm. Hence SSRIs may necessarily decrease dopamine levels and sexual functioning. Not all antidepressants are equally likely to cause sexual dysfunction, because not all antidepressants directly affect serotonin or dopamine levels. Rivas-Vasquez et al. suggest that the most appropriate response to unwelcomed sexual side effects in treatment is to consider using atypical antidepressants as the first choice for treating targeted groups of sexually active patients. Careful monitoring of all patients' sexual functioning while on this medication is also strongly recommended, as some patients may hesitate to mention sexual dysfunctions. Through using drugs which have very low incidences of sexual side effects, the degree to which these effects interfere with recovery and with relationships can be minimalized. Michael Gitlin reports on "Psychotropic medications and their effects on sexual function: diagnosis, biology, and treatment approaches" Like others before him, Gitlin suggests that the sexual side effects of psychotropic drugs are becoming an increasing concern to the clinical and therapeutic community. He blames the emergence of this concern on "gaps in our understanding" regarding both the chemical biology of sexual functioning and the way in which this is affected by Axis I disorders without the intervention of medicine. In pursuit of further knowledge of this subject, Gitlin reviews numerous MEDLINE articles, coming to the conclusion that though clinicians need to be aware of and question their patients regarding sexual side effects, there does not appear to be a specific antidote to these problems clearly indicated by prior research. Gitilin suggests that clinicians need to evaluate their patient's sexual functioning based on all possible causation for existing problems. Though dopamine is generally understood to increase sexual functioning which serotonin decreases it and norepinephrine has mixed effects, there appear to be negative sexual side effects associated with all psychotropic classes. Neuroleptics can cause priapism. Anxiolytics and mood stabilizers boast an array of mild, effects. SSRIs, clomipramine and MAO inhibitors can cause severe side effects, while others like the tricyclics cause more mild effects. There are a variety of possible, though not entirely proven, tactics which may be taken to reduce iatrogenic sexual disorders. These tactics include attempting to out-wait the symptoms and hope they go away, switching to a different drug, and lowering the dose to provide less effect. Additionally, a few antidotes have been proposed, including yohimbine and cyproheptadine, which may reverse problems with sexual side effects. Gitilin reasonably suggests that lowering the dose, attempting to outwait the effects, and using antidotes should all be attempted before abandoning a drug that works well for the patient's symptoms. Hopefully, in the future there will be more and better research on antidotes. Nafziger et al. report on the "Incidence of sexual dysfunction in healthy volunteers on Fluvoxamine therapy" Because of the problems, noted by prior researchers, regarding discriminating the differences between the symptoms of mental illness and the side effects of psychotropics used to cure those illnesses, Nafziger and his colleagues chose to conduct a study on the side effects of the antidepressant fluvoxamine on healthy volunteers. Prior research on fluvoxamine had suggested that only 1% to 8% of patients using this drug would experience sexual dysfunction. Considering that other SSRIs had reported sexual side effect rates up to 75%, these very low numbers might encourage many people to switch to fluvoxamine. Nafziger points out that this prior research had, however, depended on self-reporting of sexual dysfunction, which might discourage embarrassed individuals from mentioning their problems. The present study closely monitors effects and questions patients regarding their experiences with fluvoxamine. In this study, among healthy volunteers who took 150mg of fluvoxamine daily, 20% experienced sexual dysfunctions within two weeks, and 35% experienced sexual dysfunction within four weeks. This was much higher than previously assumed, and this rate was comparative to the experiences of patients on SSRIs, and (according to this article) that of tricyclic and heterocyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. The fact that this study found much higher than expected rates of sexual side-effects from fluvoxamine than was expected highlights the importance of specifically asking individuals about their experiences in determining rates of sexual side effects, rather than depending on self-reporting. One might have expected that fluvoxamine, being an SSRI, would have many of the same side effects of other SSRIs, but the fact that otherwise had been suggested is importance to notice. Michelson et al. report on "Female sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant administration: A randomized, placebo-controlled study of pharmacological intervention" One of the main frustrations among researchers in this field is the lack of double-blind and placebo-controlled studies. The importance of having such studies is highlighted by Michelson et al.'s controlled trial assessing the results of supplementing fluoxetine with buspirone or amantadine (or a placebo) for a period of time. Michelson found that though uncontrolled case studies had suggested that such supplements could help with female iatrogenic sexual dysfunction, in his own study it appeared that though buspirone and amantadine worked to improve most of the patient's conditions, a placebo worked equally well. As the article explains, "The mechanisms underlying this improvement are uncertain but probably relate to the intensive self-monitoring of sexual function and regular clinic visits as well as to nonspecific effects associated with medication administration." Some evidence that buspirone and amantadine might help had been available prior to the study, and there is a chance that the functionality of a placebo does not entirely discredit their use. Michelson explains that buspirone could manipulate certain serotonin receptors in an attempt to ameliorate the overload of serotonin, and that amantadine was thought to increase dopamine activity. As such, either might theoretically help with SSRI-related sexual dysfunction. However, when the double-blind test was performed, it found that the success of treatment was roughly the same regardless of whether these pills were taken or a placebo was used. One significant difference was that those on admantadine had greater energy levels than they study-mates, which did not seem to directly affect sexual functioning. Michelson and his colleagues speculated that the reason for such marked improvement in all categories was the extensive journaling and attention paid to the sexual activity. Ashton and Rosen report on "Bupropion as an antidote for serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction" Unlike the Michelson study, Ashton and Rosen's work on using bupropion to ameliorate the sexual dysfunctions associated with SSRIs was neither double-blind nor placebo-controlled, and so there must remain some degree on uncertainty regarding its implications for medical practice. Regardless of whether or not it is certain in its conclusions, the fact that a two-thirds majority showed positive improvements in sexual functioning when taking doses of bupropion does tend to indicate that this drug may be of some aid in reducing the negative affects of SSRIs on sexual experience. Bupropion is itself anaminoketone antidepressant, which could theoretically be used in the place of SSRIs to treat depression. However, for patients who had successfully stabilized with another antidepressant (and might not so successfully transfer to a new drug), bupropion has already b been in use to help treat SRI-induced dysfunctions. Despite its common use, until Ashton and Rosen's work was released, there had been no studies released on the success rate of bupropion or the actual necessary dosage, which required individual doctors and patients to experiment rather blindly with it. Ashton and Rosen found that 66% of their subjects had favorable experienced with bupropion. About 19% responded to taking 75mg shortly before sex, 26% responded to taking 150 mg shortly before sex, but a full 57% responded to taking 75 mg on a regular basis, which tends to indicate a gradual change in body chemistry. Of patients treated with paroxetine, 80% experienced positive results. Flouxetine, sertaline and venlafaxine had between 50-65% success rates, while fluvoxamine only yielded 33% success rates. That there was a significant difference in which treatments responded to bupropion might indicate that something beyond placebo affect was at work. However, further studies are in order. Ashton & Bennet's Letter to Editor Ashton and Bennet, whose work was neither placebo-controlled or very large in scale, chose to merely write a letter to the medical community regarding their observations of the results of using Sildenafil to treat iatrogenic male erectile dysfunction. They acknowledged that many of the former antidote options did not appear to be entirely dependable. Options they mentioned included stimulants and gingko biloba, in addition to other drugs such as cyproheptadine, yohimbine, amantadine, buspirone, and bupropion; they also mentioned the use of "drug holidays" which gave the body a short break from its treatment. The idea of merely waiting to see if the problem resolves itself (which has actually been proposed in several articles) had a very low chance of success, and only 5.8-9.8% of iatrogenic SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctions have been indicated to spontaneously resolve themselves. Instead, Ashton and Bennet suggested the use of Sildenafil, which is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Sildenafil was released to treat male erectile dysfunction of physical, psychological, or mixed origin. Their few case studies appear to be the first to test sildenafil in the treatment of iatrogenic erectile dysfunction. In the first case, in which the gentleman was currently taking fluoxetine, bupropion had not succeeded in curing his sexual dysfunctions. sildenafil, on the other hand, was reported as working 80% to (in his words) "110%" when taken an hour before sex. In the second case study, in which the patient was using a mix of sertraline and methylphenidate, the sexual dysfunction in question had withstood attempts to treat it wit venlafaxine, bupropion, and nefazodone. In this case too, sildenafil taken one hour before sex normalized his system responses. Ashton and Bennet admit they cannot draw conclusive evidence from these studies, but suggest that they are grounds for further research. Conclusion and Findings It appears that all authors agree that sexual dysfunction springing from the use of SSRIs and other antidepressants are a very serious matter, and one which has not been appropriately addressed. It is somewhat ironic that although every article mentions the egregious absence of placebo-controlled studies, only one of the original studies presented used a placebo. In that single study, evidence suggested that the antidotes being used were not more effective than merely closely monitoring patient behavior and providing psychological help (which a placebo itself does) This is the biggest weakness of all of these articles -- they all work from a place of ignorance. Each article is bracketed with an admission of ignorance which suggests that the author (and science itself) does not really understand what role serotonin plays in sexual chemistry and functioning, and what actual effects antidepressants like SSRIs have on the psychology and sexuality of the patient, other than their intended affects. That sexuality is not understood by science, that it is in affect a black box, truly validates the suggest given by authors such as Rivas-Vazquez that the doctor will do best to steer away from adding more chemical treatment to the regimen and attempt to treat the problems either by using a different drug, or attempting to scale dosage, apply close monitoring, and otherwise deal with the symptoms themselves. Of the solutions suggested, none seem truly satisfactory. Switching to non-SSRI medications may provide a certain degree of relief, though such insufficient research exists that it is difficult to say how much safer and less adverse are these drugs. Taking a "drug holiday" may or may not solve the problem. Using other drugs to balance out SSRIs seems to work well for many people, but possibly only through a placebo affect that might be more safely achieved without the use of expensive and potentially adverse drugs. In conclusion, these articles can tell us only a little more than common sense might: if the antidepressants have negative effects, one may need to try something else, and failing that one should monitor their effects as carefully as possible in hopes of understanding them. The main point on which all the articles agree is one which the reader can wholeheartedly embrace, however: More research is absolutely necessary on the occurrence and treatment of iatrogenic sexual disorders, and this research should be controlled in a scientific way, with use of double-blind guards, large and randomized trial pools, and with the use of placebos.   https://www.paperdue.com/customer/paper/pharmaceutical-drugs-have-become-the-61215#:~:text=Logout-,Pharmaceuticaldrugshavebecomethe,-Length8pages Read the full article

[npdiyozane]

Can't tell if I'm having a narc high or if fluvoxamine is just making my brain more normal than I'm used to it being. I'm taking it for OCD to be clear.

[kayleegibsons]

OCD Treatment in Long Beach: Proven Methods for Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate the distress caused by these thoughts. OCD can significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. In Long Beach, various treatment options are available to help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. This comprehensive guide explores the proven methods for treating OCD and achieving a better quality of life.

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is marked by the presence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that repeatedly enter a person’s mind. These thoughts can provoke significant anxiety or discomfort. Compulsions are behaviors or mental rituals performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Individuals with OCD often feel driven to perform these rituals to prevent a feared event or reduce anxiety, even though they may recognize that the actions are irrational.

The impact of OCD can be profound, affecting an individual’s ability to function at work, school, or in social settings. The disorder can also lead to significant emotional distress and interfere with personal relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD and is widely practiced in Long Beach. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging the distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to OCD symptoms. One specific form of CBT used for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to the situations or thoughts that trigger their obsessions. During these exposures, individuals are encouraged to refrain from performing their usual compulsions. The goal is to help them learn that their anxiety diminishes over time without the need for compulsive behaviors. ERP helps individuals confront their fears in a controlled manner, reducing the power of the obsessions and breaking the cycle of compulsive behavior.

Medication

Medication can be a valuable component of OCD treatment in long beach, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. Several types of medications are commonly prescribed for OCD, including:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of medications for OCD. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions. Common SSRIs used for OCD include fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, are another class of antidepressants that can be effective in treating OCD. They work by affecting both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): In cases where SSRIs and SNRIs are not effective, TCAs like clomipramine may be used. TCAs are older antidepressants that can help alleviate OCD symptoms.

It is important for individuals to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for their specific needs. Medication management often involves monitoring for side effects and adjusting treatment as needed.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Participating in support groups can provide individuals with OCD a sense of community and understanding. Support groups offer a space to share experiences, learn from others, and gain encouragement. Connecting with others who have similar challenges can be particularly beneficial for reducing feelings of isolation and stigma.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into the treatment plan can enhance overall well-being and help manage OCD symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help individuals manage anxiety and improve emotional regulation. These practices can be used in conjunction with CBT and medication to provide a comprehensive approach to managing OCD.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle modifications can support the overall treatment of OCD. These may include:

Establishing a Routine: Creating a structured daily routine can help reduce uncertainty and provide a sense of stability. Consistent routines can also minimize stress and anxiety.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep can support mental health and improve treatment outcomes.

Stress Management: Identifying and managing sources of stress is crucial, as stress can exacerbate OCD symptoms. Techniques such as time management, relaxation exercises, and seeking social support can help manage stress levels.

Family Involvement

Involving family members in the treatment process can be beneficial. Family therapy or education sessions can help loved ones understand OCD, learn how to support the individual, and improve communication. Educating family members about the nature of the disorder and effective ways to offer support can enhance the overall treatment experience and promote a supportive home environment.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Effective management of OCD often requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers allow for the evaluation of treatment progress and the identification of any necessary changes. Adjustments may include modifying medication dosages, incorporating new therapeutic techniques, or addressing any emerging concerns.

Conclusion

Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder requires a multifaceted approach that includes evidence-based therapies, medication, lifestyle modifications, and support systems. In Long Beach, individuals with OCD have access to a range of proven methods for effectively managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life. By combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medication, support groups, mindfulness techniques, and family involvement, individuals can achieve significant relief from their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Understanding and utilizing these treatment options can empower individuals with OCD to take control of their condition and navigate their journey to recovery with confidence.

[wanderingpeonies]

"wow i'm not worrying about this like i used to! i must've matured and grown to understand that it'll be okay" so close! you are on a very high dosage of fluvoxamine