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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects and Withdrawal  


The worldwide use of medications has exploded including the use of psychoactive medication. Insomnia, anxiety, depression, IBS, surgical fear, thyroid or hormonal issues, and countless other medical issues result in a psychiatric medication.

75% of doctor’s visits end in a prescription. The United States is the most medicated nation in the world, but worldwide pills are consumed at an equally alarming rate. As a result, both mental and physical health is declining. Adverse drug reactions are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and kill more people every year than traffic accidents. In many cases, these reactions could have been prevented. Many medications can interact with over-the-counter items, herbal supplements or some vitamins. Before taking any medication it is critical to have knowledge to make informed decisions.

All psychoactive medications act on the central nervous system, altering brain function and resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognitive function and behavior. 

 

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Antidepressants : (MAOIs, NaSSAs, NDRIs, NRIs, SARIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, TeCAs, NaSSAs)

Antidepressants are the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, and the number of Americans taking antidepressants has doubled in a year. Yet the majority of people were not being treated for depression. Half were taking them for back pain, nerve pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, IBS and other issues. More...

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BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines: (and Anxiolytics)

Benzodiazepines, often referred to as benzos, are an anti-anxiety class of psychoactive drugs that exert their effect  on GABA, the most calming neurotransmitter of the human body. Benzos are among the most prescribed medications  and are recommended for only 7-10 days of consecutive use, in large part due to the highly addicted nature and crippling  withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines initially increase GABA levels in the brain that equates to a calming of the central  nervous system. As tolerance to the drug occurs GABA is downregulated and breakthrough anxiety, fear, insomnia, pain  and other symptoms become the norm. Once tolerance has occurred it is critical to get off all benzodiazepines and work  on regaining normal GABA function. Benzos are deemed the hardest drug to withdraw from due to their widespread  alteration of the nervous system and overwhelming symptoms. Rapidly withdrawing or abrupt discontinuation can be  life-threatening.  More...

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SLEEPING PILLS

Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are often referred to as Z-drugs, a nonbenzodiazepine that were originally touted as a safe alternative to  addictive benzodiazepines. Unfortunately all sleeping pills work on the same GABA receptor as a benzodiazepine and have  a side effect and withdrawal profile similar to benzodiazepines. As GABA is modified by the sleeping pill sleep erodes and  anxiety increases. Z-drugs are recommended for short term use, 7-10 days consecutive, yet many find themselves  dependent after a few doses. All sleeping pills are highly addictive and can cause night-activities such as eating, driving, etc.,  without awareness.  More...

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MOOD STABILIZERS

Mood Stabilizers : (Anticonvulsants)

Mood Stabilizers are prescribed for bipolar, a diagnosis that has increased 40-fold between 1994-2003 for children and adolescents, and a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only half the diagnoses were accurate.  More...

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ANTIPSYCHOTICS

Originally prescribed for schizophrenia and psychosis, but recently they have been prescribed for insomnia as well as an adjunct with Antidepressant therapy at an alarming rate. 28% of seniors in retirement homes are taking antipsychotics, despite the FDA warning of increased death risk. Children and adolescents antipsychotic use has increased 5-fold, yet warnings exist for obesity and type-2 diabetes.  More...

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OPIOIDS

The epidemic of opioid addiction was created by the increasing availability of painkillers and the black-market production.  More...

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STIMULANTS

Stimulants: (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine)

Widely prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Narolepsy, Appetite suppressant, Autism and other Social disorders. In 2009 the FDA and the National Institute of Mental Health funded a study on stimulant medications that determined children and teens are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death.  More...

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OVER-the COUNTER SLEEP AIDS



Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids:
Marketed as a safe, effective and non-habit-forming option to insomnia. Approximately 15-20% of American adults take a nonprescription sleep aid in any given month and the variety of brands on the market are deceiving since most contain the same active ingredients but are repackaged under various trade names. More...


DISCLAIMER:

*While great care has been taken in organizing and presenting the material throughout this website, please note that it is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as Medical Advice. More...

*Because these drugs can cause severe withdrawal reactions, do not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician. The decision to quit any medication should be discussed with your doctor and with their consent and support. More...