Latest news with #SSRIs
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1
The UK is heading for its second heatwave of the summer, and we're only one month in. The Met Office advises: 'The hottest day of the current spell is expected on Monday, with temperatures widely exceeding 30°C in central and eastern England, possibly reaching 34°C in London'. But, before you rush out in sunnies and shorts, it might be a good idea to check your medicine cabinet: research has found that certain medications can have physiological effects on the body, causing the core body temperature to rise above 40°C. Other medications have been found to make people far more sensitive to heat. According to the Mental Health Foundation: 'One adult in eight receives mental health treatment, with 10.4% [of those] receiving medication and 3% receiving psychological therapy. 'The overlap within the statistics is due to 1.3% of those receiving treatment reporting receiving both medication and psychological therapy.' Mental health medications fall under a number of different categories including Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Antipsychotic Drugs (ACDs), and beta blockers which are often used to treat anxiety and heart conditions. All of these medications can cause heat intolerance. Additionally, blood pressure medications can cause heat intolerance, too. According to Centers for Disease Control: 'Certain combinations of medications, such as the combined use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with a diuretic, may significantly increase risk of harm from heat exposure.' To stay cool during hot weather, the NHS recommends: 'Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. 'Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.' They also advise keeping windows closed during the day and opened at night once temperatures have somebody potentially experiencing heat exhaustion, the health service advises the following tips: Move them to a cool place Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too This Is One Of The Worst Things You Can Do To Gardens In A Heatwave The Unexpected Effect Heatwaves Have On Your Phone's Signal So, Should You Actually Close Your Windows During A Heatwave?
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1
The UK is heading for its second heatwave of the summer, and we're only one month in. The Met Office advises: 'The hottest day of the current spell is expected on Monday, with temperatures widely exceeding 30°C in central and eastern England, possibly reaching 34°C in London'. But, before you rush out in sunnies and shorts, it might be a good idea to check your medicine cabinet: research has found that certain medications can have physiological effects on the body, causing the core body temperature to rise above 40°C. Other medications have been found to make people far more sensitive to heat. According to the Mental Health Foundation: 'One adult in eight receives mental health treatment, with 10.4% [of those] receiving medication and 3% receiving psychological therapy. 'The overlap within the statistics is due to 1.3% of those receiving treatment reporting receiving both medication and psychological therapy.' Mental health medications fall under a number of different categories including Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Antipsychotic Drugs (ACDs), and beta blockers which are often used to treat anxiety and heart conditions. All of these medications can cause heat intolerance. Additionally, blood pressure medications can cause heat intolerance, too. According to Centers for Disease Control: 'Certain combinations of medications, such as the combined use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with a diuretic, may significantly increase risk of harm from heat exposure.' To stay cool during hot weather, the NHS recommends: 'Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. 'Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.' They also advise keeping windows closed during the day and opened at night once temperatures have somebody potentially experiencing heat exhaustion, the health service advises the following tips: Move them to a cool place Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too This Is One Of The Worst Things You Can Do To Gardens In A Heatwave The Unexpected Effect Heatwaves Have On Your Phone's Signal So, Should You Actually Close Your Windows During A Heatwave?
Time Business News
21 hours ago
- Health
- Time Business News
How Fast Does Zoloft vs Lexapro Start Working?
When it comes to treating depression and anxiety disorders, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are among the most commonly prescribed medications. Both are effective, but many patients and providers wonder: how fast does zoloft vs lexapro start working? Understanding the onset of action for these medications is important when managing expectations and treatment plans. While both drugs work similarly by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, their speed of effectiveness can vary slightly depending on individual factors. Managing both ADHD and anxiety in adults requires a thoughtful approach to medication. Stimulants like Vyvanse and non-stimulants such as Strattera are often prescribed, but finding the right fit depends on individual needs and medical history. Some adults may benefit from medications that also have anti-anxiety properties, like certain antidepressants or guanfacine. The best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety balances focus and calm without worsening symptoms. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to tailor treatment effectively, ensuring both conditions are addressed safely. Personalized plans often lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Zoloft and Lexapro belong to the SSRI class of antidepressants, which function by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, sleep, and anxiety. By blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons, SSRIs help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the physiological changes they initiate in the brain take time, meaning these medications do not work instantly. Zoloft, the brand name for sertraline, is commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). After beginning treatment, some patients report mild improvements—such as reduced anxiety or improved sleep—within the first one to two weeks. However, these early benefits are usually subtle. The full therapeutic effects of Zoloft often take 4 to 6 weeks to become evident. In cases of OCD or more severe depression, it may take up to 8 weeks or longer. The timeline may be influenced by factors such as dosage, consistency of use, individual metabolism, and whether the patient is taking other medications. It's crucial to continue taking Zoloft as prescribed, even if benefits are not immediately noticeable. Lexapro, or escitalopram, is also widely used for depression and anxiety disorders. It is generally considered one of the more tolerable SSRIs, with a slightly quicker onset for some users. Many patients report feeling some improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, particularly with anxiety symptoms. This early response may include reduced nervousness, better sleep, and improved energy. Like Zoloft, the full antidepressant effects of Lexapro may take 4 to 6 weeks. However, some research and patient reports suggest that Lexapro may reach peak effectiveness slightly faster in certain individuals compared to Zoloft. For anxiety in particular, Lexapro may offer more rapid relief, making it a preferred first-line treatment in some clinical settings. While both medications share a similar overall timeline, Lexapro may begin relieving anxiety symptoms a bit sooner for some people. This difference is not always dramatic, but in cases where early symptom control is critical, Lexapro may be preferred. Zoloft might take slightly longer to kick in, especially for mood-related symptoms, but it may be more effective in treating a broader range of conditions such as OCD and PTSD. Lexapro, on the other hand, is generally favored for anxiety and has a more favorable side effect profile for many users. Several factors can impact how quickly a person feels the effects of Zoloft or Lexapro: Individual biology: Genetic makeup, brain chemistry, and metabolism affect how a person responds to medication. Genetic makeup, brain chemistry, and metabolism affect how a person responds to medication. Dosage: Starting doses are often low and gradually increased, which can delay noticeable effects. Starting doses are often low and gradually increased, which can delay noticeable effects. Consistency: Taking medication at the same time each day helps maintain stable levels in the bloodstream. Taking medication at the same time each day helps maintain stable levels in the bloodstream. Other medications or conditions: Interactions with other drugs or underlying health issues can slow down or speed up effectiveness. Interactions with other drugs or underlying health issues can slow down or speed up effectiveness. Lifestyle: Sleep, diet, exercise, and substance use can all influence how well SSRIs work. It is common for patients to feel frustrated while waiting for SSRIs like Zoloft or Lexapro to take full effect. During the initial weeks of treatment, it's important to focus on incremental improvements. These might include better sleep, reduced irritability, or slightly improved concentration. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help track progress and determine if dose adjustments or medication changes are needed. Sometimes, initial side effects—such as nausea, headaches, or increased anxiety—may appear before improvement sets in. These effects often resolve within a few weeks. Patients are encouraged to communicate openly with their doctors and not to stop taking the medication abruptly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen the condition. The decision between Zoloft and Lexapro should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. If quick relief from anxiety is the priority, Lexapro may offer a slightly faster onset. If the individual has symptoms of OCD or PTSD, Zoloft might be the better option. Both medications are generally well-tolerated and highly effective, but the best choice will depend on the individual's symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment. Both Zoloft and Lexapro are effective SSRIs, but their onset of action can vary slightly depending on individual factors. Lexapro may begin to ease anxiety symptoms within the first 1 to 2 weeks for some users, while Zoloft's benefits might take a bit longer to emerge, particularly for depression. Regardless of which medication is prescribed, it's important to be patient and consistent with treatment. With the right support and follow-up, both medications can offer significant improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall quality of life. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Common medicines could be depleting vital nutrients, experts warn
User (UGC) Submitted With nearly a billion prescriptions issued annually in England , and almost half the population taking medication regularly, mounting evidence suggests that many of the UK's most frequently prescribed drugs may interfere with the body's ability to absorb, utilise, or retain essential vitamins and minerals - potentially causing side effects and negatively impacting health Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition has joined with NHS GP, Dr Siobhan Brennan to raise awareness of the challenges patients face and highlight the common medication and nutrients which are impacted. 'Medicines have transformed our healthcare and are necessary for many people, but patients are often unaware of their impact on nutrition and how this can make them feel worse,' explains Siobhan. 'Nutrient depletion is very rarely listed as a side effect and it's hard to make the connection because it can happen slowly over time.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Drug - nutrient interactions are often overlooked in routine prescribing,' confirms Registered Pharmacist Gurdeep Nanra. 'While dosage and side effects are monitored, the long-term impact of certain medications on nutrient levels is rarely discussed. Over time, deficiencies in Vitamin B12, magnesium, CoQ10, and other essential nutrients may affect overall health.' The Scale of the Issue 48% of the UK population takes medication regularly, with the NHS spending £10 billion annually on prescriptions. 40% of adults aged 16+ have at least one long-term condition, increasing their likelihood of polypharmacy and nutrient depletion. Medications can reduce appetite, interfere with absorption, alter metabolism, and increase nutrient excretion, leading to deficiencies that may go unnoticed for months or years. The recent NDNS - 2019 to 2023 report that has just come out in the last few weeks shows that: Folate and Vitamin B12: Folate and B12 are already low, particularly in women, and widely depleted by medications like metformin, SSRIs, oral contraceptives, and PPIs. Iron: NDNS has highlighted iron as a key public health issue, with many failing to meet the RDA, further to that PPIs, SSRIs, aspirin/NSAIDs – are all implicated in iron depletion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Vitamin D: A large proportion of the population are showing to be low in vitamin D, patients on SSRIs, oral contraceptives, or PPIs may see their status worsened. The Hidden Impact of Common Medicines Collective research over the years shows that medication-induced nutrient depletion is not only underreported but may have far-reaching implications for public health. Phil Beard, qualified nutritionist at Viridian Nutrition highlights some of the major findings 'We've seen research confirm that nutrient losses caused by medications are often clinically significant yet remain unmonitored in standard healthcare practice. Findings suggest that common prescriptions can suppress appetite, interfere with digestion, and disrupt gut microbiota - further compounding nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, there are cumulative risks associated with polypharmacy, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions.' Some of the most common medications and associated deficiencies include: Medicine Primary Use Key Nutrient Depletions 1 Atorvastatin/Statins Cholesterol CoQ10, Vitamins A, D, E, K 2 PPIs/Omeprazole Acid reflux Magnesium, B12, Iron, Calcium, Zinc 3 Metformin Type 2 diabetes B12, Folate, CoQ10 4 Diuretics Hypertension Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, B1 5 SSRIs Antidepressants Folate, B12, Sodium, vitamin D, vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc, CoQ10 6 Beta-blockers Blood pressure CoQ10, Potassium 7 HRT / Oral Contraceptives Hormonal therapy B6, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Magnesium 8 Aspirin / NSAIDs Pain relief Folate, Vitamin C, B12, Iron NHS GP Dr Siobhan Brennan urges healthcare professionals and patients to address this issue: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's very important for patients to take ownership and discuss any symptoms with their GP or pharmacist – especially if they appear months or years after starting a medication. With almost half the population taking medication regularly and polypharmacy rising, if we continue to overlook micronutrient depletion, we risk undermining the very treatments patients rely on. Patients can ask for an annual review -incorporating both medication and nutritional assessments - to help prevent avoidable side effects such as fatigue, cognitive decline, and musculoskeletal problems.' New Patient Guidance Available To close the knowledge gap, Dr Siobhan Brennan has collaborated with nutritionists at Viridian to publish Medication + Nutrition - a concise, evidence-based guide linking common medications with their documented nutrient losses and recommended counter measures. The guide is available free of charge from independent health stores. More information is available online at Pharmacist and GP advice: Schedule an annual medication review with your GP or pharmacist. If you have concerns, your GP may organise specific tests to check for deficiencies in key nutrients. You can also do this privately to check nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, magnesium and folate levels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Visit your local independent health store for supplement advice. Keep a diary to monitor your symptoms and talk about them with your health practitioner and prioritise a wholefood diet rich in varied, colourful plants (aim for 30 different varieties weekly) to maximise nutrient intake. Consider a multivitamin. Although not a substitute for a healthy and varied diet, opting for a clean formulation multivitamin (without fillers, binders and other additives) will provide a good foundation level of core vitamins and minerals. Check with your GP on whether this is right for you. Visit
Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Common medicines could be depleting vital nutrients, experts warn
User (UGC) Submitted With nearly a billion prescriptions issued annually in England , and almost half the population taking medication regularly, mounting evidence suggests that many of the UK's most frequently prescribed drugs may interfere with the body's ability to absorb, utilise, or retain essential vitamins and minerals - potentially causing side effects and negatively impacting health Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition has joined with NHS GP, Dr Siobhan Brennan to raise awareness of the challenges patients face and highlight the common medication and nutrients which are impacted. 'Medicines have transformed our healthcare and are necessary for many people, but patients are often unaware of their impact on nutrition and how this can make them feel worse,' explains Siobhan. 'Nutrient depletion is very rarely listed as a side effect and it's hard to make the connection because it can happen slowly over time.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Drug - nutrient interactions are often overlooked in routine prescribing,' confirms Registered Pharmacist Gurdeep Nanra. 'While dosage and side effects are monitored, the long-term impact of certain medications on nutrient levels is rarely discussed. Over time, deficiencies in Vitamin B12, magnesium, CoQ10, and other essential nutrients may affect overall health.' The Scale of the Issue 48% of the UK population takes medication regularly, with the NHS spending £10 billion annually on prescriptions. 40% of adults aged 16+ have at least one long-term condition, increasing their likelihood of polypharmacy and nutrient depletion. Medications can reduce appetite, interfere with absorption, alter metabolism, and increase nutrient excretion, leading to deficiencies that may go unnoticed for months or years. The recent NDNS - 2019 to 2023 report that has just come out in the last few weeks shows that: Folate and Vitamin B12: Folate and B12 are already low, particularly in women, and widely depleted by medications like metformin, SSRIs, oral contraceptives, and PPIs. Iron: NDNS has highlighted iron as a key public health issue, with many failing to meet the RDA, further to that PPIs, SSRIs, aspirin/NSAIDs – are all implicated in iron depletion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Vitamin D: A large proportion of the population are showing to be low in vitamin D, patients on SSRIs, oral contraceptives, or PPIs may see their status worsened. The Hidden Impact of Common Medicines Collective research over the years shows that medication-induced nutrient depletion is not only underreported but may have far-reaching implications for public health. Phil Beard, qualified nutritionist at Viridian Nutrition highlights some of the major findings 'We've seen research confirm that nutrient losses caused by medications are often clinically significant yet remain unmonitored in standard healthcare practice. Findings suggest that common prescriptions can suppress appetite, interfere with digestion, and disrupt gut microbiota - further compounding nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, there are cumulative risks associated with polypharmacy, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions.' Some of the most common medications and associated deficiencies include: Medicine Primary Use Key Nutrient Depletions 1 Atorvastatin/Statins Cholesterol CoQ10, Vitamins A, D, E, K 2 PPIs/Omeprazole Acid reflux Magnesium, B12, Iron, Calcium, Zinc 3 Metformin Type 2 diabetes B12, Folate, CoQ10 4 Diuretics Hypertension Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, B1 5 SSRIs Antidepressants Folate, B12, Sodium, vitamin D, vitamin A, C, calcium, zinc, CoQ10 6 Beta-blockers Blood pressure CoQ10, Potassium 7 HRT / Oral Contraceptives Hormonal therapy B6, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Magnesium 8 Aspirin / NSAIDs Pain relief Folate, Vitamin C, B12, Iron NHS GP Dr Siobhan Brennan urges healthcare professionals and patients to address this issue: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's very important for patients to take ownership and discuss any symptoms with their GP or pharmacist – especially if they appear months or years after starting a medication. With almost half the population taking medication regularly and polypharmacy rising, if we continue to overlook micronutrient depletion, we risk undermining the very treatments patients rely on. Patients can ask for an annual review -incorporating both medication and nutritional assessments - to help prevent avoidable side effects such as fatigue, cognitive decline, and musculoskeletal problems.' New Patient Guidance Available To close the knowledge gap, Dr Siobhan Brennan has collaborated with nutritionists at Viridian to publish Medication + Nutrition - a concise, evidence-based guide linking common medications with their documented nutrient losses and recommended counter measures. The guide is available free of charge from independent health stores. More information is available online at Pharmacist and GP advice: Schedule an annual medication review with your GP or pharmacist. If you have concerns, your GP may organise specific tests to check for deficiencies in key nutrients. You can also do this privately to check nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, magnesium and folate levels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Visit your local independent health store for supplement advice. Keep a diary to monitor your symptoms and talk about them with your health practitioner and prioritise a wholefood diet rich in varied, colourful plants (aim for 30 different varieties weekly) to maximise nutrient intake. Consider a multivitamin. Although not a substitute for a healthy and varied diet, opting for a clean formulation multivitamin (without fillers, binders and other additives) will provide a good foundation level of core vitamins and minerals. Check with your GP on whether this is right for you.
