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Possible side effects of antidepressants

Health
Possible side effects of antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescribed treatment options that are used to treat symptoms of depression. However, like any medical treatment, there are some side effects that follow after every use. While some side effects are normal, there could be some serious complications that the doctor may notice, in which case they may need to change the prescription accordingly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these possible after-effects of antidepressants to ensure there are no adverse health obstacles.

Common side effects
Commonly observed side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, headache, diarrhea or constipation, experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling tired, experiencing tremors, increased sweating, and also encountering sexual problems. However, not everyone may experience all of these side effects at once, and some may not experience any at all. It has also been noticed that some of these side effects may disappear within a couple of weeks after beginning the treatment plan. To be on a safer side, it is important to have a detailed conversation with the doctor to understand what to expect when starting antidepressants as part of the daily routine.

Less common side effects
These are some of the other side effects which are not very common but are triggered due to the intake of certain antidepressants as part of the treatment plan.

Bleeding
Sometimes, people experience easy bruising and nosebleeds due to certain types of treatment options that affect the ability of platelets to clot, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. Additionally, individuals with a history of gut health issues or bleeding may be at higher risk of experiencing such complications.

Decreased sodium levels
In some cases, the use of antidepressants can   adversely cause a negative effect on the levels of sodium in the body. When this happens, it results in a condition known as hyponatremia. This condition is mostly prevalent in older adults. Symptoms of this condition include headache and confusion due to the low levels of sodium in the bloodstream. This is usually experienced in the first two to four weeks of treatment and may subside after this period. However, it is always advisable to speak to the doctor and communicate about the side effects, and if necessary, consider alternative courses of action to help manage these symptoms.

Apart from headache and confusion, other symptoms include drowsiness, exhaustion, vomiting, restlessness, crankiness, seizures, muscle cramps, weakness, spasms, and also nausea. It is essential to consult a health professional to discuss any concerns regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants. This discussion will help determine if the treatment needs to be altered or continued for a more extended period to allow the body to adjust. Some of the severe symptoms that may occur in the process include feeling exhausted and restless, experiencing psychosis, feeling disoriented or agitated, and even experiencing fits or seizures.

Serotonin syndrome
This is a condition that can lead to potential health risks and should be immediately discussed with a doctor. While it is uncommon, it is serious and is linked with specific treatment plans. This side effect usually occurs when two treatments are mixed, causing high levels of serotonin in the brain. Some of the symptoms of this condition may include muscle twitching, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, confusion, and agitation. In severe cases, the symptoms may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness.

Diabetes
Certain studies suggest that long-term use of specific antidepressants is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the studies are not conclusive; it is still part of the discussion and speculation. It is then advised to keep an eye out for observing symptoms related to diabetes and also look at potential health risks that lead to diabetes. This can help ensure that the bodily changes that occur during the treatment do not lead to other complicated health risks.

Importance of seeking help
Speaking to the doctor and a therapist is advised to help deal with the effects of these symptoms, as they can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. If you’re considering changing the treatment plan, it is best to consult with your doctor to determine the smoothest course of action. Do not hesitate to seek help from a loved one or a professional to cope with any unpleasant and negative thoughts.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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