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Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone

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Discover the Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone.

Trazodone is used in a wide variety of disorders, although it is an antidepressant.

Being depression one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and one of the major causes of disability, its treatment is a matter that the scientific community has taken into account for many years.

The suffering it generates requires sometimes immediate attention since it is one of the disorders with the highest risk of suicide and that generates the most pain both for the person and for those around him.

The treatment of depression is carried out from different areas, one of them being psychopharmacology.

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One of the drugs used in the treatment of depression is trazodone, which we are going to talk about in this article.

Trazodone: what type of substance is it?

Trazodone is a psychotropic drug classified within antidepressants, substances that generate a neurochemical change at the brain level, causing alterations in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin.

Among antidepressants, it is part and is the main representative of the group of serotonin-2A antagonists and reuptake inhibitors or SARIs, a type of atypical antidepressant.

This drug was designed in Italy in 1966 under the assumption that depression could be based on the existence of low thresholds regarding the perception of pain and suffering, being the product of the lack of integration of aversive experiences.

Trazodone has proven to be an efficient and effective drug in the treatment of depression, reducing passivity and inactivity, as well as the discomfort and suffering associated with said ailment, and facilitating an increase in mood.

However, in addition to this, it also has an anxiolytic and tranquilizing action.

This substance is considered a second-generation antidepressant, along with specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with which it shares part of its mechanism of action, and different dual antidepressants.

Trazodone is sometimes considered to be dual as it has two different effects, although they focus on the same neurotransmission system, compared to the rest, and in addition to an antidepressant effect, it also has calming effects.

How does it work? Mechanism of action of the drug

As we have indicated previously, trazodone is classified as SARI, having a somewhat special mechanism of action among the rest of antidepressants.

Trazodone acts at the serotonergic system level (like most antidepressants) in two specific ways.

In the first place, this substance produces a blockage of brain serotonin reuptake, in such a way that said neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic space for a longer time.

This supposes that it has an agonist effect on the synthesis and maintenance of serotonin at the brain level, it increases its levels (which are decreased during the depression and this is something that correlates with the decrease in the mood).

The aforementioned mechanism of action is the one used by SSRIs, which is why these and trazodone are related and sometimes the latter is included among the first.

However, trazodone has a second effect that differentiates it from other drugs, and that seems contrary to the previous mechanism of action.

And it is also that it acts as an antagonist of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, preventing or hindering these receptors from being activated.

This second aspect is what makes trazodone have a slightly different profile and effects than other antidepressants.

Regarding its interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, it does not present great anticholinergic effects, something that has made this drug a better option than tricyclics (although the doses must also be regulated) in patients with cerebrovascular and cardiac pathology and dementias.

However, it must be taken into account that it can generate arrhythmias.

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It also has a minor effect on the adrenergic (blocking some receptors) and histaminergic systems, something that can lead to the generation of side effects.

Main indications

The main indication for trazodone is obviously, as an antidepressant that it is, major depression. Its effectiveness is also high in those depressions that appear together with anxiety symptoms.

Its clinical utility has also been observed in other disorders in which there are components of anxiety or that are based on it, such as generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or bulimia.

In addition to this, it has also been observed to be useful for the treatment of substance addictions, being a good alternative for patients with withdrawal syndrome to benzodiazepines, and in the treatment of alcoholism (including the presence of delirium tremens).

Another of its indications is insomnia, which is effectively reduced by increasing sleep time without greatly affecting the deep sleep phase.

Although in general, most antidepressants can have the presence of erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems as a side effect, this effect does not usually occur in trazodone, which seems to generate an increase in libido and is even used as a treatment indicated in erectile dysfunction.

Finally, trazodone has been applied (largely for its relaxing properties) in some cases of schizophrenia, motor problems such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, the presence of manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and the behavioral disorders of Alzheimer’s. although a greater amount of study is required regarding the latter.

On a medical level, it has also been used as a sedative in HIV-infected patients and diabetic neuropathies, as well as in other disorders that cause pain such as fibromyalgia. It has a very slight effect at the level of muscle relaxant.

Side effects and contraindications

Trazodone is a very useful drug that has been used in multiple pathologies and disorders, both mental and medical.

However, it can have undesirable consequences in the form of side effects and is even contraindicated in some situations and pathologies.

Secondary symptoms, sedation, and fatigue, the presence of headaches, nausea, and vomiting, gastric disturbances (diarrhea or constipation), appetite disturbances, sweating, tremors (which may lead to seizures in some cases), are common. ringing, numbness, and vision problems.

In some cases, it can also cause chest and muscle pain, altered consciousness, breathing problems, and arrhythmias. Like other antidepressants, trazodone can also contribute to the genesis of suicidal ideation in the first moments of use.

Although, unlike other antidepressants, it does not seem to generate contributes to improving cases of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems, the use of trazodone has been observed and associated with the appearance of priapism, erections that do not disappear on their own. alone and that cause pain to those who suffer from them (which may require urgent and even surgical treatment).

Although it is sometimes used in dementias and has a lower risk than tricyclics of generating heart problems, it requires a high degree of caution in its use and dosage carefully prescribed by the doctor, since it can generate arrhythmias.

It is contraindicated in patients who have just suffered a heart attack, as well as in those with liver or kidney disease.

Caution should be exercised in subjects with bipolarity because if the medication is not regulated, the consumption of trazodone can cause a shift from depressive to manic phase.

It is also contraindicated in people who have suffered from priapism or have Peyronie’s disease.

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Finally, it must be taken into account that trazodone can be excreted in breast milk and transmitted through the placenta so that pregnant and lactating women have contraindicated its use.

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Serious side effects of topamax

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Discover the serious side effects of Topamax

One of the medicines used to treat seizures in adults is Topamax, the active substance of which is topiramate.

The taking of this drug should always be done under medical prescription and with the corresponding prescription, as well as it is essential to follow the instructions regarding the dosage indicated by the specialist.

To learn more about Topamax along with its indications, use, and side effects, keep reading this article.

What is Topamax for

Topamax is a topiramate-based drug used to treat seizures in adults and children older than 2 years.

This anticonvulsant is administered in the event of partial seizures with or without secondary generalization or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

It should be noted that this drug is also used to prevent migraine, although not as a treatment to alleviate them.

Warnings about Topamax

Taking Topamax should always be prescribed by a doctor and it will be necessary to notify your doctor beforehand in case of:

•glaucoma or other eye problems

•kidney disease, kidney stones, or dialysis

•breathing problems

•mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts or attempts

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•liver disease

•osteoporosis, osteomalacia

•growth disorders

•be taking lithium

•suffer from diarrhea

•being lactose or sucrose intolerant

•It is also not recommended to take Topamax by pregnant or lactating women, as this drug can cause fetal harm or be excreted through breast milk.

Likewise, you should never drink alcohol while you are being treated with Topamax, as the side effects can be very serious.

Side effects of Topamax

Different side effects derived from taking Topamax have been described, so you should go or notify your doctor quickly if you feel any of the symptoms described below:

•Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat.

•Sudden changes in mood or behavior

•Anxiety and/or panic attacks

•Difficulty to sleep

•Irritation, agitation, and hyperactivity (mentally or physically)

•Depression or thoughts of killing yourself or hurting yourself

•Numbness or tingling in the extremities

•Headache, tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness

•Changes in taste

•Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite or weight

•Quick back and forth movements in your eyes.

Likewise, it should be noted that these are not only the adverse effects that Topamax can cause, so you should consult your doctor in case of any other type of alteration or symptom.

This article is merely informative, we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis.

We invite you to go to a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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18 benefits of peanuts during pregnancy

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Discover the 18 benefits of peanuts during pregnancy.

Peanuts during pregnancy can be very beneficial for future mothers and their fetuses. Peanuts are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that are great for pregnancy, which you can’t miss.

You must remember that pregnancy is a wonderful gift that only women can experience.

Being pregnant is like a noble job ordained directly by God for women, something that men could not do on their own. During pregnancy, the fetus magically grows inside the woman’s womb until the baby is born into the world.

To ensure the optimal development of the fetus before it is born, mothers must consume highly nutritious food because it is the only way the fetus can obtain food.

When it comes to the list of foods that mothers should consume during pregnancy, the list will be endless, but you could consider the benefits of peanuts during pregnancy, as peanuts

Peanut Nutritional Values

Peanuts are considered a healthy snack. However, this does not mean that you can consume without knowing the nutrients that peanuts contain.

By knowing the nutrients contained in peanuts, you can measure the number of peanuts needed during pregnancy, since surely the needs of each one are different from those of others.

Serving Size: 100 grams

Energy 567 kcal – 29%.

Carbohydrates 16.13 g – 12%.

Protein 25.8g – 46%.

Total fat 49.24 g – 165%.

Dietary fiber 8.5g – 22%.

Folate 240 µg – 60%.

Niacin 12mg – 75%.

Pantothenic acid 1,767 mg – 35%.

Pyridoxine 0.348 mg – 27%.

Riboflavin 0.135 mg – 10%.

Thiamine 0.64 mg – 53%.

Vitamin E 8.33mg – 55%.

Calcium 92mg – 9%.

Copper 1,144 mg – 127%.

Iron 4.58mg – 57%.

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Magnesium 168mg – 42%.

Manganese 1,934 mg – 84%.

Phosphorus 76 mg – 54%.

Selenium 7.2 µg – 13%.

Zinc 3.27mg – 30%.

Sodium 18mg

Potassium 705mg – 15%.

From the table above, surely you have a general idea of the number of peanuts you could consume daily.

The key is to consume it in moderation, but sometimes it is necessary to ensure that the daily intake of a certain nutrient can be met to ensure optimal development of the fetus.

18 Benefits of Peanut During Pregnancy

Below are the benefits of peanuts during pregnancy that will give you reasons why you should add this healthy and delicious snack to your daily diet.

1.- Excellent source of folate

During pregnancy it is highly recommended to consume foods rich in folate and peanuts are one of them.

For every 100 grams of peanuts, approximately 60% of the daily intake of folate could be covered. It is common knowledge that folate is essential for fetal development, especially early in the trimester.

2.- Natural source of vegetable protein

Protein is essential for a mother during pregnancy and 100 grams of peanuts contains enough protein to meet the daily intake.

3.- Prevents birth defects

The birth defect can occur when the development of the fetus is disturbed or when there are insufficient nutrients to support development.

Peanuts are packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for pregnancy like folate to support optimal growth and minerals like iron and calcium to make sure there is enough red blood cell stock.

4.- Promotes optimal brain development

It is great food for the brain. During pregnancy, the fetus receives nourishment from the mother, and the folate consumed by the mother is not only beneficial to the mother, but also the developing brain of the fetus.

If you want to have a healthy and smart baby, eat peanuts during pregnancy.

5.- Source of calories for the mother

Each mother’s calorie needs may be different, but calories are essential for increased energy.

During pregnancy, a mother may suffer from fatigue and get tired easily. To help boost energy, peanuts can help restore it.

6.- Contains healthy fats

Not all fats are bad and peanuts do contain some healthy fats that are great for the mother during pregnancy.

Healthy fats are great for promoting a healthy heart, as mothers are at high risk for high blood pressure during pregnancy.

7.- Reduces the risk of allergic diseases

Recent studies have indicated that mothers who consume peanuts during pregnancy may reduce the risk of allergic diseases.

Not only allergic foods such as peanuts but also other types of allergies such as asthma.

8.- Helps control blood pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy could be fatal for both the mother and the fetus. That is why it is very important to always keep your blood pressure under control.

To help control blood pressure, adding peanuts to your daily diet is highly recommended because basically, peanuts are great for your heart.

9.- Prevents gestational diabetes

On the table, it was seen that peanuts are quite rich in manganese. This mineral has an important role in regulating blood sugar levels during pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes. Additionally, manganese also promotes optimal calcium absorption.

10.- Fight depression

During pregnancy, the mother is at risk of stress and depression. Well, some studies have shown that mothers who eat peanuts are much happier than those who don’t. So whenever she feels stressed, she snacks on peanuts.

11.- Decreases the risk of weight gain

Obesity during pregnancy is never good for both mother and baby. That’s why managing your weight is so important peanuts, while they do contain fat and calories, fats are healthy fats and packed with other nutrients that may help you control calories.

12.- Promotes skin health during pregnancy

One of the problems that every mother has to deal with during pregnancy is the skin problem.

Although they are prohibited from using cosmetics due to their chemical content, they could manage their skin problem just by consuming peanuts. Vitamin E and antioxidants will help prevent all skin conditions.

13.- Source of vitamin E

Vitamin E is the reason why a pregnant mother should look good. Vitamin E promotes skin health and makes sure that there is no such skin condition that the mother has to face.

Therefore, they could focus on her pregnancy instead of giving birth to a healthy baby.

14.- Great source of omega 3 fatty acids

If you think that fish is not your friend during pregnancy but you know that you need a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, you could replace fish with peanuts because they contain quite high healthy fats.

15.- Excellent source of vitamin B complex

In the table above you can see the high content of vitamin B found in peanuts per 100 grams. Most of them could satisfy almost half of the daily intake of vitamin B.

16.- Contains powerful antioxidants

Antioxidants are not only a solution against cancer, but during pregnancy, antioxidants could help the mother to maintain her immune system so that she doesn’t get sick easily.

17.- Rich in minerals

Looking for a quick fix to meet your daily mineral intake during pregnancy, peanuts are the answer.

You could see the nutritional table above about the value of minerals found in peanuts. 100 grams of peanuts are capable of satisfying half of the daily intake of minerals that your body needs.

18.- Super healthy sandwich

Well, during pregnancy you need to make sure that you consume enough food to ensure the optimal development of the fetus. Add peanuts to your daily diet because they are the super healthy snack that everyone loves.

Peanut Precautions

Peanuts may be packed with vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that are beneficial during pregnancy.

The list of benefits of peanuts during pregnancy mentioned above are scientifically proven facts. However, there are still some precautions about peanuts that you should be aware of as well.

Allergic reaction is one of the common things that can happen when peanuts are consumed. If a mother has ever been diagnosed as allergic to peanuts, she should not eat them.

Some studies also claim, that too many peanuts consumed during pregnancy could increase the risk of allergic reaction to the baby when they were born. Therefore, it is better to consume it in moderate amounts.

Peanut butter can be delicious, but it is recommended to consume it in its real form, as peanut butter has been through some processing and care must be taken with the amount of refined sugar in peanut butter.

Be careful with salty peanut snacks too because they can be delicious to eat during pregnancy, but salt contains sodium that could increase your blood pressure level. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be fatal.

Peanuts are healthy snacks that mothers can add to their daily diet, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when morning sickness is at its worst.

Just by eating peanuts as a snack, you could at least ensure that the baby inside your womb is still getting the nutrients that she needs to develop.

However, you need to keep in mind the precautions mentioned above if you want to reap the full benefits of peanuts during pregnancy and not the other way around.

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Health benefits of pumpkin flower for eyesight

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