Health

Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2023

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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.

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.

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.

Health

Managing Chronic Pain: Integrative Techniques for Wellness

Published

3 weeks ago

April 4, 2024

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Understanding chronic pain and its various treatment options is essential for effective management.
Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep, can significantly influence chronic pain.
Integrative techniques, including medical treatments and complementary therapies, are vital in tackling pain holistically.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a persistent type of pain that can last for months or years and may be caused by various factors. In contrast to acute pain, it can continue even after the original injury has healed. Healthcare professionals evaluate a patient’s self-reported pain level and the impact it has on their daily activities to address the complexity of chronic pain. When the underlying cause is unknown, multidisciplinary approaches are necessary to relieve pain.

The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Pain Management

In the quest for relief, many find solace in discovering a reputable pain clinic near me that employs a range of treatment options. Diet and chronic pain have a significant, if not entirely understood, relationship. Pro-inflammatory foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars tend to exacerbate inflammation, potentially intensifying pain. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, greens, nuts, and seeds may help reduce inflammation and, as a result, pain. Consistent hydration and balanced meals can support the body’s natural coping mechanisms. Creating a personalized diet plan with a nutritionist or dietician can be a proactive step in managing chronic pain through lifestyle. Being physically active is critical to managing chronic pain.

Medical Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief

Medications often serve as the first line of defense in chronic pain management. NSAIDs, for example, are commonly used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties. Caution must be taken, especially with more robust, potentially habit-forming medications such as opioids; these should only be used when necessary and with a strict plan for monitoring and tapering. Furthermore, patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Beyond pharmacological measures, interventional treatments like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation offer non-surgical pain relief for various conditions. In some cases, these targeted procedures may provide lengthy periods of relief and help patients engage in physical therapy and rehabilitation more effectively.

With chronic pain being such a dynamic and individualized issue, research into new therapeutic methods is ongoing. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and stem cell injections are emerging as potential alternatives. They focus on repairing damaged tissues and reducing pain naturally. However, consulting with experienced pain management specialists before considering these advanced options is essential.

Psychological Approaches to Pain Management

Chronic pain has deep psychological and emotional roots in addition to physical causes. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address the thought patterns that can worsen pain perception and decrease the quality of life. Patients can learn to change these thoughts, engage in positive behaviors, and develop strategies to manage setbacks in their pain journey. Biofeedback is a technique that measures and provides real-time data on bodily functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. It helps patients gain voluntary control over these functions, and mastering such autonomic processes can improve pain management and give a greater sense of personal power.

Emotional well-being is integral to pain management, as negative emotions can intensify pain perception. Healthcare providers may recommend therapy sessions to address the psychological impacts of chronic pain, helping individuals cope with associated feelings of frustration, depression, or isolation. These therapeutic approaches highlight the importance of treating chronic pain as a comprehensive, biopsychosocial condition.

Navigating the Healthcare System

The complexity of healthcare systems can add a layer of stress for those managing chronic pain. Advocacy is critical. Patients must feel empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding their care. Understanding how health insurance works, what treatments are covered, and how to access necessary medications is imperative. Healthcare professionals can also be invaluable allies in helping patients navigate these systems and ensure that they receive appropriate and timely care.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pain Management

As we learn more about pain, there is hope for better pain management through new treatments and technologies. For example, virtual reality therapies can help distract patients from pain and reduce its intensity by immersing them in relaxing environments. Scientists are also exploring innovations in pharmaceuticals, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat chronic pain more effectively. Additionally, personalized medicine, which considers an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is set to revolutionize pain management.

Health

Benefits of guava leaves Sensually

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2024

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Table of Contents

Benefits of guava for Sensualty
Guava is a tropical fruit with a very particular sweet and sour taste. Known for being an excellent fighter against cancer, this fruit can also help you in the area of your relationship. Guava leaves is said to improve Sensuality, do you want to know why?
Table of Contents
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- Benefits of guava for Sensuality
  - Guava leaf tea recipe
  - Guava Juice Recipe
Benefits of guava for Sensuality

To begin with, guava contains a large amount of vitamin C, which allows the Sensual glands to function perfectly. On the other hand, it is rich in antioxidants, which prevent diseases of all kinds, including Sensual ones.

We can not only consume the fruit itself but also the leaves of the plant since they contain analgesic properties – with pain there is no good relation – and anti-inflammatory properties – for example, inflammation of the prostate can cause a variety of Sensual dysfunctions in men. , beyond the clear health problems.

The leaves also contain antioxidant properties that fulfill the same function as those of the fruit.

Copper, one of the nutritional elements that guava provides, improves the production and absorption of all hormones in the body, including Sensual ones.
As if that were not enough, magnesium allows us to be more relaxed, both muscularly and mentally: we already know that stress decreases libido and generates other Sensual problems.Without a doubt, guava is an aphrodisiac: it stimulates blood circulation in the genital area, making it easier to have and maintain an erection in the case of men, as well as increasing arousal and sensitivity to touch in women. All of this makes it easier to have an orgasm.Although it is a fruit that is not recommended to consume as a natural remedy during pregnancy and lactation, there is no chance that it will have any adverse reaction or interaction with other medications or herbal remedies. It is recommended not to eat guava on an empty stomach, as it can be a bit heavy.

Guava leaf tea recipe

You need:

30g guava leaves

2 glasses of water
Sweetener to taste (can be honey)InstructionsHeat the glasses of water together with the leaves and boil for 20 minutes over low heat.
Let cool and strain the leaves.

Sweeten and serve.

Guava Juice Recipe

To make a guava juice to improve Sensuality you will need the following ingredients:
• 1 cup guava peeled and chopped• 1 spoon of sugar• ½ cup cold water
• Ice cubes

• grated ginger (optional)

Place all ingredients except ice in a blender until smooth. Filter well and add a few ice cubes to make it cooler.
If you want you can strain it, put it back in the blender with the ice, and make a kind of granita. You can also add frozen berries instead of ice to have a juice with a particular flavor.If you want to make a smoothie, you will need:• 1 ½ cup guava juice
• 5 tablespoons of coconut milk

• 1 ½ cup vanilla ice cream

Place everything in a blender and beat, it will be left with a thicker consistency and a smoother flavor. Serve very cold.

Health

9 Health Benefits of Consumption Loquat

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

- Origins and related species
Loquat types
Description and ecology
Cultivation and uses
How to eat loquat fruit
9 Health Benefits Of Consuming Medlar
Precautions
- Related
Loquat or commonly called medlar, scientifically known as Mespilus germánica, is a large shrub or small tree and named after the fruit of this tree.
The fruit has been cultivated since Roman times and is unusual in being available in winter, and in being eaten when marked.

It is eaten raw and in a variety of dishes. When the genus Mespilus is included in the genus Crataegus, the correct name for this species is Crataegus Germanica Kuntze.

If you’ve ever been walking through south-central China and stumbled across a small evergreen shrub or tree with bright orange fruit, then perhaps you are familiar with the medlar.

Scientifically known as Eriobotrya japonica, the medlar is popularly grown for its fruit, due to its delicious sour taste, sweet flesh, and delicious juices.

Pear-shaped and slightly larger than a plum, the taste of loquat fruit has been likened to a cross between mango and peach.

This particular type of fruit may be native to China, but it became naturalized in Japan over a millennium ago and has spread to other countries in Asia, the Middle East, North America, South America, and the Mediterranean region.

The medlar fruit is used to make jams and jellies and is also eaten in its plain or dried form.

The leaves of the plant have also been found to be beneficial when dried and brewed into tea, which is a popular traditional remedy in Japan.

Poultices and ointments can also be made from the crushed leaves, and when applied topically to wounds and pains.

Loquat fruits and leaves include pectin, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making them very effective in increasing overall human health.

Origins and related species

Despite its Latin name, or the scientific Germanic Mespilus meaning German or Germanic medlar, it is indigenous to Southwest Asia and also Southeastern Europe, especially the Black Sea coasts of Bulgaria and modern Turkey.

It may have been cultivated for as long as 3,000 years. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo refers to epsilon in Geographica, Book 16, Chapter 4.

The flower has long sepals that remain on the fruit. Flower bud showing petals and sepals Flower bud. The sepals are behind the petals.

Loquat types

Until recently, the Germanic Mespilus was the only known species of the medlar. However, in 1990, a new species was discovered in North America, now called Mespilus canescens.

The medlar (Eriobotrya japonica), is more distantly related than genera such as Crataegus, Amelanchier, Peraphyllum, and Malacomeles, but was thought to be closely related, and is still known as the “Japanese medlar.”

From an extensive study of the literature and plant specimens, Kazimierz Borowicz concluded that the true homeland of the medlar (Mespilus germanica) is only in the south-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, in Asia Minor, in the Caucasus, Crimea, northern Iran, and possibly Turkmenistan as well.

Description and ecology

The Medlar requires warm summers and mild winters and preferably sunny, dry places and slightly acidic soils.

Under ideal circumstances, the deciduous plant grows up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall. In general, it is shorter and more shrub-like than a tree.

With a lifespan of 30-50 years, the medlar is quite short-lived. Its bark is grayish-brown in color with deep vertical cracks that form rectangular plates that tend to peel off.

The leaves are dark green and elliptical, 8-15 centimeters (3.1-5.9 inches) long and 3-5 centimeters (1.2-2.0 inches) wide. The leaves are thickly hairy (pubescent) underneath, turning red in autumn before falling off.

It is found in southern Europe, where it is generally rare. It is reported to have become naturalized in some forests in southeast England but is found in few gardens.

The flowers have five widely oval white petals. The flowers appear in late spring, they are hermaphroditic, pollinated by bees, and self-fertile. The flower is 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) wide.

The reddish-brown fruit is a pomace, 2-3 centimeters (0.79-1.18 inches) in diameter, with persistent, widely spreading sepals around a central pit, giving the fruit a ‘hollow’ appearance.

Cultivation and uses

The medlar was introduced to Greece around 700 BC and Rome around 200 BC. It was an important fruit plant during Roman and medieval times.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, however, it had been replaced by other fruits and is rarely cultivated today.

Loquat seeds are one of the few fruits that become edible in winter, making them an important tree for gardeners who want to have fruits available year-round.

Medlar plants can be grafted onto the rootstock of another species, for example, pear, quince, or hawthorn, to improve their performance in different soils.

Loquat fruits are tough and acidic, but become edible after being softened, ‘scored’, frozen, or stored naturally long enough.

Once softening begins, the skin quickly takes on a wrinkled texture and turns dark brown, and the inside is reduced to the consistency and flavor reminiscent of apple sauce.

This process can confuse newcomers with loquats, as a softened fruit looks as if it has gone bad. Once marked, the fruit can be eaten raw and is often eaten for dessert, or used to make loquat jelly.

They are used in “Níspero cheese,” which is similar to lemon curd, which is made from fruit pulp, eggs, and butter. Medlar cultivars grown for its fruit include ‘Hollandia’, ‘Nottingham’ and ‘Russian’, the large-fruited variety ‘Dutch’ (also known as’ Giant ‘or’ Monsters’), ‘Royal’, ‘Giant of Breda ‘and’ great Russian ‘.

How to eat loquat fruit

What you don’t get is a lot to eat from each medlar (they contain several pretty chunky stones, the “nuggets” just don’t paint the right picture) and my favorite way to eat them is to scoop the meat straight from the fruit with a spoon.

It is a delicacy with wine, port, or cheese. You can also mix the pulp with sugar and cream, but I think this reduces its flavor. Adding it to yogurt for breakfast is a delight.

Medlars are probably best known, however, for being turned into gelatin or cheese, when the fruits are cooked whole and passed through a sieve.

You’ll need a fair number to make more than just a small glass, but the fun will be getting your friends to guess what it’s about.

9 Health Benefits Of Consuming Medlar

Let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of loquat.

1.- Reduce blood pressure

One of the many nutrients found in good condition within the medlar is potassium, which acts as a vasodilator for the cardiovascular system.

By reducing stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries, potassium can lower blood pressure and protect heart health.

Potassium is often considered a brain booster, due to increased blood flow to the capillaries in the brain, which can improve cognition.

2.- Prevents Diabetes

Loquat tea is often suggested as a means of preventing or treating diabetes, as it has been shown to lower blood sugar significantly in those who ingest it regularly.

The unique organic compounds found in loquat tea are capable of regulating insulin and glucose levels, helping to protect the body against diabetes.

Also, for those suffering from diabetes, avoiding spikes and drops in blood sugar is crucial, and this tea can help.

3.- Reduces the risk of cancer

In the medlar, several antioxidants are beneficial for human health. Antioxidants are capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body that are generated as a natural by-product of cellular metabolism.

These molecules with their unpaired electrons can cause healthy cells to mutate, leading to chronic diseases, including cancer. Loquat tea has been specifically linked to lower rates of lung and oral cancer.

4.- Respiratory system

Expectorant substances are important in treating colds and other respiratory infections. Loquat tea is used as an expectorant, either when drunk or gargled, as it can cause coughing and expulsion of mucus and phlegm.

This is where bacteria can live and grow while exacerbating other symptoms, so removing it from your airways can help you feel better fast.

5.- Increases immunity

Medlar is a wonderful source of vitamin C, which is a key component of everyone’s immune system. Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defense against pathogens, and it also works as an antioxidant to prevent chronic diseases.

In addition, vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which helps the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body after illness or injury.

6.- Helps indigestion

Pectin is a particular type of dietary fiber found in loquat fruit, and it is often praised as a digestive aid.

Dietary fiber can accumulate stool and stimulate peristaltic movement, which helps with the regularity of bowel movements.

If you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, or other stomach disorders, dietary fiber can ease that inflammation and improve the health of your gut.

7.- Control cholesterol levels

Although the precise mechanism is not fully understood, research has directly linked loquat to lower cholesterol levels in those subjects who regularly consume fruit and tea.

This health benefit of medlar is very exciting, but also relatively unproven on a large scale, and studies to find out more are ongoing.

8.- Strengthens the bones

Loss of bone mineral density is a major problem for many people as they age, especially for women after menopause.

Fortunately, medlar has been shown to prevent loss of bone density in various parts of the body, due to its rich mix of vitamins, nutrients, and hormone-mimicking chemicals.

9.- Regulates the circulatory system

High levels of iron in a person’s diet are important if they want to avoid anemia and its brutal symptoms. Iron is found in high concentrations within the medlar, which is good news for your red blood cells.

Iron is a necessary part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygenated red blood cells throughout the body, boosting circulation. This can speed healing, increase energy, and ensure that all organ systems are working at full capacity!

Precautions

When we consume something in large quantities, it can be toxic for one reason or another, but when you consume too much loquat leaf extract (a concentrated form that is occasionally sold in health food or natural-origin stores), something strange happens.

People have reported toxic myopathy as a result, consisting of nonspecific pain and weakness. Consume the medlar and its derivatives in moderation.