Aug 24, 2009

Things you should know: Medicinal side effects

Seeking out medical attention is often a last resort for the person struggling with suicide. It is important that when doing so, one informs themselves as much as they can about the side effects of any medicines prescribed to them.

Medicines should be used with caution. It is important to enter into any doctor appointment with knowledge to make an informed decision about how to aid in your health and see to it that your needs are being met properly.

It is always assumed that the doctor knows best, but the truth of the matter is, they don't always know and they can't know if one doesn't speak up and out towards one's own healing. Taking responsibility plays a key role and one of the ways to find success in combating suicide is knowing what questions to ask.

Here is a list of medications that are usually prescribed for suicide/depression along with their adverse effects.

* This in not intended to disuade anyone from taking medicines that could prove to be beneficial. This is provided as a guideline to help one be aware of changes that can hinder one's healing. If symptoms appear, or persist after a period of time, the doctor should be consulted.

Tricyclic antidepressants: An antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain.

Generic Name /Trade Name:

Amitriptyline ------Elavil
Amoxepine ------Asendin
Clomipramine ------Anafranil
Desipramine ------Norpramin
Dioxepin ------Sinequan
Imipramine -----Tofranil
Maprotiline ------Ludiomil
Nortripyline ------Aventyl
Trimipramine ------Surmontil

*Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's)
Fluexetine --------Prozac
Fluvoxamine -----Luvox
Paroxetine --------Paxil
Sertraline ---------Zoloft
Vanlafaxine -------Effexor
Nefazodene --------Serzone

More about SSRI's:
http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris/menu-id-68/

*Brand name: ZOLOFT *

Zoloft effects chemicals in the brain that become imbalanced and can cause many syptoms including obsessive-compulsive symptoms- which it is sometimes used to treat.

Studies strongly support that this drug potentially increases suicidal tendencies in children and adults when prescribed to treat depression.

An FDA facts sheet should be issued to all patients who have been prescribed this drug.

Side effects:

Suicidal thoughts/attempts
mania/hypomania
panic attacks/severe restlessness
agitation/hostility/irritability
impulsive behaviour

IMPORTANT NOTE: This drug has been reported to have painful withdrawl symptoms which include:

Jolting "zaps"
Dizziness
motor instability
extreme nausea
high fever
abdominal discomfort
flu like symptoms
anxiety
aggression
insomnia
nightmares
aggression
tremors
siezures
confusion

*This medication should not be taken during pregnancy. Birth defects and serious side effects have occured.

For more information please see the following link:

http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/drug-toxic_chemicals/zoloft-side-effects.htm

Strict rules for taking Zoloft
: http://www.drugs.com/zoloft.html

*Brand name: Prozac *

Side effects:

nausea
digestive problems
fatique
sexual side effects/loss of libido
mania
insomnia

Withdrawl symptoms include headaches

*Brand name: Oxycotin*


Side effects:
Constipation
dizzyness
drowsiness
sleeplessness
nausea
weakness
headache

Highly addictive For further reading on side effects:
http://www.oxycodone-addiction.com/oxycodonesideeffects.html

FURTHER READING ON MEDICATION ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDES:

http://www.naturalnews.com/024289_drugs_medication_suicide.html

ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* If you decide that medication use is right for you, please inform a loved one, and provide them with a list of side effects so that they can be watchful of any changes in your emotional and mental health.

If you are able, have someone keep your medicines in a safe place, and perhaps take them with a witness, this is for your safety especially if you have attempted suicide before.