Latest news with #SSRIs
New York Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- New York Times
How Exercise Fights Anxiety and Depression
When it comes to mental health, most treatments for conditions like depression or anxiety come with caveats. Medications work for some symptoms, but can exacerbate others. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for many patients, but not all. But there's one strategy that seems to work for most people and almost all experts endorse, and that's regular exercise. Decades of research have established that exercise has a positive effect on mental health. In studies of patients with mild to moderate depression, for example, a wide range of exercise regimens has been shown to be as effective as medications like SSRIs (though the best results generally involve a combination of the two). Moving regularly can improve sleep and reduce stress. While there's good evidence for the mental health benefits of exercising for about 45 minutes, three to five times per week, even just a few minutes of walking around the block can have positive effects. 'Is this walk going to do anything?' said Jennifer Heisz, an associate professor at McMaster University in Canada and the author of 'Move the Body, Heal the Mind.' 'Yes! The answer is yes. It'll do way more than you think.' Why is exercise good for mental health? It's hard to find a brain process that doesn't improve with regular movement. Exercise boosts blood flow, decreases inflammation and improves brain plasticity. It also triggers the release of many mood-boosting chemicals, including beta-endorphins and cannabinoids (which both play a role in the 'runner's high' feeling), norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Newsweek
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cat Jumps on Owner's Walking Pad, Hysterics at What Happens Next
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A black cat named Howie has become an unexpected internet sensation after a video of him sprinting on his owner's walking pad went viral. The clip, shared on TikTok in June under the username @meowyhowie, shows the feline from Austin, Texas, running at a steady 3.2 miles per hour on the walking pad, meowing loudly as his owner reassures him that he can stop, which he soon does. Felines can be incredibly fast; the best example is the cheetah, renowned for its ability to run at 60 miles per hour. While their domestic counterparts cannot reach this speed, they can however reach peaks of 30 miles per hour. The fastest breeds of all are the Abyssinian and Bengal, known for their athleticism and ability to navigate their surroundings at speed. When it comes to exercising, there is no set amount of exercise that should be carried out specifically for cats and kittens, but Warren House Veterinary Group suggests having at least two play sessions per day for 15 to 20 minutes. This short exercise will help reduce boredom, avoiding the famous "night zoomies" that cats often display, and keep them active. The best way to exercise for a cat include: pouncing; using toys that can be pounced on; climbing; having safe areas for felines to climb on, such as scratching posts; chasing; and long, feather-type toys. Batting is also another great choice, and rolling toys such as balls are good for this; and, last but not least, exploring, showing them new areas of the house or providing objects such as cardboard boxes or cat activity stands. Stock image: A cat sits on a home treadmill. Stock image: A cat sits on a home treadmill. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 9 million views and more than 1.5 million likes on the platform. One user, Maassgirl, commented: "He wants you to slow it down, cats are smarter than we think, he knows you control the speed." Sipuli91 posted: "Cats can actually get addicted to these and running wheels. That's how one of ours sounded like when she truly kicked into the running gear. Now she's busy protecting the wheel as her territory and p***** all over the living room while on SSRIs to try to stop the negative behavior caused by the wheel." Jay added: "This isn't safe for them. He could train too much and become an Olympic champion and never return home." Newsweek reached out to @meowyhowie for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Why 'Blue Space' Might Be the Secret to Health and Happiness
It's 3 p.m. and I am lying on my belly in the powder-soft sand on East Runton beach in Norfolk, England. A few steps away lie the rock pools—clusters of stone slick with neon-green seaweed, translucent shrimp darting between oily bladder wrack and ice-clear water reflecting the sun. Beyond that is the main event: the big blue sea, which is making great crunching sounds as the waves stretch and yawn. Later, I submerge myself, the water lukewarm and aqua-colored, salt and magnesium clinging to my skin. Wait, maybe this is how I should be living, I think dozily, just like every other Londoner as soon as they experience the good life for a fraction of a second. Maybe I've been getting it all wrong? It's no secret that the sea—being in it, by it, near it—has long been considered beneficial for our overall health. There's a reason that, in the 18th century, before things like SSRIs and therapy, women suffering from 'hysteria', a catch-all phrase for 'feeling bad', would be sent to coastal locales as a remedy. And we also just know anecdotally, don't we? After my recent weekend by the sea, I felt happier and healthier than I had done in months. My cortisol levels lowered, my skin cleared up, and I actually caught up on sleep without bolting awake at 7 a.m. with an unspecific feeling of unease. But why is the sea so healthy for us? And what does it say about how we should be living? The mental health benefits of being by water are well-documented. One extensive 2013 study on the effects of nature on happiness found that those living on the coast, or near bodies of water, otherwise known as 'blue spaces', were the happiest of all. Another 2016 study found that living near blue spaces lowered psychological distress. A more recent 2019 study found that, among low-earning households, those living in close proximity to the coast experienced better mental health than those who didn't. In fact, every study on the subject has pointed to the idea that even just seeing water—that brilliant blue, spread out and glistening—can make us feel less stressed. Sometimes even less stressed than green spaces—forests, etc—alone. The actual why is a little more complicated and multi-layered. One 2013 study found that the sound of waves relaxed people more than soothing music, so perhaps that is what's having an effect. On the flip-side, the World Health Organization cites traffic noise such as road, rail and air traffic as the second most important cause of ill health in western Europe behind air pollution. So it would make sense that the reverse—the absence of traffic noise—would have a favorable impact. And let's not forget that something as simple as fresh air, naturally high in oxygen and in abundance by the sea, has long been linked to better mental health more generally.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
UKHSA warns: How antidepressants and other drugs can raise your risk in hot weather
Summer sunshine feels great until your prescription starts working against you. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm: common medications can impair your ability to cope with hot weather, increasing risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke. And this isn't just an elder-living-in-a-care-home problem—it's for anyone in sunny conditions taking these meds. Normally, your body cools itself by sweating, adjusting blood flow near your skin, and maintaining fluid balance. But certain medications mess with these systems and can throw your internal thermostat off balance. Take diuretics and blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. These meds can dehydrate you by increasing urination, suppressing thirst, and limiting blood flow shifts. That means less sweating, less cooling—and less ability to roll with soaring temps. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) specifically calls out these drugs as raising your heat risk during warm spells. Then you've got mental health drugs—SSRI and TCA antidepressants, antipsychotics, and ADHD stimulants like methylphenidate. They can stop your body from sweating enough, boost your core temperature, and make it harder for your brain to detect overheating. Even antibiotics like doxycycline ramp up sun sensitivity, making a short walk outside unexpectedly scorching. Meanwhile, NSAIDs and some supplements put extra stress on your kidneys during dehydration—meaning your meds can make the heat hit harder than usual. When pills go off script in the heat It's not just about side effects. Heat itself can degrade medication. Insulin, and certain antibiotics can become less effective if stored above recommended temps—usually around 25°C. Picture leaving your insulin vials baking in a hot car or your pills in a backpack at the beach. The MHRA warns these medications can lose potency, or even become dangerously unstable. Heatproofing your health routine So what should you do if you're on these meds and the thermometer spikes? Start with storing meds properly. Keep them out of direct sunlight, avoid cars in midday heat, and check that bottles haven't changed color or texture. Know where your fridge's cooler spots are, and move meds into them when needed. Then there's personal heat readiness. Stay hydrated and don't wait until you're thirsty—those on diuretics or antihypertensives might not feel typical thirst signals. Look out for dizziness, headaches, confusion, or dark urine: classic heat-exhaustion signs. If you're on any meds that affect your body's heat response—SSRIs, beta-blockers, ADHD meds—think ahead. Limit outdoor time during peak sun hours from 11am to 3pm. Stick to light clothing, stay in shade, and chill out indoors when the heat's too much. Who's most at risk? This isn't just doom-saying. Heat-health alerts like the UK's yellow and amber warnings are being issued more frequently, and the public health impact is real. England recorded over 1,300 heat-related deaths last summer, and medicines were a big contributor. Elderly people, kids, those with chronic conditions, or anyone on multiple medications—especially those for blood pressure, mental health, or diabetes—are the most vulnerable. But if you enjoy festivals, outdoor work, or travel, heat and pills could pose overlooked hazards. A prescription for summer safety What if everyone had a 'heat plan' alongside their morning meds? The CDC suggests that clinicians discuss temporary dose adjustments, hydration plans, and clear hot-weather check-ins with high-risk patients. Likewise, the UKHSA encourages pharmacists and health professionals to proactively reach out ahead of heatwaves with leaflets, alerts, and storage guidance. Even simple moves—keeping extra water by your bed, storing meds in a cool place, or turning on the fan during midday—can make a big difference when the mercury rises. Heat is a drug amplifier If you're breezing out in the sun this summer, your medication isn't just a pill in a cabinet—it's part of how your body reacts to heat. The UKHSA really isn't joking when they stress the double-whammy of high temps and everyday meds. Because in sweltering summer, keeping cool is about more than comfort—it's about staying safe while on the meds that help you live your best life.
Time Business News
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Long-Acting ADHD Meds for Anxious Adult Patients
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children, but it also significantly affects adults. Many adults with ADHD also experience comorbid anxiety disorders, which can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. For this group of patients, managing symptoms effectively while minimizing anxiety is essential. One promising solution is the use of long-acting best adhd medication for adults with anxiety medications. These medications provide stable symptom control throughout the day with fewer mood swings, making them a favorable option for adults who are also struggling with anxiety. When choosing the right treatment for depression or anxiety, patients often weigh the benefits and side effects of different medications. Both of these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed and have proven effective for mood disorders. The choice between Zoloft vs Lexapro can depend on individual response, side effects, or coexisting conditions. While one may work better for generalized anxiety, the other might be preferred for major depression. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine which medication suits each person's unique needs, as both options offer relief but may differ in tolerability and onset of action. ADHD and anxiety disorders often co-occur in adults. In fact, it's estimated that nearly 50% of adults with ADHD also experience an anxiety disorder. These conditions can amplify one another: the inattention and disorganization caused by ADHD may increase stress levels, while anxiety can worsen the ability to focus and complete tasks. Treating both conditions at once can be challenging, especially when using stimulant medications, which can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. Therefore, choosing the right treatment is crucial to ensuring balanced mental health. Long-acting ADHD medications offer several benefits for anxious adult patients. Unlike short-acting versions, which may wear off in a few hours and cause a crash in mood or energy, long-acting medications provide a smoother, extended release of active ingredients. This consistent delivery helps reduce the peaks and valleys that can trigger anxiety or mood disturbances. For adults who work full-time or have complex daily responsibilities, these medications can maintain focus, organization, and emotional regulation throughout the day without the need for multiple doses. There are several long-acting ADHD medications available, many of which are formulated to release their active ingredient slowly over time. Commonly prescribed long-acting stimulants include Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall XR (amphetamine salts), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate). These medications can be effective for up to 10 to 14 hours, providing full-day symptom management. For patients sensitive to stimulants or prone to anxiety, non-stimulant options like Strattera (atomoxetine) or Qelbree (viloxazine) may be preferred, as they are less likely to increase nervousness or jitteriness. Vyvanse is a widely used long-acting stimulant that is often well-tolerated by anxious patients. Its mechanism of action involves the gradual conversion of the prodrug lisdexamfetamine into its active form, which leads to a more predictable and sustained effect. This gradual release can reduce the risk of a sudden onset of stimulant side effects such as irritability or restlessness. Because it has a lower potential for abuse and misuse, it's also considered a safer choice for long-term treatment in adults with a history of anxiety or mood instability. Strattera, or atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant medication approved for ADHD treatment in both children and adults. For anxious patients, Strattera can be particularly beneficial because it doesn't carry the same risk of increasing anxiety as stimulant medications might. It works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, which can help improve focus and attention without inducing the overstimulation that sometimes exacerbates anxiety. It typically takes several weeks to reach full effectiveness, but the trade-off may be worth it for those who need a gentler approach to symptom control. Qelbree (viloxazine) is a newer non-stimulant ADHD medication that has shown promise in managing symptoms in adults. Early studies suggest that it can help with inattention and hyperactivity without significantly raising anxiety levels. Its once-daily dosing and extended-release profile make it a convenient option for busy adults. Although it is not yet as commonly prescribed as other long-acting medications, Qelbree may become a go-to choice for patients who are unable to tolerate stimulants or who have significant comorbid anxiety. Treating adults with both ADHD and anxiety requires a nuanced approach. While stimulant medications are the most effective for core ADHD symptoms, they must be used cautiously in those prone to anxiety. Clinicians often start with lower doses and gradually increase as needed, closely monitoring anxiety levels. In some cases, a combination of medications may be necessary—such as using a long-acting stimulant alongside an anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant. Non-pharmacologic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) also play a key role in comprehensive care. Although long-acting ADHD medications are generally well-tolerated, they can still cause side effects, especially in sensitive individuals. Common side effects include insomnia, appetite suppression, elevated heart rate, and increased anxiety. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor for these issues and adjust the dosage or medication as needed. Patients are encouraged to keep a symptom journal to track their response and communicate any concerns with their doctor. Long-acting ADHD medications offer a valuable option for adults dealing with both ADHD and anxiety. With their stable release mechanisms and all-day symptom control, they can help patients achieve better focus and emotional balance without the frequent dosing or mood swings associated with short-acting options. Whether through stimulant or non-stimulant medications, personalized treatment plans that consider anxiety symptoms can make a significant difference in daily functioning and overall quality of life. As always, working closely with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential to finding the most effective and tolerable medication strategy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
