Whelehans Health Blog

Anti-depressants  Part 3   More on the newest antidepressant on the market   As vortioxetine is the newest antidepressant on the market (over 5 years ago), I am going to discuss it in a little more detail than other antidepressants.   Serotonin Modulator Serotonin Modulator is a relatively new class of anti-depressant used to describe the vortioxetine (Brintillex®) which is the only drug in this class. How is works is not fully clear but it is thought to act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor, and antagonist of the 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors. It is indicated for major depressive illness and is generally reserved when other antidepressants...

Anti-depressants  Part 2   Side effects of antidepressants The most common side effects are as follows:   Tricyclics Tricyclics commonly cause dry mouth, a slight tremor, fast heartbeat, constipation, sleepiness, and weight gain. These effects are reduced if a low dose is given to start and the dose is then slowly increased. Other side effects which are more common in older people include confusion, inability to pass urine, and postural hypotension. They should be avoided in patients with heart conditions as they can cause irregular heartbeat. They can cause erective dysfunction and delayed ejaculation in men. Tricyclic antidepressants are dangerous...

Anti-depressants   Part 1   I focus on pharmacological treatment options for depression. I will not outline the causes, symptoms etc of depression. Talking therapies such as CBT should be the first line as a treatment option for depression; medication should always be used in tandem with talking therapies.   Antidepressants   The first antidepressants were developed in the 1950s. There are now about thirty different kinds of antidepressants available and there are six main types: Tricyclics MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors) NASSAs (Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants) Melatonergic agonists Serotonin Modulator...

Footcare: Flat Feet (Part 2)   Treatment   No treatment is required if flat feet do not cause problems. Well-fitted shoes, especially extra-broad fitting types of shoes can help. For people suffering from over-pronated feet, a special insole, which prevents feet rolling over too much, can ease the problems. These specialised insoles can be advised on by a chiropodist or a physiotherapist who are specialists in assessing for and measuring the specialist insoles. These insoles are also called orthotics. If pain occurs, rest, ice, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDS (e.g., Ibuprofen) can give relief; however, painkillers should only be...

Footcare: Flat Feet (Part 1)   During childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 10, a space develops on the inner side of our feet where the bottom of the foot is off the ground. These are referred to as the "arches" of our foot. The height of this arch varies. People with a low arch or who have no arch are classified as having flat feet. Sometimes this is referred to as having "fallen arches" though this term is misleading as most with “fallen arches” have a low arch. Causes Flat feet can run in families, and both...