Depression And anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms

Depression symptoms may improve with exercise. Includes tips from a Mayo Clinic expert.
If you have depression or anxiety, you might find your doctor prescribing a regular dose of exercise in addition to medication or psychotherapy. Exercise isn't a cure for depression or anxiety. But its psychological and physical benefits can improve your symptoms.

"It's not a magic bullet, but increasing physical activity is a positive and active strategy to help manage depression and anxiety," says Kristin Vickers-Douglas, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

When you have depression or anxiety, exercising may be the last thing you think you can do. But you can overcome the inertia. Here's a look at how exercise can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, get realistic tips to get started and stick with exercising.
How exercise helps depression and anxiety
Exercise has long been touted as a way to maintain physical fitness and help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other diseases. A growing volume of research shows that exercise also can help improve symptoms of certain mental conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Exercise also may help prevent a relapse after treatment for depression or anxiety.

Research suggests that it may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve symptoms of depression. However, smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — have been shown to improve mood in the short term. "So, small bouts of exercise may be a great way to get started if it's initially too difficult to do more," Dr. Vickers-Douglas says.

Just how exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety isn't fully understood. Researchers believe that exercise prompts changes in both mind and body.
Some evidence suggests that exercise postively affects the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release tension in muscles, help you sleep better and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness.

If you exercise regularly but depression or anxiety still impairs your daily functioning, seek professional help. Exercise isn't meant to replace medical treatment of depression or anxiety.
The benefits of exercise for depression and anxiety

Exercise has numerous psychological and emotional benefits when you have depression or anxiety. These include:

• Confidence. Engaging in physical activity offers a sense of accomplishment. Meeting goals or challenges, no matter how small, can boost self-confidence at times when you need it most. Exercise also can make you feel better about your appearance and your self-worth.

• Distraction. When you have depression or anxiety, it's easy to dwell on how badly you feel. But dwelling interferes with your ability to problem solve and cope in a healthy way. Dwelling also can make depression more severe and longer lasting. Exercise can provide a good distraction. It shifts the focus away from unpleasant thoughts to something more pleasant, such as your surroundings or the music you enjoy listening to while you exercise.

• Interactions. Depression and anxiety can lead to isolation. That, in turn, can worsen your condition. Exercising can create opportunities to interact with others, even if it's just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood.

• Healthy coping. Doing something beneficial to manage depression or anxiety is a positive coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol excessively, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping depression and anxiety will go away on their own aren't helpful coping strategies.

Tips to start exercising when you have depression or anxiety
Of course, knowing that something's good for you doesn't make it easier to actually do it. With depression or anxiety, you may have a hard enough time just doing the dishes, showering or going to work. How can you possibly consider getting in some exercise?

Beating Depression: Types of Depression Treatment

What is depression? Are there any similarities between manic depression (bipolar disorder) and anxiety depression? What help is available to sufferers, and is there any treatment for depression?

Symptoms and Causes of Depression
Depression often differs in intensity. It may vary from temporary bouts of feeling low to a state of long-lasting dejection. Depression could be due to stress, bereavement, or pollution. Consumption of narcotic substances and alcohol in large quantities may also lead to depression. A person suffering from depression may show a lack of energy and not be interested in his surroundings; he may lack concentration and may suffer aching, nausea, itching, giddiness and incomprehensible sadness. A number of these symptoms together indicate the need for treatment.

Treatment of Depression
According to Dr Tom Gilhooly, a GP in Glasgow, Scotland, there was a marked improvement among his patients when depression treatment consisted of fish oil supplements. In fact, this line of depression treatment saw a 60% improvement without the necessity of using antidepressants. However, Dr. Gilhooly believes that Omega 3 levels in the body need to be measured first so that the right dosage for treatment of depression can be estimated. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, tests for omega-3 body levels are expensive.

Can natural foods help in the treatment of depression? Drinking tea made out of cardamom several times a day has been shown to help. Relaxation techniques and exercise have also been of great help to those seeking treatment for depression. Regular exercise releases endorphins that make a person feel happier and keep the mind much more relaxed.

Deficiency of folate and magnesium may result in depression. Dietary supplements that replace deficient levels of vitamin B and magnesium, can help in the treatment of depression. In elderly people mood swings and depression may be caused due to improper absorption of essential vitamins, so it is very essential to ensure that the right minerals and vitamin supplements are taken.
A very important element in the treatment of depression is following the right diet and being cautious about the food you eat. Fruits and vegetables must be included in the diet and refined foods must be avoided. Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and foods rich in folate are very important.

Depression Or Anxiety

Here are some steps that can help you exercise when you have depression or anxiety:

• Get your doctor's support. Some, but not all, mental health professionals have adopted exercise as a part of their treatment suggestions. Talk to your doctor or therapist for guidance and support. Discuss concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

• Identify what you enjoy doing. Figure out what type of exercise or activities you're most likely to do. And think about when and how you'd be most likely to follow through. For instance, would you be more likely to do some gardening in the evening or go for a jog in the pre-dawn hours? Go for a walk in the woods or play basketball with your children after school?

• Set reasonable goals. Your mission doesn't have to be walking for an hour five days a week. Think about what you may be able to do in reality. Twenty minutes? Ten minutes? Start there and build up. Custom-tailor your plan to your own needs and abilities rather than trying to meet idealistic guidelines that could just add to your pressure.

• Don't think of exercise as a burden. If exercise is just another "should" in your life that you don't think you're living up to, you'll associate it with failure. Rather, look at your exercise schedule the same way you look at your therapy sessions or antidepressant medication — as one of the tools to help you get better.

• Address your barriers. Identify your individual barriers to exercising. If you feel intimidated by others or are self-conscious, for instance, you may want to exercise in the privacy of your own home. If you stick to goals better with a partner, find a friend to work out with. If you don't have extra money to spend on exercise gear, do something that is virtually cost-free — walk. If you think about what's stopping you from exercising, you can probably find an alternative solution.

• Prepare for setbacks and obstacles. Exercise isn't always easy or fun. And it's tempting to blame yourself for that. People with depression are especially likely to feel shame over perceived failures. Don't fall into that trap. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small. If you skip exercise one day, that doesn't mean you're a failure and may as well quit entirely. Just try again the next day.

Sticking with exercise when you have depression or anxiety
Launching an exercise program is hard. Sticking with it can be even harder. One key is problem solving your way through when it seems like you can't or don't want to exercise.

"What would happen if you went out to your car and it wouldn't start?" Dr. Vickers-Douglas asks. "You'd probably be able to very quickly list several strategies for dealing with that barrier, such as calling an auto service, taking the bus, or calling your spouse or friend for help. You instantly start problem solving."
But most people don't approach exercise that way. What happens if you want to go for a walk but it's raining? Most people decide against the walk and don't even try to explore alternatives. "With exercise, we often hit a barrier and say, 'That's it. I can't do it, forget it,'" Dr. Vickers-Douglas says.

Instead, problem solve your way through the exercise barrier, just as you would other obstacles in your life. Figure out your options — walking in the rain, going to a gym, exercising indoors, for instance.
"Some people have the idea that being physically active is supposed to be easy and natural," Dr. Vickers-Douglas says. "Some think of it as just having enough willpower. But that really oversimplifies it and can make us feel like failures. You can't just rely on willpower. Identify your strengths and skills and apply those to exercise."

Are You Dealing With Anxiety And Depression?

Depression is often a case of anxiety that has just gotten out of control. More often that not, something happens within our lives that makes us anxious. Usually, the cause of our anxiety will usually pass and we move on with our lives. However, there are occasions when the anxiety is just so intense that the individual involved struggles to cope with the situation that they are faced with and depression soon follows.

Research studies have also shown that a lack of proper nutrition can also lead to possible problems with depression. Poor eating habits and too much junk food can lead to a shortage of the vitamins and minerals that your body so desperately needs. This can also lead to an imbalance with your body’s neurotransmitters which can possibly lead to anxiety or depression problems. A healthy diet doesn’t only benefit your physical health!

Women can face problems with anxiety and depression during their monthly periods. This is all due to the woman’s hormone balance, or rather imbalance at the time. It’s a well known fact that depression affects more females than it does males, this is often due to the drastic changes in a woman’s hormone levels. As well as each month’s menstrual cycle, a woman will experience these hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause too.
Whatever the cause of your anxiety and depression problems, the good news is that there is much help available to you in the form of medications and therapy to help treat and cure your problem. Indeed, there are many over the counter medications available to you for the treatment of depression today. However, we do advise that you chat with your doctor at first and discuss which medications may be suitable for you and your condition.

10 Common Symptoms Of Depression

Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.
The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:
1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

Anxiety Depression Treatment With DHEA

Anxiety and depression are treatable forms of mental illness. With anxiety, the patients are overwhelmed with worry, too frightened to face a situation and with no other wish than to keep themselves locked up at home. In depression, the patients feel dejected, discouraged, worthless, and sometimes show suicidal tendency in severe cases.
The severity of the symptoms in both these conditions prevents a person living a normal life, or the life that is normal for them. Instead of being in control of their hormones, their hormones control them. It is not surprising then, that anxiety and depression treatment should exist in the form of natural hormones. What might be more surprising is that these hormones for the treatment of depression can come in the form of supplements.

DHEA, (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It can also be manufactured by the gonads (ovaries for women; testes for men) when the adrenal gland is under stress. DHEA regulates the thyroid and pituitary glands besides exerting a powerful impact on the entire body by keeping up the physical and mental balance of the body.

Usually the level of DHEA hormone is at peak at the age of 25, after that, it starts decreasing at the rate of about 2% per year. Generally by the age of 40 its secretion declines considerably and you the effects of lower DHEA may be felt. DHEA hormone also declines rapidly when the body is suffering from disease. More importantly, if the body is put under stress for long periods of time then DHEA production can drop considerably - leading to fatigue, lowered energy levels, and anxiety depression. It is this connection between DHEA deficiency and anxiety depression that has led people to believe that DHEA can be an effective active anti depression treatment. Research done into DHEA appears to confirm this…

Properties of DHEA for Anxiety Depression Treatment
DHEA has a number of useful properties that make it a useful anti depression treatment. Research has confirmed that there is a direct link between taking DHEA supplementation, and the effective treatment of anxiety depression.

Reduction of Cortisol
DHEA helps in depression treatment by reducing the production of the hormone cortisol, which is also produced by adrenal gland. Excessive secretion of cortisol hormone causes cellular damage, and can give rise to some of the symptoms of depression. Cortisol is produced in excess by the adrenal gland when under stress. Supplementation of DHEA helps in improving the symptoms of depression by decreasing the secretion of cortisol and increasing stress tolerance.

Increase of Serotonin Levesl
As well as decreasing the “bad,” DHEA can also treat depression by increasing the “good.” DHEA helps in depression treatment by increasing serotonin (a neurotransmitter) levels in the brain and controlling the production of other brain chemicals that help manage stress. Serotonin helps improve mood, and combat the symptoms of depression.

DHEA is widely used in the depression treatment because it enhances stress coping abilities, boosts mood, and gives a feeling of relaxation. The University of California La Jolla showed a significant increase in the mental and physical level of depression patients when DHEA was used. The study conducted on patients suffering from anxiety and depression experienced improved energy levels, better mood, and an ability to handle stressful situations.
DHEA is a controversial supplement because it has often been touted as a treatment for diseases where no known connection is known. However, it is undeniable that DHEA supplements can be used in anxiety depression treatment with positive results.

10 Ways To Reduce Depression

Allow me to give you 10 tips to reduce depression...
The effects of depression can be be very harmful to those who suffer from it, not to mention those around them. Many times, depression may cause a person to spend less time with others, and to spend less time doing things that they once enjoyed doing. Depression is not good on your health! Those suffering from depression may face memory problems, sleep problems or a need to sleep excessively, a sense of hopelessness and an inability to join the rest of the world. As depressing as it may seem, there are around 19 million Americans who suffer from this. It could be due to a death of a loved one, a divorce, not being able to forgive someone, or just because you are overweight. Some feel depression as a result of learning from their doctor that their child has a health condition such as Cystic Fibrosis, ADD / ADhD, MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or a type of cancer.

Although there are ways to ease some symptoms of depression, sometimes medication therapy is needed for a person to fully enjoy a life without depression. However, there are some free tips that you can try if you have the blues.
1. Speak with Someone
Marriage counselors, church patriarchs, school counselors, and life coaches can be very helpful. If you do not feel comfortable speaking with a counselor, talk to a close friend or write in a journal.

2. Start an Exercise Program
A brisk walk or a good workout can do wonders for your mood. As you exercise and raise your heart rate, your body releases endorphins which improve your mood. Youve heard of the runners high? Well, that is why.

3. Eat Fresh Food
Start a garden. Raise some chickens (for the eggs). Buy organic products? Eat plenty of fiber (fruits and vegetables) in order to cleanse your body from toxins and preservatives and junk from processed foods. Make sure that you consume colorful fruits and vegetables. When you are healthy, you feel more vibrant and full of energy!

4. Avoid sugar
If your depression is connected with anxiety, you will no doubt try to eat way too much sugar. This is the worse thing that you could do. Why? Because sugar can actually increase your anxiety. Regular sugar will just make you even more tired after the sugar high, not to mention the other health detriments related to sugar and tooth decay and the immune system.

5. Cut Caffeine
Caffeine brings you up - then drops you like a rock. Like sugar, it will also contribute to your anxiety and depression. Try drinking at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

6. Avoid nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant so it will help me when I am depressed, right? No. It acts in the body much like caffeine. It can make you feel better for a short while, but in the long run, will only increase your depression. The stimulant in nicotine can increase your anxiety. Long term smoking will cause more upper respiratory health conditions and more free radicals in the body, causing the immune system to be weak, allowing for feelings of depression. Some people also feel depressed because they cannot quit smoking.

7. Meditation Helps
Meditation can do wonders for alieving feelings of depression. There are various forms of meditation from conscious breathing to guided meditation to creative imagery. Find a form that works for you and practice. The focus and peace does wonders for a troubled spirit.

8. Sleep
You don't want to get too much sleep, but having a sleep deficiency can also bring on anxiety. Try to get about 8 hours of good sleep every night.

9. Use More Light
Sitting or working in the dark will add to your depression. Natural light is better than artificial light too. So open the windows and shutters and replace small lights and light bulbs with bigger and brighter ones.

10. Get a Horse
Companion animals provide great help to anyone suffering from depression. Studies have shown that by just stroking an animal can lower your blood pressure and calm you. So go visit your local humane society or pet store. Don't have space for a goat or a horse? Maybe a dog, cat, ferret, gerbil, hamster, goldfish, or even a hermit crab?

Bring An End To Depression

Everybody gets the blues once in a while. It’s normal to feel sad on a rainy day, get sentimental over a lost love, or feel so terribly lonely during really low moments of your life.

But once depression gets out of hand, it can wreak havoc on your mental state and drive you to such emotional lows - to the point that you might seriously choose ending your life. So if you think you’re experiencing extreme emotional lows, then you’d better do something about it.

What are the signs of depression?
1. Feeling sad without any apparent reason.
2. Getting mad at anything, everything, anyone, and everyone around you.
3. Thinking that your life is getting nowhere.
4. Feeling that whatever you do is not enough.
5. Feeling that you’re not good enough for anything.
6. Always feeling tired.
7. Feeling that there is no more hope for whatever troubles you.
8. Feeling that you don’t deserve to live in this world anymore.

These are some of the most common symptoms of depression. Recognizing these telltale signs can help lead you to take action before it becomes more serious. Knowing the root cause of these symptoms further boosts the chance of recovery.
Whatever the reason behind depression, it is always related to your state of mind, environment, and/or present circumstance. You may feel low if you are facing issues on work, marriage, or your financial status. The process of resolving these issues, however important, will inevitably result in stress and/or body aches. Emotional pain coupled with physical ills can really affect the way you view your life.

Another cause of depression is bad experiences: the death of someone important, loss of something significant, or similar unpleasant experiences that would haunt you for a long time. This could mean a humiliating event at your workplace or school, traumatic environment at home, etc.
The best way to treat depression is to think positively. Thinking negatively about an already gloomy situation would only aggravate your mental state. It’s not the end of the world, and there’s a solution to every problem, yours included. Moping and sulking about it won’t do any good.

Unfortunately, not all people see it that way. This is when depression starts to settle in. You think you’re the unluckiest person alive. No one is there when you need help the most. It’s better to die than suffer all the injustice being delivered to you.
Going to a psychiatrist to ask for help is one step toward finding the cure for depression. Various drugs can help you cope. However, these medications treat not the actual cause of depression, but only the symptoms. Complete recovery rests solely on your ability to have a positive outlook in life. Admittedly, this is easier said than done, so going to a psychiatrist doesn’t immediately mean that you’re going to ask medication for your depression. You could also ask your psychiatrist for help in developing a positive outlook and in controlling your depressive mood swings.
Depression is a serious matter. It causes emotional and mental breakdown, and it can result to suicide if left untreated. This is why depression should be diagnosed immediately. It is not a disorder that is easy to cure; but always remember: you’re not alone in the world. Even if you live your life as a recluse, there’s at least one person out there who cares for you and would be devastated if you allow yourself to lose the battle. You’re a strong person. You’re not alone. Keep your loved ones close to you and you will feel invincible.

Depression In Women & Men

Causes of Depression
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

Major Depression also seems to occur in many families generation after generation. Yet at the same time it can occur in people who have no family history of depression or depression related illnesses. Regardless of wether it is inherited or not, a major depressive disorder is often times associated with changes in brain functions or brain structure.
Those who are suffering from low self-esteem, and who consistently look at themselves and the world surrounding them with pessimism or those who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are more prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

As discovered in recent years, many researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause a depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.

Depression in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women—particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.

Woman are also more vulnerable to depression after giving birth to a child. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of caring for a new life can be many factors that lead to postpartum depression in women. Full-blown depressive disorders and not normal for a new mother and occurances of such disorders does require active intervention. By seeing a physician and getting support from family members emotionally can help greatly in aiding a new mother to revocer from postpartum depression.

Depression in Men
Men are not as likely as women to suffer from depression, however, about 3 to 4 million men in the US are affected in one form or another by a depressive illness. Unlike women, man are less likely to admit that they are suffering from signs of depression, and doctors are less likely to detect it. Suicide among depressed men is four times great than that of women suffering from derpession, though women attempt suicide more often.

Depression in men is often masked by others problems such as alcohol or drug abuse, or working excessively long hours at work. Most men with depression show signs of anger, hostility and irratability; thus depression in men may be more difficult to recognize.
Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours. Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men. Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help. Encouragement and support from concerned family members can make a difference. In the workplace, employee assistance professionals or worksite mental health programs can be of assistance in helping men understand and accept depression as a real illness that needs treatment.

Depression Drugs Poses Risk Of Serotonin Syndrome

Mixing migraine, depression drugs poses risk of serotonin syndrome
Mixing certain migraine and depression medications can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
What happened? Mixing certain medications for migraine and depression might be risky, warn Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials.

Taking triptans — a common class of migraine medications — along with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition that occurs when there's too much of the chemical serotonin in your blood.

All three types of medication increase serotonin levels. If a triptan is taken with either an SSRI or SNRI, the drugs may increase serotonin to dangerous levels. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:

• Restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Loss of coordination
• Fast heartbeat
• Rapid changes in blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Overactive reflexes
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Serotonin syndrome often resolves within 24 hours of stopping any medication that increases serotonin. Severe cases may require additional medications or hospitalization.

Common triptans include:

• Almotriptan (Axert)
• Naratriptan (Amerge)
• Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Common SSRIs include:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
The FDA has asked manufacturers of all three types of medication to include a warning about serotonin syndrome in their prescribing information.

What does this mean to you? If you're taking a triptan with either an SSRI or SNRI, consult your doctor about possible risks. Don't stop taking any of the medications on your own. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, make sure he or she knows about all the other medications you're taking — especially if you receive prescriptions from more than one doctor.
If you and your doctor decide the benefits of combining a triptan with an SSRI or SNRI outweigh the risks, be alert to the possibility of serotonin syndrome. If you develop restlessness, hallucinations or any other signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, seek medical attention immediately.