๐ฎ What if I told you there's a medication that has transformed the lives of veterans and so many others by reducing #PTSD related nightmares?
Let's jump in on this week's #MedMondays๐, and let's vanquish this Nightmare on Elm Street ๐ฑ
๐งต:
๐ #Prazosin was first developed as an antihypertensive in the 1970s. It wasn't long before it caught the attention of psychiatrists for its remarkable ability to reduce nightmares in those with PTSD. Now, it's a go-to solution for many sleep disturbances! ๐๐
๐ฏ Prazosin shines as a treatment for PTSD-related nightmares, but it doesn't stop there! It's also used to address sleep disturbances in anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders, giving patients the rest they need. ๐๐๏ธ
๐ฌ So, how does prazosin work its magic? As an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, it blocks the effects of epinephrine & norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to calm the fear & arousal responses that contribute to nightmares, paving the way for restful sleep. ๐งช๐ง
๐ก Prazosin comes with some unique side effects. While dizziness, drowsiness, and headache are common, a rare but noteworthy effect is the 'first-dose phenomenon' - causing sudden severe hypotension, which can cause falls; make sure to drink plenty of water! ๐๐ฉบ
๐ For our veterans suffering from PTSD-related nightmares, prazosin has been a game-changer. It has significantly improved sleep quality and reduced the frequency of nightmares, offering them the rest they deserve. A salute to our heroes! ๐
โ ๏ธ When taking prazosin, it's important to start with a low dose to minimize the risk of the 'first-dose phenomenon'. Always consult with a healthcare professional before stopping or altering the dose, and be cautious when combining it with other medications. ๐๐ฉโโ๏ธ
๐ When compared to other alpha-agonists like clonidine & guanfacine, prazosin stands out as an exceptionally effective treatment for nightmares. Its unique benefits have made it a popular choice among clinicians for patients in need. ๐๐ buff.ly/3M1xFrj
๐ As we conclude our journey with prazosin, let's celebrate this powerful weapon against nightmares that has made a significant impact in psychiatry and improved the lives of many with PTSD. Here's to continued exploration and understanding! ๐ซ๐ค #MedMondays๐
If you learned something new, be sure toโค๏ธ and๐ this thread! Don't forget to๐to share the knowledge with others, and follow for more #MedMondays๐ posts!
๐๐ Get ready for an incredible journey into the world of #methamphetamine! Did you know it was originally used to keep soldiers alert in WWII? Let's explore its fascinating history and impact on society on this week's #SubstanceSaturdaysโ ๏ธ
๐ First synthesized in 1893, methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It gained popularity for various purposes, including treatment of ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy. Its use skyrocketed during WWII, where it was given to soldiers to stay awake and alert ๐๐ฃ
๐๐ฉโโ๏ธ Pharmaceutical use of methamphetamine peaked in the 1950s-60s under the brand name Desoxyn. The FDA still approves it today for treating ADHD and exogenous obesity, but its use is highly controlled due to its potential for misuse. It's a Schedule II drug ๐จ๐
1/ ๐๐งช๐จโ๐ฌ #Methylphenidate was first synthesized by the chemist Leandro Panizzon in the 1940s. It wasn't until the 1950s that its therapeutic potential was recognized, and it was later introduced as a medication under the brand name #Ritalin.
2/ ๐ด๐๐ In the early days, methylphenidate was primarily used to treat depression and fatigue. However, its stimulant properties were soon recognized as helpful for treating ADHD and narcolepsy.
3/ ๐ง ๐ Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine & norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to ๐ผ activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive functioning, attention, & decision-making.
1/ #Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that has been around for thousands of years. It was originally used by indigenous people in South America for religious & medicinal purposes, and was later introduced to Europe and the US in the late 19th century.
2/ Cocaine works by increasing levels of #dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure and reward, by blocking its reuptake leading to an accumulation in the synpatic cleft. This leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy and alertness, and decreased appetite.
3/ Serotonin and norepinehphrine reuptake are also inhibited, leading to increases in those neurotransmitters as well. Sodium channels are also blocked, slowing down the action potentials, thus leading to its medical use as a local anesthetic.
1/ The concept of "hysteria" has a long and troubled history in psychiatry. It dates back to ancient Greece and was initially used to describe a wide range of physical and mental symptoms in women.
2/ "Hysteria" comes from the Greek word "hystera," meaning uterus, reflecting the historical belief that women's mental & physical symptoms were related to the uterus and its movements. This belief led to the notion that women's symptoms could be "cured" by removing the uterus.
3/ Over the centuries, the diagnosis of hysteria was used to blame women for their own suffering and pathologize normal emotions and behaviors. This led to a widespread belief that women were inherently unstable and prone to mental illness.
1/ Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy; it works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine.
2/ Common side effects of Adderall include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and stomach problems. More serious adverse effects include heart problems, anxiety, mood swings or changes, and potential for dependence.
3/ Adderall is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, and it can be taken orally in tablet or capsule form, as well as some liquid formulations and oral disentegrating tablets (ODT): Adzenys, Dyanavel, Mydayis, and Vyvanse are all essentially Adderall.
1/ #Xylazine is a sedative and analgesic drug that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to sedate and immobilize animals. It is also used as an anesthetic in laboratory animals and as a tranquilizer in horse racing.
2/ Xylazine is a Schedule III controlled substance under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning that it has a potential for abuse and dependence, and it should be used under strict medical supervision. One of its nicknames is "#tranq".
3/ Unfortunately, Xylazine is being used to contaminate the drug supply, and it is being sold as a street drug. This is a dangerous practice as Xylazine can cause serious side effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular depression, and even death in high doses.