Anxiety Road Podcast: Medication

Showing posts with label Medication. Show all posts

ARP 422 Older Adults and Benzodiazepines

If you are a senior or elderly person taking benzodiazepines there are things you need to be aware and informed about. Not from a place of fear but of safety. In this episode, a quick look at how benzodiazepines can affect older adults and a few resources.

One more thing. There is a high number of AI Slop videos on this topic. Some of the presenters are not human. We have a new generation of graduates of the I-fleece-em academy.

You can tell by how much fear they projects and the image of a medical persona. The thumbnail is designed to hook you by engaging in your curiosity or concern about a medication you take.

Please think before you click.

Resources Mentioned:

Over on the Canadian side of the fence, there is a brochure from Canadian Coalition for Senior Mental Health. Simple, easy to read and packed with solid accessible information. Such as if you are taking Benzos, you should not be drinking alcohol.

There is a one-page handout that was created by Benzo.org.UK for World Benzo Day called Problems and Pitfalls. It explains some of the issues of seniors and elderly folk taking benzodiazepine and some options.

The Mayo Clinic has a list of medications that can cause some concerns in older adults.

The non-profit Benzoinfo has a page on the medication called Impact on the Older Adult Population

University of Alabama at Birmingham has a report on More than a million older Americans take benzodiazepines long-term. Here is why doctors want them to stop, and how a UAB psychiatrist approaches the conversation.

Emergency Resources

The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options.

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 421 Anxiety and Drinking in Airports

Brain, Medication, Road Map

People who are anxious or have an anxiety condition need to pay attention to things that harm their health. It does not mean you get to drink, get drunk and fly. I learned that there are a sub-genre of police body cam videos that focus on airports.

I gotta go cold turkey on those videos. They got me sympathetic to Spirit Airlines, may it rest in peace.

In this episode, a review of the anxiety medications, what alcohol does to you, environmental factors that could affect your consumption of booze and some of the repercussions of being intoxicated in U.S. airports.

Resources Mentioned:

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a section of their website on Medication and Other Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders and Depression

The Budget Savvy Travelers website has a bunch of tips and techniques to get you from point A to B.

Sky Sonar goes into a lot of details about being ok on the plane, such as getting an isle seat and pre-checking if this is a turbulent flight.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact

Disclaimer:

ARP 410 What is Anhedonia?

Brain, Depression, Medication, Therapy

Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure or enjoyment from activities that normally bring satisfaction. You can do things but you can't feel things. Your brain cannot process or have access to pleasure, reward or satisfaction.

This is a quick episode on what the condition is, some of the symptoms and a few learning and treatment options.

Resources Mentioned:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a video about Anhedonia ADAA also has a support group for people with Major Depression Disorder.

Psych Hub video is also a good starting place to learn about Anhedonia

UC Irvine has an informational blog page about Anhedonia called There is help if it all seems too much

From Helpguide.org Anhedonia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 409 - Four Things About Ibogaine

Alternative, Botanical, Herbal, Medication, Therapy

This is a short explainer on Ibogaine. This is the psychedelic that was mentioned in Executive Order 14401. There isn't much outside of scientific papers and even then it is much more observational studies than reporting on actual trials or practices.

Item 1

There is a west African shrub called Tabernanthe ibogda. ibogaine is extracted from the bark of that plant. The traditional use of the drug is spiritual ceremonies in central and western Africa by the Bwiti people.

The alkaloid extraction is a psychoactive drug that in small doses can act as a stimulant and in large doses that can last in the body for hours or even days.

Ibogaine attaches itself to dopamine, opioid, NMDA and serotonin neurotransmitters for a brain altering experience.

Item 2 Possible Uses

Outside of religious or spiritual use, it is being used in some countries for:

Substance abuse treatment - making it easier to wean a person off of opiate and alcohol addictions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Severe depression or Major Depression Disorder

According to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies aka MAPS website, The treatment can take one to three hours to kick in and can last up to 36 hours.

Once completed, it is claimed that for substance abuse treatment the cravings are diminished or gone.

Item 3 Areas of Concern

There isn't enough clinical trials to know the details about this drug. It is banned in many countries. A lot of what is being communicated about ibogaine is from people that used the drug and advocates/promoters of the drug.

There are countries that have done some research. However they are limited in size or random controlled trials. There is a lot we don't know about this substance.

This stuff is no joke. Ibogaine can put a tremendous strain on your cardiovascular system. It can cause heart arrhythmias, seizures and it can be lethal for some people.

It isn't like LSD. You might experience and be locked in to the dark side for hours with no escape. Again, you might have to under go therapeutic preparation before using this drug.

You have to be monitored. You cannot be alone while experiencing this drug.

Item 4 Accessibility

There are some countries that have legalized it, these include:

Australia and New Zealand allows for legal ownership, sale and cultivation of plants that contain ibogaine Brazil allows for prescription use in a hospital setting.

Canada allows use of ibogaine under strict guidelines. Uruguay use is legal.

Mexico does not regulate ibogaine, making it a popular destination for Americans seeking ibogaine treatment. Costa Rica is also unregulated.

If you are planning to pack up and head to Mexico or Costa Rica, please know that the cost, experience and lack of safety can be expensive. There are always profiteers.

You might not get the medical attention and services that you need and I have deep questions about after care and support.

My Thoughts:

I think what can happen in the future is that actual scientists study the drug and are able to synthesize what works from the toxic aspects of the drug.

We are no where near that point in research. This is a high risk substance. But that is me. My opinion. Your life experience might be different.

I am not a pharmacologists or a scientist.

Still, I have real concerns about the toxicity levels that can affect the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Is this drug going to require or make space for therapy and support treatment? What kind of pre, post and aftercare would a person need to insure safety and effectiveness?

I honestly don't know. Seems like there is a hunt for a pill to be the magic cure. For a price.

At the moment, I wouldn't touch it with a 39 and haft foot pole.

My two cents that ain't worth a plug nickle.

Resources Mentioned:

World Population Review Map of Legality by Country

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies aka MAPS is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of psychedelic drugs. There is a brief information page about ibogaine with links to the two observational studies and a section of the FAQ that talks about the drug.

Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Disorders: Current Clinical Scope and Deep Learning-Based Advanced Perspectives

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 408 Psychedelic Executive Order 14401

Alternative, Medication, Therapy

Psychedelics are knocking on the door again. It is the generational visit of psychedelics with some people seeing the potential and others seeing the danger and consequences. In this episode, a look at Executive Order 14401 and what is proposed for the treatment of serious mental health conditions.

Let me be clear about this. I take no position pro or con in the upcoming debates or discussions about psychedelics. I am learning as I move through this unexpected (for me) treatment option.

I have concerns. Big whomping concerns. I also have distrust and I'm noticing that certain stock markets and pharmaceutical companies are taking interest in this topic.

What I'm trying to say I have biases, both conscious and unconscious. This episode is what I've discovered learning about the topic. My first steps. Psychedelically, you might be further down the road.

One more thing. Dear public relations people. I have never had a guest on the show. I do not plan to in the future. Please peddle your guests to a more appropriate forum.

Resources Mentioned:

Psychedelic Information Resources

From Psychology Today What the New Executive Order Means for Psychedelics, A federal policy shift puts psychedelics in the spotlight for mental health.

PBS.org story about the executive order and some of the pros and cons. Like insurance? Nope.

One of the things the Petrie-Flom Center looks at is Health Law Policy. This is a Q&A on the Executive Order on Psychedelics with I. Glenn Cohen and Mason Marks.

FDA Right to Try Fact Sheet and Congress.gov page on Expanded Access and Right to Try: Access to Investigational Drugs

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Scheduling with a list of the drug schedules.

Information about executive orders, their history and how to obtain them.

National Constitution Center information page on What is an Executive Order?

The American Bar Association's website has an explainer from a legal perspective on what an executive or is, the format of the document and how to retrieve the official version.

National Archives and Records Administration Archive of all things related to the U.S. government. Maintains a digital index of executive orders that is searchable by date, number, or topic. The orders may be viewed as PDFs or text, in the Federal Register, or within Title 3 of the U.S. Code.

American Presidency Project is an archive maintained by the University of California Santa Barbara includes text of almost all executive orders, searchable by year of issue back to the early nineteenth century.

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 406 SSRIs and Factual Information

Brain, Medication, Mood, Treatment

A few months back, there were statements about SSRIs and increase violence in youth. Not true and I found a well written article explaining what a government official said and what is the factual, data based findings. I'll have that linked below.

What I want to do is share with you the process of evaluating a medication so that you know the benefits and possible side effects so that you can make an informed choice.

The basic questions are:

What is this drug and why do I need it?
Specifics on how much to take, when and with or without foods or liquids.
What are the known side effects and when should I be concerned?
Are there foods, drinks, vitamins, herbals or other things I should not take with the medication?
How do I quit or stop taking the medication? There are some meds that you have to be weaned off of or you might experience harsh withdrawal symptoms.

Resources Mentioned:

What Is (and What Is Not) on Trump and Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again Public Health Agenda by KFF News.

Simply Psychology page on Serotonin and how it affects the brain and body.

The Mayo Clinic has a good information page about anti-depressants

Antidepressants for kids and teens: What the science says. For parents who need background information on anti-depressants for their kids or teenagers.

Medline Plus Drug Information Page, you can type the generic name or the brand name of the drug to get information on it.

Emergency Resources:

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ARP 405 GLP-1 and Mental Health Symptoms

Brain, Medication, Mood

I'm seeing more PR stuff and news stories about weight lost drugs for anxiety and depression. The short version for me is that there is not enough science or science research to determine if GLP-1 can be used to treat anxiety and depression. But that doesn't stop news stories and PR pieces from being written.

As a starting point, I want to explain what GLP-1 are, the intended use and some of the side effects. both positive and negative a person could experience.

Resources Mentioned:

Think Global has an article on the Mental Health Effects of Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs.

From the From the American Psychological Association is a post about weight loss drugs and mental health.

NPR did a news story about the growth of these types of drugs and possible mental health side effects.

PubMed has an editorial on The Potential Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Psychiatric Disorders: A Paradigm Shift in Mental Health Treatment

Novo Nordis is the manufacture of Ozempic. This is a link to there website about the product and you would have access to patient information sheets for consumers, doctors and pharmacists on the

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

401 Panic Disorder Basics

CBT, Medication, Panic

A panic attack is a single experience. Your symptoms act the fool and you deal with it. A panic disorder is multiple unpredictable attacks that can occur during the day, week or month AND you worry when the next one will come.

And they will. They are stinky like that. In this episode, a description of what is a panic disorder, the symptoms and the treatment options.

Resources Mentioned:

Medication Information

The Cleveland Clinic has information about SSRI medication.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a section on the site explaining the symptoms of panic disorders.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Information

ADAA.org has an explainer video on CBT that you can watch on their website or YouTube channel.

There is also a blog post on three things to know about CBT.

The Rootd app helps those who have a panic disorder deal with it using CBT as the foundation

Panic Disorder Information

From the U.S, National Institute of Mental Health has a page about Panic Disorders. It appears that the information is unchanged but the related brochures that appeared have been removed. I don't believe the info has been change due to the current administration (it could happen).

Emergency Resources

National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.

Disclaimer:

ADAA Webinar on Psychiatric Medication in Pregnancy and Lactation

Awareness, Education, Medication

I get a lot of stuff via email that I can't share in the podcast. It just occurred to me that I could post items that will have eventual homes on YouTube or on the Anxiety and Depression Association (ADAA) website.

Per the press release,

In honor of May and Maternal Mental Health Week, ADAA is delighted to present the free, live public webinar "Psychiatric Medication in Pregnancy and Lactation: What Can Women Take?" with Barbara Byers, MD, MPH.

Dr. Byers reviews what we know about the treatment of psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and lactation from a medication standpoint. We will review our knowledge of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

The date of the free webinar is Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 12:00PM ET and 9:00am PT. Sometimes the webinars are ported over to the ADAA YouTube channel.

Just a head's up. Sometimes the webinars are directed to a professional audience. Peer to Peer type communication. Other times, it is more of a general audience type of presentation.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Disclaimer:

ARP 359 - Medication Treatment Options in 2024

Awareness, Medication, Symptoms

I'm coming up on the anniversary for the podcast. I started in 2015 because even with the internet at the time, it was hard to find accurate information about having an anxiety or mental health condition.

I also felt that limiting treatment just to medication or therapy didn't necessarily take into consideration the needs of a diverse group of people with the disorder.

There are people that have symptoms and just want them to stop. Those folks need to know you might stop one set of symptoms but if you don't address the problem, they will come back.

I also have folks that will not, cannot and should not take medication. Therapy can help but you might have to do other things, like learn to meditate, breath for symptom control and manage you sugar intake.

Movement is important. Proper amount of sleep is essential. Work/Life balance isn't a dirty concept, it is what our bodies need to function and thrive.

So I'm breaking this up into a series of post. The first one is about Medication in 2024.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Mental Health America Screening Test for Anxiety. This is not a diagnostic test but it could give you indicators that there is a problem that you might need to address. There is also a version of the test in the Spanish language.

If you are new to this, you want to start with authoritative information.

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has a page on anxiety disorders and the types of medication generally prescribed for the condition.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on medication options.

Helpguide.org also has information, they would prefer you to consider medication as a last resort but they have good information about anxiety disorders and attacks.

Disclaimer:

ARP 331 Medication Options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2023

GAD, Medication, Treatment

I’ve done a couple of episodes on generalized anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as GAD. However, there have been changes to some of the medication treatment options.

And there are new options that did not exist in 2016 or 2018 so I thought that I’d catch everyone up on what is going to be current for the foreseeable future.

That is the topic for today's episode.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

How to Tell if Shortness of Breath Is From Anxiety and How to Treat It from Livestrong.com

Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a four question screener to help you figure out if you have GAD. The site also has a brochure about what the condition is and some of the treatment options.

The National Institute of Mental Health has a web page and downloadable booklet on Generalized Anxiety Disorder aka GAD.

Consumer Version of the Merck Manual pages on General Anxiety Disorder with a short video about GAD.

Prior episode on Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Disclaimer:

Show 316 Proposed Virtual Prescription Changes

Medication, Telemedicine, Treatment

A few years ago in an episode I said:

Anxiety is so much more than the typical stress reaction.

For some of us, we gag, we choke, we have heart pains, we have chest pains, we have diarrhea, we have gastric distress, we have excessive sweating.

We can't leave our homes. These are not the kind of things you're going to be thinking your way through if your symptoms are that extreme.

And there was a point where my symptoms got that extreme. I decided to take medication.

I am now on team make informed decisions about taking medication. And once you have made that decision there can be other obstacles.

Like getting the prescription filled. There is a proposal from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) about applying changes to how prescriptions can be filled via telemedicine.

This is just a brief overview of how they and other interested parties want to handle this process.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

From the Stanford Medicine Scope Blog, Cyclic sighing can help breathe away anxiety.

Associated Press news story about restrictions on opiate medication treatment via telehealth providers.

February 24, 2023 U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency press release about proposed rules for issuing medication via telehealth providers.

Proposed Telemedicine Rules Summary from the DEA

From Very Well Mind, a long post on what are benzodiazepines and the DEA schedule list.

Consumer Version of Merck Manual Drugs Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders

Disclaimer:

Show 314 What Is Ro Mind?

Anxiety, Depression, Medication

Update 2024 - Although the mental health only therapy explainer page is still listed on the website, it seems that there has been a downsizing of the medical services offered.

Per the main page of the website, they no longer list anxiety, depression and seasonal affected disorder conditions. When I select the "What We Treat" menu, there are no mental health services.

I will have a separate recording about the change but the recording below is more of a historical archive of what was going on in February 2023.

Slightly Revised Text:

The virtual mental health marketplace is an ever-changing land of what was impossible is now possible. Whether or not it should be is a question for another time.

Now might be a good time to ask those questions because there are a lot of new players that are being created outside of the traditional medical education and practice system.

This week, I'm taking what I call a window shopping view of a company called Ro.co and Ro Mind.

They provide medicine, medical education via pre-recorded video and medical management services for people that anxiety, depression and seasonal affected disorder only.

I'm still working out my thoughts on the Ro Mind telehealth service.

On the one hand, if you already have a therapist or a mental health provider that can't prescribe medication, this might be a good options.

But there are issues and concerns I have about self diagnosing without a medical checkup. Anyway, this is a quick look based on what I found when I visited the website.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Cleveland Clinic post on what things stress can do to your body.

2024 Update - Ro.co Mental Health page that explains considering using online therapy. I don't know how long this will remain on the website.

Mental Health America has a screening test for anxiety.

Disclaimer:

ARP 306 - The End of Amazon Care

Medication, Support, Telemedicine, Therapy, Trauma, Treatment

Hi folks, I'm at high tide with work and symptoms acting like a three-year old. But I wanted to put this out to let folks know that the Amazon.Care service has closed.

It is a little embarrassing for me. I had posted the episode and three weeks later the telehealth service began the process of shutting down.

From what I can suss out, there were several reasons for the service going down, and I'm getting my information from the Washington Post newspaper, some of the industry publications, and I believe there was an actual internal memo from Amazon that was cited in some of the news reports.

So this is just a quick informational update plus a little bit about my Twitter concerns.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Washington Post article about Amazon to shut down its telehealth offering and a second story Amazon Care is dead, but the tech giant’s health-care ambitions live on both by Caroline O'Donovan.

Disclaimer:

Show 303 - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Book, Medication, Therapy, Trauma, Treatment

In the introduction to this episode, I mention the financial bum rush of companies providing mental health apps to clients, patients and customers.

Still working on that tact thing.

There is a small but growing segment of entrepreneurs that see gold in them there mental health hills.

Some of those entrepreneurs have honest intentions about making mental health accessible. They have hired psychologists and psychiatrists to help shape their product.

Others vendors are more focused on building chat bots that provide rote services that can be sold to businesses.

Probably as a checkbox for saying "Hey, we have provided this mental health gizmo, saves you money and that will allow you as business person to give us money. Win-Win."

But sometimes, you need a living licensed professional that will meet with you and your problems.

HMO doctors ain't got the time or the training for that kind of service.

Psychologists will talk to you but cannot provide medication treatment or management.

Psychiatrists are in short supply. Many are ageing out of the profession. Those that haven't are either booked solid or priced out of the range of most people.

There is another option. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. That is the topics of this episode.

In the episode, I mentioned that I was going to post an image or maybe a video about accessing the two psychiatric nurse search engines.

I'll figure something out.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Association of American Medical Colleges post about the psychiatrist shortage.

The Myth of Normal, Trauma, Illness & Healing in A Toxic Culture by Gabor Mate, M.D. with Daniel Mate. Published by Avery Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

I also recommend that you check out a video that he talks a bit more about the myth of normal.

American Psychiatric Nurse Association page About Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

Nurse Journal page on What to Know About Seeing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners web site has a Find a Nurse Practitioner search engine for those practitioners.

Psychology Today has a therapist search engine. It also is a little fiddly but you can use it to locate psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Disclaimer:

ARP Pebble in the Road - Medication Considerations 2022

Education, Medication, Resource, Treatment

Deciding on taking medication is a choice and a responsibility.

If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition or disorder, you probably have been told that one of the treatment options is medication.

As I mentioned in ARP 169, It is ok to decide if medication is right for you.

It is equally ok that you don't want to take medications. First step is to get a through checkup to make sure it isn’t a physical health problem. Many anxiety symptoms are similar to a physical illness.

Anxiety medications can help reduce your symptoms, but it's not a cure.

Your symptoms are telling you that there is a problem.

Your challenge is to figure out the underlying cause.

In the meantime, your next step is to learn about the types of medication for anxiety:

Short term medication can help you with embarrassing or symptoms that are affecting your work or personal life. They are in and out of the body quickly. It is sedative opioid level medication.

Long term non-opioid medication takes a while to build up in your system, but once there it keeps you mellow for as long as you keep taking the medication. And you have to keep on taking the medication.

Both types of meds have side effects and drawbacks.

Check out the resources below to get a dusting about medication options.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

U.S. National Institute of Mental Health page on Mental Health Medications. There is an overview and then a listing of the various types of medications.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America page on Treatment Help. Talks about treatment, types of mental health professionals and patient's rights.

Disclaimer:

Show 296 What is the Deal with Amazon Care?

Medication, Telemedicine, Therapy, Trauma, Treatment

November 2022 Update: Amazon Care telehealth service will shut down on December 31, 2022. Pulled the plug on it due to large corporations not signing on and the cost of running a commercial health service is expensive. I've have more in a future episode.

I'll keep the episode posted but Amazon Care is gone as in it is history.

It is late and I typed out a long passage about how entrepreneurs and corporation looking to boost revenue are looking at the U.S. dysfunctional health system.

And that page got eaten by the spiritual gremlins of mischief. So this is the short version.

AmazonCare is a new virtual healthcare service from Amazon. It provides primary care, pharmaceuticals, some diagnostic services and, in my opinion, mental healthcare lite.

Before you hippity hop over to the site you should know that someone is squatting on the .com domain Don’t go there. The correct address is Amazon.Care

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at either 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

The AmazonCare web site - currently it is Amazon.Care. The .com version is domain squatted.

The Ginger website with information for consumers or businesses that would like to contract with the service.

The HBO series John Oliver's Last Week Tonight episode on Mental Health care. It is a dilly and you can watch the episode on YouTurbe.

The Body Keeps the Score, Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. published in 2015 by Penguin Random House. The book is available as a book, ebook and audiobook.

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ARP Pebble in the Road - TSA Air Traveling with Medication

Medication

I'm having some technical difficulties and having trouble getting a full episode out. So I just thought I'd do this little quick episode.

This is just a quick informational post on traveling with your medications. There is some concern that allegedly there are some agents that are confiscating medication.

Below is the link to the official TSA.gov webpage where they publicly states that you are allowed to bring your pill medication on board either in your carry-on or luggage.

There is the text of that statement and the reality of having an agent or two publicly try to take or embarrass you from your medications.

You will have to make some hard judgements on what to do to maintain your safety.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned:

Official TSA.gov webpage on traveling with your medications.

Official TSA YouTube channel. This link is to a video on traveling with a disability, medications and options for processing.

Disclaimer:

Show 276 Medicine - What Can I Do?

Medication, Treatment

There is an attempt, a progress or reintegration taking place found in small pockets of modern medicine. Some of our national health systems are looking at it, but not near enough now.

Sure. There are things that don't require a mental health therapist. You accidentally break your leg and you need a cast and maybe physical therapy. No mental health professional required.

But for mind and body problems, maybe there should be a stronger connection and support system.

This would require a far better health system than we have in the United States of America. I cannot speak to other places.

I know other countries they have non-toxic accessible physical health care systems.

I don't know if that's the same for mental health, so let's go on and get to it.

So after you get your confirmation that you have a medically diagnosed anxiety conditioner disorder, you have a lot of information and decisions to make.

What are you supposed to do?

And what can you do?

Resources Mentioned:

To learn about the types of medications that are currently prescribed by doctors you can visit the consumer version of Merck Manuals.

To find non-medical ways of treatment, Helpguide.org has an information page about anxiety conditions. Their orientation is non-medical first, medicine only if it is truly warranted.

If you have decided that medication is an option for you but you are having trouble locating a psychiatrist there is a service called Cerebral.

The service a medication dispensing service that connects you to a doctor and a person that will monitor your progress. Cerebral works as a stand alone consumer service or you might be able to use it as part of your insurance plan.

This is currently a U.S. only vendor at the moment. Cerebral also has a therapy only option, you can check out the FAQ on the vendor's website.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

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Pebble in the Road - New Pharmacy Option

Medication

Ok, I talk to much and then frustrated when I have to edit. Trying to think with an exhausted brain. I pulled out the section on this new fangled service and will post it as quickly as I can.

Still working on chopping the main topic down. I have a mental block about it. Like I so want to get it right that I'm mucking it up.

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To find out the best practices for selecting an U.S. online pharmacy the Food and Drug Administration has a page on Considering an Online Pharmacy?

If you want to check out the website for the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to find out how the service operates and is it an option for you.

Have you had your #walkingtherapy today?
It's good for you you know? Just 30 minutes can elevate your mood & improve your overall health 💚 https://t.co/l4ZiG66vDl pic.twitter.com/7yOG9mIHIK
— Julia Bradbury💙 (@JuliaBradbury) January 27, 2022

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

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