Diagnosis of apathy: medication and alternative treatment

Lack of B vitamins

Here it is worth identifying several representatives that are necessary for excellent well-being:

• B1 – thiamine – is sometimes called the vitality vitamin.
• B7 - biotin - is required for the synthesis of hemoglobin and glucose, which provides energy to nerve and brain cells. Try those tablets for fatigue and drowsiness that contain a group of these vitamins. Manufacturers often label them as B-complex.
• B2 (riboflavin) is a beauty vitamin. The condition of the skin, nails and hair depends on its concentration.
• B3 (niacin) – this is what helps the body convert food into energy.
• B6 is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells and antibodies.
• B12 regulates the immune system. Its deficiency leads to early baldness in both men and women.
• B5 (pantothenic acid) – participates in the process of energy production by all cells.

Thus, these tablets against drowsiness and fatigue will help you solve a whole range of problems and strengthen the body. Some of the most effective are B-complexes from Thorne, Nature's Bounty, and Country Life. The most accessible domestic ones include “AlfaVit”, “Angiovit”, “Kombilipen Tabs”, “Pentovit”.

There are such tablets for drowsiness and fatigue during the day and for children. For a child, they can be purchased not only in tablets, but also in syrup. Among the best children's vitamin preparations one can name Megafood Kids B-complex, “Pikovit”, “Alphabet Our Baby”, “Multi-tabs Baby”, “Adivit”.

In order for B vitamins to be well absorbed, they must be taken correctly. Supplements should be taken at the same time of day. Take the tablets only with water, and do not drink anything too hot or cold.

Its deficiency is especially felt in winter when there is insufficient sunlight. There is a feeling of fatigue, heart rate increases, and the quality of sleep decreases. In addition, the body's production of this substance decreases with age.

When vitamin D deficiency is eliminated, bone tissue becomes stronger and lethargy disappears. However, you should carefully monitor the dosage and it is better to consult your doctor before taking it. Some adherents claim that a daily dose of 1000 mcg is the minimum amount for residents of the northern regions.

Nootropics

They are drugs that normalize cerebral circulation. They are not addictive and do not have any unwanted effects on the brain. Used to normalize mood, in case of deterioration of mental abilities, or limitation of life activity.

Prescribed for:

• hot temper,
• neuroses,
• impulsiveness.

Nootropics are used in the correction of asthenic syndrome (chronic fatigue syndrome). They are prescribed to healthy men and women to prevent stress.

Common and inexpensive nootropics:

1. Nootropil,
2. Piracetam,
3. Mildronate,
4. Phenotropil,
5. Nicergoline.

Most often, patients easily tolerate nootropics, but in some cases the following may occur:

• excitation;
• headache;
• feeling of dry mouth;
• euphoria;
• increased sweating;
• cardiopalmus.

The appearance of undesirable effects is a reason to stop further taking the drugs.

The danger of doping

When you eat or take large doses of active substances, the body essentially receives a chemical shock.

Let's look at the example of the hormone of reward and motivation - dopamine. The substances can cause its production to increase, making you feel more motivated and ready to learn for a short period of time. But if your brain is forced to quickly mobilize large quantities of resources, this will always be followed by a period of depletion until the resources are replenished. So, after severe stress, which consumes a lot of resources, we gradually restore our reserves (we come to peace of mind). But chaotic stimulation of the brain increases the risk of “breakdown” of the replenishment mechanism, as a result of which the body will simply stop producing the resource that was previously spent, or will start the process of uncontrolled production of the substance until complete exhaustion.

This means that by frequently and haphazardly increasing the production of dopamine or serotonin for a short period of time, you risk disrupting the way your brain produces them, which can lead to depression.

A similar depletion pattern will also work when using other substances, so you should approach the purchase of any stimulants with extreme caution. ——

——

Together with Svetlana Titova, we remind you that you need to be careful about your diet. The brain is the most important human organ, the main function of which is to process and analyze all information received by it. And in order for all brain structures to work smoothly and without failures, you need good nutrition!

Problems with the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland synthesizes the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They regulate not only brain activity, but also metabolic rate. Therefore, if you not only begin to fall asleep on the go, but also gain weight, most likely you have problems with the thyroid gland.

Other symptoms of problems with this organ: sensitivity to cold, which can be expressed in wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the season, increased sweating, especially of the palms. And the most obvious, but appearing only in the last stages of the disease, is a goiter, an external thickening on the neck caused by the growth of the thyroid gland and leading to difficulty breathing and a dry cough.

It is best to contact an endocrinologist and have a blood test done. But, if suddenly you don’t have time, you don’t trust doctors or simply don’t have the opportunity to contact them, try taking medications to support the functioning of the thyroid gland. Good tablets for drowsiness and lethargy of this type contain not only iodine and tyrosine, but also selenium, zinc and copper.

You should not be zealous and apply an iodine mesh to all parts of the body and eat kilograms of seaweed - an excess of iodine is much more harmful than its deficiency. And do not forget that it is recommended to take all medications with warm water. Mineral and carbonated waters block the action of many active substances and irritate the mucous membranes, and citrus juices can completely destroy some microelements.

Moreover, it is recommended to use drugs after such juices no earlier than 24 hours later. Also, before use, be sure to read the instructions - it should indicate whether you need to take anti-drowsiness tablets with, before or after food - this factor is extremely important for the speed of absorption of vitamins.

Medicines for depression during lactation and pregnancy

Many people from time to time face various stressful situations, depression, neuroses, fears, and anxiety, which as a result can lead to serious mental disorders.

There are strict indications for prescribing medications:

• suicidal thoughts;
• rapid weight loss as a result of not eating;
• the occurrence of pregnancy complications associated with depressive behavior;
• sleep disturbance, insomnia for a long time;
• chronic pain (psychosomatic) associated with depression.

When choosing medications, take into account the period of pregnancy: in the first trimester, care must be taken to prevent the development of intrauterine anomalies in the fetus. More often, drugs from the SSRI group are prescribed that do not pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother (Paxil, Zoloft)

Herbal preparations allowed during breastfeeding:

• Motherwort,
• Valerian,
• Persen,
• Glycine,
• Notta,
• Novo-Passit.

If there is no desired result from taking herbal remedies, when a woman is diagnosed with severe depression during lactation, the child must be transferred to artificial feeding.

Non-herbal preparations that are most often used during breastfeeding:

1. Amitriptyline. Has many undesirable effects, although the concentration in milk remains low. Individual intolerance may develop.
2. Zoloft is the safest antidepressant for women during lactation. Helps quickly eliminate apathy and anxiety.
3. Fluoxetine. During the treatment period, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding due to insufficient research on the drug.

Women during breastfeeding are prohibited from taking antipsychotics and tranquilizers, and the course of antidepressants must last at least six months.

This phenomenon is common and completely natural. Several factors contribute to its occurrence. The body of the expectant mother immediately experiences endocrine changes, sometimes leading to pregnancy diabetes, and anemia due to the fact that the circulatory system must now provide for two organisms, and a lack of all vitamins at once. In addition, pregnant women are often prescribed sedatives that do not at all promote vigor.

Of course, it is categorically not recommended to increase your tone with strong tea or coffee, and especially energy drinks. The maximum you can afford is to ventilate the room more often and keep it at an invigorating temperature of about 21 degrees. If you feel really sleepy, try drinking a glass of fairly cold water in one gulp (unless your doctor has limited your fluid intake due to swelling).

Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are prescribed when symptoms of depression include:

• anxiety;
• feeling of fear;
• emotional stress;
• irritability;
• insomnia;
• tearfulness.

Such medications are used under the supervision of a doctor, as they can be addictive and lead to drug dependence. The dose is increased gradually, the duration of administration is limited to 2-3 weeks.

Representatives of the group of tranquilizers are:

1. Elenium,
2. Seduxen,
3. Bromazepam,
4. Atarax,
5. Phenazepam.

During treatment, you cannot drive a vehicle, perform work related to actions that require high precision, or drink alcoholic beverages.

Indications for the use of anti-drowsiness tablets

If you experience fatigue, a feeling of weakness, a decrease in overall vitality, lethargy, or a constant desire to lie down, it is recommended to consult a specialist for an adequate diagnosis. After all, such phenomena may indicate a serious pathology. It is not recommended to neglect this condition.

Indications for the use of tablets for drowsiness and fatigue:

• feeling of exhaustion - the patient constantly complains of fatigue, his performance decreases, he wants to sleep constantly. Such people often fall asleep while studying or at their workplace;
• insomnia or disturbed sleep at night - can be a sign of both internal diseases (diseases of the liver, central nervous system, adrenal glands) and external factors (overtraining, sensitivity to weather conditions, irritating environmental factors);
• depression - in this case, a person becomes apathetic, constantly wants to sit down or lie down, and finds it difficult to stand or walk. Depressed people change their facial expressions and become pitiful. This pathology must not be allowed to progress; everything can end in disaster;
• rapid fatigue - occurring against the background of general well-being and health, can be a sign of internal experiences and stress. This condition is most often associated with insufficient nutrition and intake of nutrients into the body.

If such symptoms occur, you should seek medical help. After all, the causes of the appearance of the presented symptoms are many serious diseases, such as:

• alcoholism;
• apnea syndrome, bronchial asthma;
• arterial hypotension;
• catalepsy;
• anemia;
• malignant neoplasms;
• neurosis;
• chronic infectious diseases;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• CNS diseases - multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, dyscirculatory encephalopathy.

This list can be continued for a long time. The main thing is to understand that first of all it is necessary to find the cause and only then begin treatment.

Literature

1. Glushkov R.G., Andreeva N.I., Aleeva G.N. Depression in general medical practice. Regular issues of "RMZh" No. 12 dated June 24, 2005.
2. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability compared with other classes of antidepressants. Part 2, Consilium Medicum, 2007.
3. From Stress to Inflammation and Major Depressive Disorder: A Social Signal Transduction Theory of Depression, Psychol Bull. May 2014;
4. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION: DO WE HAVE ANY SOLID EVIDENCE OF INTEREST TO CLINICIANS? World Psychiatry. 2010 Oct.
5. Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA, Lancet Psychiatry Volume 3, No. 5, p481—488, May 2020.

Lyudmila Zhavoronkova

Higher medical education. 30 years of working experience in practical medicine. More about the author

All articles by the author

Drugs for drowsiness and fatigue

In any case, a person needs to cope with such a condition in order to continue normal performance and life. Therefore, he is prescribed special medications that stimulate all the vital functions of the body, which raises its overall tone. There are many stimulant medications available.

When taking such drugs, you must be careful and avoid overdose. After all, the main goal is to maintain performance and improve the general condition of the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take the treatment carried out with full responsibility.

Pantocrine

If you are very worried about laziness, a constant feeling of fatigue, loss of strength, and at the same time all the diagnostic methods carried out have not yielded results, then most likely the body does not have enough nutrients. Pantocrine is a biological product that contains many amino acids, vitamins, minerals, nucleotides, phospholipids and other biologically active substances. It is made from a natural product - antlers. Antlers are soft and tender young antlers of sika deer, wapiti or deer. Systematic use of this product will fill the body with all the necessary nutrients.

Pantocrine has a psychostimulating effect on the central nervous system, muscles, and internal organs. Improves absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, increases the protective abilities of the immune system.

Directions for use and dosage of Pantocrine

This product is approved for children over seven years of age. In childhood, the recommended dose is one drop for each year of life. It is advisable to dilute with a small amount of water. Take half an hour before meals or after meals after two hours, 2-3 times a day.

For adults, the maximum single dose is 20-30 drops, regardless of the patient’s age. It is also recommended to take 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after. The duration of treatment does not exceed three weeks; if necessary, the doctor prescribes a second course after a two-week break.

How to cope with stress?

During stress, chronic fatigue and depression, the human body produces large quantities of free radicals that damage healthy cells. The effect of this process can be neutralized with the help of antioxidants. The most powerful group of these elements are vitamins:

This group of nutrients has a beneficial effect on nerve cells and strengthens the immune system. B vitamins restore the cardiovascular system, help absorb nutrients, take an active part in metabolic processes and the synthesis of vital compounds, and also prevent the development of depression.

The B vitamin group consists of 8 elements that help each other work, so their combined use is encouraged. They should be obtained from the outside, since they are not produced in the human body. By consuming these elements with food or in the form of vitamin complexes, you can not only overcome stress, but also prevent the occurrence of chronic fatigue, which is so common during emotional stress.

B vitamins are found in large quantities in bananas, nuts, legumes, peppers, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and fish.

Vitamin C is an immune system simulator and is a powerful antioxidant that not only helps relieve stress, but also prevents fatigue and depression. Ascorbic acid takes an active part in regulating the functions of the adrenal glands that produce cortisol. This nutrient improves a person’s appearance by strengthening hair, nails and restoring skin, and also participates in the formation of the skeletal system and helps wounds heal faster.

This antioxidant is most active when there is a sufficient amount of other antioxidants in the body: vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids. The body does not produce ascorbic acid, so you should eat foods rich in it or dietary supplements every day. Nutrients not only help cope with stressful situations, but also prevent the development of chronic fatigue, especially in the spring.

Vitamin C is found in red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, all citrus fruits, strawberries, greens, watermelon, melon and onions.

Retinol is also a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps maintain healthy mucous membranes. In the fight against stress, this substance occupies an important place, as it protects the body from respiratory diseases. The value of this substance is also that it preserves the health of the eyes and prostate gland, while also having a beneficial effect on the condition of the cervix, heart and lungs.

Thanks to vitamin A, you can overcome not only emotional instability, but also leave no trace of chronic fatigue. Among the natural sources of retinol are fruits and vegetables, colored in bright red-yellow colors: carrots, apricots, melons, pumpkins, red peppers.

Tocopherol is an extremely powerful antioxidant that helps fight emotional instability and prevent depression. It is this element that supports the functioning of many internal organs and is responsible for the normal state of the human immune system.

Vitamin E is found in nuts, lettuce, sunflower oil, spinach, turnips, beets, tomatoes and asparagus.

When considering vitamins that fight stress, this element cannot be ignored, since its participation improves the condition of the heart muscle and strengthens the nervous system. Increasing immunity and strengthening the skeletal system are the main benefits of vitamin D3, without which it is impossible to achieve a normal emotional state in a person.

This element is responsible for normalizing sleep, proper metabolism and is indispensable for maintaining a good mood. Due to its presence in the required quantity in the body, the susceptibility to negative situations is reduced and emotional resistance to the onset of depression is increased.

This vitamin is synthesized when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and its amount can be replenished by eating butter and chicken egg yolk.

Inactivity

Those who are forced to sit continuously for several hours often feel the urge to fall asleep in the middle of the workday. This is usually explained by congestion: without movement and physical activity, blood supply to the blood vessels slows down, and the brain begins to feel a lack of nutrients and oxygen.

The solution to this problem is simple: you need to periodically warm up, at least walk to the toilet or kettle and back. Get up, walk around, do rotational exercises for your neck and arms (they will also help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome). Usually a few minutes are enough for lethargy to give way to vigor.

It is also important to compensate for insufficient exercise in your free time. The best choice would be cycling through parks in summer or skiing in winter, running or brisk walking, swimming.

Natural

Many sedatives are made from natural ingredients. Such medications are effective and do not harm the body.

Valerian tincture

Valerian tincture is a liquid that is made only from the root of the plant. The tincture consists of 70% alcohol, and 2% essential oil.

Advantages of this tool:

1. Helps restore sleep.
2. Has a calming effect.
3. It's inexpensive.

To maintain performance and eliminate drowsiness, take the tincture up to 3 times a day, following the dosage. The remedy acts gradually, after a week the person quickly falls asleep and does not experience anxiety.

For an adult, the dose of valerian is no more than 20 drops. Do not take the tincture after the expiration date and give the product to children.

Motherwort

Motherwort is an herbal remedy that combats nervous system disorders. It has been proven that motherwort in tablets can cure many diseases. For example, it normalizes hormonal levels, blood pressure and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is often prescribed for VSD, hypertension and nervous diseases.

Motherwort reduces concentration, so it is not suitable for those who drive a car.

Contraindications:

• pregnancy, lactation;
• acute gastrointestinal diseases;
• age up to 12 years;
• recently undergone operations.

For sleep disorders, it is better to take motherwort in the form of a tincture than in tablets. It will relieve insomnia in 2-3 weeks.

Persen

Persen is a safe natural drug, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by many. It is available without a doctor's prescription and has minimal side effects.

Persen contains valerian, mint and lemon balm. These substances are helped by corn starch and cellulose. The tablets have a sedative effect and are prescribed to people with increased aggression and anxiety.

Persen helps to cope with difficult life situations, insomnia and irritability. When taken for a long time, it causes side effects.

These include:

• constipation;
• impaired concentration;
• exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Negrustin

Negrustin is a herbal remedy that has an antidepressant effect. It contains St. John's wort extract, cellulose, magnesium stearate and other substances.

After taking the drug, the patient’s mood improves, performance increases, and insomnia disappears. St. John's wort herb extract has a sedative effect.

Fair-skinned people should avoid sunbathing while taking the pills, as this can lead to photosensitivity.

Side effects that may occur:

• urticaria, itching, rash;
• headache, dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• nausea;
• Iron-deficiency anemia.

Novo-Passit

Novo-Passit is a herbal remedy that calms and relieves symptoms of anxiety disorders. The drug contains a complex of components: valerian, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hawthorn and hops.

The drug normalizes blood pressure and sleep, relieves anxiety and stress. It is prescribed for VSD, nervous disorders and mental stress.

The medicine begins to act within an hour after administration, but has side effects.

Side effects:

• allergic reaction;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• weakness.

Novo-Passit is not recommended to be taken together with hormonal contraceptives; their effect may be weakened.

Side effects

With the exception of the latest generation of drugs for depression, all drugs have many side effects, including:

• general symptoms: weakness, fatigue, chills, anaphylaxis up to angioedema, photosensitivity, insomnia, asthenia;
• from the nervous system: headaches, dry mucous membranes, unusual dreams, decreased potency, libido, dizziness, insomnia, increased excitability, paresthesia, stupor, confusion, depersonalization, increased muscle tone, tremor, ataxia, lack of coordination, epilepsy, aggression, suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, delirium;
• from the digestive system: nausea, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, pancreatitis, hepatitis;
• from the respiratory system: yawning, bronchitis, shortness of breath, pneumonia, pain in the chest;
• from the heart and blood vessels: arterial hypertension or hypotension syndrome, redness of the skin, presyncope and fainting, arrhythmias, tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, fibrillation, swelling of the ankles and fingers;
• from the hematopoietic system: ecchymosis (bleeding into the skin), gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhage into the mucous membranes, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia, neutropenia, pancytopenia;
• on the part of metabolic processes: increased cholesterol levels in the blood serum, loss of body weight or, on the contrary, weight gain, increased prolactin levels, hepatitis, hyponatremia, syndrome of insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone;
• from the genitourinary system: impaired erectile function, ejaculation, lack of orgasm, dysuria, irregular menstruation, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, urinary incontinence or retention;
• from the senses: mydriasis (dilation of the pupil), disturbances of accommodation, visual acuity, taste, noise or ringing in the ears, increased intraocular pressure;
• on the skin: hyperhidrosis, rashes, alopecia;
• from the musculoskeletal system: extreme degree of myopathy - rhabdomyolysis (muscle destruction).

The most unpleasant sensations that sharply reduce the patient’s quality of life can be pain in the head, migraine, a feeling of internal motor restlessness, the need to constantly move or change position - akathisia (up to suicidal thoughts and actions).

Treatment of depression

Typically, depression is treated comprehensively using medications and psychotherapy. Pharmacotherapy is an important step on the path to recovery, but it can be considered just a painkiller that does not eliminate, but only dulls the symptoms, allowing you to work more effectively with the patient’s psyche

Therefore, the main attention should be paid to psychotherapy for depression. It is understood as the impact on the human psyche in order to correct processes that are occurring incorrectly and harmful to the body.

The following psychotherapeutic techniques are distinguished:

• psychodynamic;
• interpersonal (interpersonal);
• cognitive-behavioural;

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

The technique is based on the assumption or idea that the cause of depression is an unresolved internal conflict. According to the theory, conflict occurs unconsciously and is based on contradiction. For example, the patient suffers from paradoxical aspirations: in the presence of regular outbursts of rage, he in every possible way wants to be balanced and calm. Or, for example, a person, like Buridan’s donkey, who was hungry, being between a couple of haystacks, is torn by simultaneous desires not to depend on anyone and at the same time to be dependent, to place responsibility for himself on someone.

Direct treatment consists of searching for the causes of conflict and contradiction. Having found the problem, the psychotherapist can theoretically balance the patient’s internal aspirations. In some cases, for example, a compromise should be sought in order to sincerely express a friendly attitude towards people - we are talking about attacks of anger with the general humanistic and altruistic principles of the patient. In other similar cases, it may be necessary to resort to a different model of behavior.

As for another example, feeling a need for care and a parallel desire for independence, a depressed patient can count on a psychotherapist to help identify a more intense need and focus on this desire.

Interpersonal psychotherapy

This technique, which is considered strategic and pragmatic, is based on the definition of depression as a condition arising from the patient's complex and malformed relationships with others. Many psychotherapists have recognized MP as very effective; its therapeutic elements have migrated to other areas (group therapy, family therapy, telephone counseling).

The main provocateurs of depression, according to interpersonal psychotherapy:

• "Single-parent" families.
• Disagreements or social conflicts.
• Grief.
• Transformation of roles.
• Lack of communication and relationships.

Interpersonal psychotherapy drives the cause of depression into the framework of the patient’s social status and his participation in public life, which is composed of the patient’s position at the current moment, the patient’s goals regarding his future place in society and relationships with the world. Depending on how a person suffering from depression interacts with their environment, the degree of psychotherapeutic involvement is determined.

Typically, interpersonal psychotherapy methods work with one main cause of depression and one secondary cause (as a rule, there is both). The technique is aimed at adjusting the patient’s relationship with society, teaching him skills leading to harmonious relationships and coexistence with others. Various social roles are practiced, which in reality cause anxiety and discomfort due to the lack of communication skills, the patient’s expectations from relationships with people are balanced, and the ability to deal with social self-isolation is developed.

Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy

The CPT defines the disorder as a consequence of false beliefs and attitudes. Based on this, the goals of therapy include:

• Increasing the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for depression.
• Correction of behavioral errors and attitudes leading to disorder.
• Fighting symptoms.
• Work on the social component, which can be both the cause of depression and its consequence.
• Reducing the likelihood of relapse after psychotherapy.

The technical arsenal of CPT includes the analysis of negative thoughts, the identification of relationships, the search for ways to convey to the patient the error of his judgments, the formation of mental and behavioral patterns leading to new - conscious and correct - attitudes.

Psychotherapy does a good job of solving the problem of getting out of a state of depression, but a lot depends on the patient’s willingness to cooperate with specialists, his mood for healing, and the degree and type of disorder.

Diabetes

In the minds of most people, diabetes mellitus is certainly associated with daily insulin injections, but there are forms of it that are less noticeable. And its occurrence is not even related to the amount of sweets eaten. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2) can occur due to problems with the pancreas, stress, excess weight, pancreatitis, heredity, influenza, chickenpox, rubella, or excessive alcohol consumption.

If you notice constant extreme thirst, decreased vision, frequent urination, numbness in the limbs, ulcers on the skin and slow wound healing, you are most likely developing diabetes. Another symptom is the desire to sleep, especially if it suddenly arises after eating sweets. To be sure, you should test your blood sugar levels.

There are many different drugs to combat this disease - “Diabeton”, “Glyurenorm”, “Starlix”, “Glucophage”, “Actos” and others, but they should only be used after consultation with a doctor.

What to give up

Food can not only improve, but also worsen depression. As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to limit sweets and high-calorie foods. Glucose improves mood, but its effect is short-lived. Within a few hours, joy gives way to aggression, then dizziness and weakness appear. Of course, one chocolate bar or cake will not have such an effect. However, systematically consuming large amounts of glucose makes a person susceptible to mood swings. Therefore, foods that sharply raise blood sugar levels should be prohibited.

What foods make depression worse? These include drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. In addition, if the patient is prescribed antidepressants, he must avoid foods containing tyramine. Such foods are:

• hard cheeses;
• liver;
• soy sauce;
• yeast.

These products, while taking antidepressants, increase the heart rate, causing tachycardia. They can also cause nosebleeds and headaches.

Of course, during depression you should not eat junk food (fast food, snacks) and sweet carbonated drinks.

Anemia

Anemia is a decrease in the level of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood and, as a result, hemoglobin. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all cells, and if there are not enough of them, then all vital indicators of the body and the speed of its work decrease. There is a desire to sleep, weakness, fatigue and dizziness. The best way to diagnose is to do a blood test.

Although there are several reasons for the occurrence of anemia. Its most common type is iron deficiency (IDA). For this disease, vitamins and minerals are prescribed that contain iron or improve its absorption. Maltofer, Actiferrin, Fenuls, Ferlatum are often prescribed. For anti-fatigue tablets, we recommend Iron Bisglycinate from Thorne Research and Ideal Iron from Thompson.

Sedatives for depression

With the help of medications to calm the nerves, it is possible to:

• reduce irritability;
• eliminate fear;
• get rid of panic attacks;
• improve psycho-emotional state.

Classification of sedatives:

• of plant origin;
• barbiturates;
• bromides;
• magnesium salts.

Vegetable

Herbal products:

1. Valerian (tablets and tincture),
2. Preparations based on passionflower,
3. Tinctures of peony, motherwort,
4. Novo-Passit,
5. Valoserdin,
6. Phytosedan,
7. Alora.

Such products can be purchased without a prescription, they are not dangerous, and rarely have side effects. They must be taken for a long time without interrupting the course of treatment. They do not have a negative effect on the pancreas and liver, but their effectiveness is lower than that of sleeping pills and antidepressants.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates have hypnotic and anticonvulsant effects and depress the central nervous system. Effect: from mild sedation to the stage of anesthesia.

These include:

1. Hexobarbital,
2. Phenobarbital,
3. Barbamil.

Bromides include:

1. Potassium bromide,
2. Sodium bromide,
3. Bromocamphor.

Magnesia

Magnesia is a solution of magnesium sulfate 25%. Used as a sedative and hypnotic. Sold in pharmacies without a prescription.

New generation antidepressants

A distinctive feature of the new generation of drugs for depression is the minimization of side effects and good tolerability with long-term use. This group includes mainly medications of the SSRI group, partly MAO inhibitors and anxiolytics.

At the beginning of 2010, Dutch pharmacologists compared new and old generation antidepressants in terms of effectiveness, tolerability, and side effects. The clinical study involved more than 25,000 patients suffering from depression. Based on the results of the data obtained, which were made publicly available, a list was compiled that included only the best modern antidepressants of the new generation, with virtually no side effects. Here he is:

Indications for the use of performance-enhancing drugs

A decrease in a person’s performance is a clear indication that his body, as they say, has accumulated fatigue from prolonged physical work or (much more often) constant mental stress, from experiencing or suppressing strong emotions, from an irrational regime (in particular, lack of sleep), unhealthy lifestyle, etc. When the feeling of fatigue does not disappear even after rest, doctors note a very common painful condition of modern people - chronic fatigue syndrome. And the indications for the use of drugs that increase performance primarily relate to this syndrome, that is, they are aimed at increasing resistance to physical and mental stress.

Drugs that improve mood and performance are also prescribed for autonomic neuroses and asthenic disorders, depression, loss of strength and muscle weakness, and in cases of pathological decrease in the ability to concentrate during work or study. Medications of this pharmacological group are effective for cerebral circulatory disorders, which are accompanied by dizziness, impaired memory and attention; in states of anxiety, fear, increased irritability; for somatovegetative and asthenic disorders associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome

It is almost impossible to list all the names of drugs that enhance performance, but we will look at their main groups and dwell on the use of some of them in more detail.

Apathy: general information about the condition

Apathy is a condition characterized by an indifferent attitude towards oneself and the surrounding reality. It can develop both in an absolutely healthy mentally person and be episodic in nature, and in patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

If the problem is ignored, the condition usually progresses and worsens, becoming more and more severe. The main signs by which one can determine that a person has apathy are:

• weakening of any desires, intentions, aspirations;
• decreased physical activity;
• total indifference to one’s own appearance, health, life;
• loss of interest in life and what is happening around;
• isolation, desire for loneliness;
• avoidance of social activity and contacts;
• lack of will, lack of initiative;
• feeling of melancholy, sadness;
• loss of faith and hope for the best;
• disruption of the rhythm of life and daily routine.

Almost every person has experienced these symptoms at least once, for example, due to psycho-emotional fatigue, problems, etc.

There are other reasons why an apathetic mood may develop.

Schisandra tincture

The drug is made from the seeds of Chinese Schisandra. The tincture has psychostimulating and general tonic properties. Long-term use of this drug will normalize blood pressure, myocardial contractility, expand the airways, improve oxygenation and trophism of tissues and internal organs.

Schisandra tincture normalizes neuromuscular conduction, stimulates spinal reflexes, which significantly improves the performance of striated muscles. The use of this remedy for physical and mental fatigue will improve the performance of the central nervous system, visual and auditory analyzers. This will lead to improved cognitive processes, attention, and memorization of information.

How to take Schisandra tincture

It is recommended to shake the bottle with the drug before use. It is prescribed only to adults in a dosage of 20-30 drops 15 minutes before meals. It should be taken 2-3 times a day for one month.