Mental Health

A person reading information online, reflecting the importance of understanding the risks of combining alcohol with Lexapro®, including potential liver issues and worsened depression.

Alcohol & Lexapro®: What you need to know

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP Summary: Understanding how alcohol interacts with Lexapro & the potential risks involved Lexapro®, a branded form of the medication escitalopram, is a widely prescribed antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin

A person sitting on the edge of a bed at night, reflecting the struggles of insomnia, while highlighting the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before using amitriptyline or other medications for sleep.

Can you take amitriptyline to help you sleep

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP Summary: Amitriptyline may be prescribed off-label for sleep issues—but is this safe & effective? Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) commonly used to treat depression. However, it has also been prescribed off-label for conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, and sleep disturbances. If you’re

A close-up of a bathroom scale, symbolizing the potential weight changes associated with Prozac® use and highlighting the importance of a balanced diet and exercise in managing these effects.

Will Prozac® make me gain weight

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM Summary: Prozac® is a branded form of fluoxetine, which belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is often used to treat depression and other mental health conditions—but if you’ve never taken it before, you might be wondering whether

Woman sitting on the floor, looking out the window, reflecting the emotional impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the importance of recognizing its symptoms to seek professional guidance and appropriate treatment.

Depression vs. seasonal affective disorder: how to tell the difference

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP Summary: It is easy to mistake the symptoms of depression with those of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—they share many similarities and can overlap in a variety of ways. However, it is important to understand the key differences between these two conditions so that you

A person reading information online, reflecting the importance of understanding the risks of combining alcohol with Lexapro®, including potential liver issues and worsened depression.

Will taking Lexapro® make me gain weight?

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP Summary: Lexapro® can help with depression—but could it also lead to weight gain? Lexapro® (a branded form of the medication escitalopram) is a widely used medication for managing anxiety and depression. But if you’re curious about this medication, it’s important to understand how

Woman reading the package insert of her medication to see if taking Zoloft® make her gain weight?

Will taking Zoloft® make me gain weight?

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP Summary: Zoloft® may help support mental health—but could it lead to weight changes? Zoloft® (a branded form of the medication sertraline) is a widely prescribed medication for treating anxiety and depression. It’s part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors

Businesswoman with a headache, representing the potential challenges and symptoms when stopping Lexapro®.

What happens when you stop taking Lexapro®?

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM Summary: Here’s what to know before you stop taking Lexapro® or switch medications Lexapro® is a branded form of the medication escitalopram that helps treat depression and anxiety—but it isn’t right for everyone. If you’re thinking about stopping Lexapro®, it’s important to understand

A man sitting at his laptop, stressed and anxious, illustrating some of the side effects of discontinuing Prozac® (fluoxetine), such as anxiety and emotional strain.

What happens when you stop taking Prozac®?

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM Summary: Learn how to come off Prozac® safely & reduce your withdrawal risk Prozac® (fluoxetine) is a medication commonly used to treat depression, certain anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help

Woman sitting on the floor, looking out the window, reflecting the emotional impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the importance of recognizing its symptoms to seek professional guidance and appropriate treatment.

The most common symptoms of anxiety & when to seek professional help

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM Summary Understanding the signs of anxiety & finding the help you need Everyone feels anxious now and then—it’s a normal response to stress or uncertainty. But when anxiety becomes intense, constant, or difficult to control, it can feel overwhelming. Anxiety disorders affect about