“A Proper View of Medication” (Under the Juniper Tree S10E3)

September 17, 2019

Under the Juniper Tree Season 10, Episode 3 for Tuesday, September 17, 2019

· It is at this point we want to understand the proper view of medication. · The types of medication. o Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). This blocks the body’s ability to reabsorb serotonin in the body. This helps keep more of the neurotransmitter into the system. o Serotonin and Norepinephine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) Similar as above but it also keeps Norepinephrine from absorbing into the system. o Atypical Antidepressent. These do not fall under any of the above categories and work in different ways to help change the chemical levels. o Tricyclic Antidepressant: These slow the ability to reabsorb neurotransmitters. o Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). These are typically the last resort of medications due to reactions to food and other medications. · Keeping that in mind, we need to remember a few things about medication. · Medication is not a cure-all. o I have seen some compare medication to a health potion in an RPG type game. When you take it, it helps the condition of the body and cures everything. o Reality: Around 30% of all who take medication actually have a full recovery. What we need to remember is that this is like many medications. We should not solely rely on drugs to take care of all our problems. In many instances, medication should be used with therapy, exercise, diet changes, and other things to help the body have a better overall health. o When we solely rely on medication we run the risk of becoming an over medicated society. · The first medication may not do the trick. o Sometimes people have to try out different medications to find the one that helps the most. o Sometimes you have to take multiple medications. o Sometimes medications do not work at all or have minimal results. · Medications have side-effects. o Sometimes when people younger than 25 first take an anti-depressant there are stronger suicidal urges which take place. o There are physical side effects which may take place. o The medication should ALWAYS be monitored with the help of a physician. · Why say all this? We need to know the whole story.