As a psychiatrist, I often discuss medications that can help manage various conditions, especially those related to substance use disorders. One such medication is naltrexone, an opioid blocker that is widely used for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). It can also play a role in chronic pain management and weight loss when combined with bupropion.

In this post, I'll explain how naltrexone works, its benefits, and important considerations for anyone taking it, especially in emergency situations.

It’s easy to feel like we need significant changes or interventions to improve our mental well-being, but recent research suggests that a simple, natural solution may be within reach for everyone: spending just ten minutes a day outside.

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound and challenging experiences. Yet, in our fast-paced society, there’s often an unspoken expectation to “get over it” quickly, leaving those who are grieving feeling misunderstood or isolated. Grief is a deeply personal and unique experience—no two people grieve the same way, and that’s okay.

Often there is a need or want for a patient to stop an antidepressant. For some antidepressants, like fluoxetine, this is easy. For other antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, this is notoriously difficult and uncomfortable with symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, nausea, achiness, and more. When discontinuing antidepressants, many people search for ways to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms, referred to as “discontinuation syndrome.” Two supplements recently began appearing on social media claiming to minimize these symptoms: high-dose omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Both have been studied for their potential benefits in treating depressive symptoms, but is there any evidence to support their use specifically for minimizing discontinuation syndrome?

Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, and no one is more aware of that role than those who struggle with sleep. The thought of insomnia can even become anxiety-provoking. Everyone experiences insomnia from time to time, but if this persists for more than one month, we call this “chronic insomnia.”

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a pervasive sense of exhaustion that can significantly impact your daily life. I often see patients who struggle with chronic tiredness, and identifying the root cause is crucial for effective management. This guide explores various factors contributing to fatigue and offers insights into how you can address them. Let’s dive into some common—and perhaps surprising—causes of fatigue.

Ketamine, originally known as a powerful anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects by acting on the NMDA receptor and modulating glutamate in the brain. In controlled clinical settings, ketamine has proven efficacy in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, the growing trend of using ketamine at home, often without medical supervision, raises significant concerns.

Neuropharmagen® enables providers to identify the safest psychotropic medication protocol for patients based on their genetic markers and other relevant factors. Finding the right medication for mental health conditions can often be challenging for patients and providers. Being able to quickly discern specific treatments and dosage amounts for antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs may increase a patient’s adherence and chance for a positive outcome.