Tag: Anxiety Symptoms

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Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms: How To Handle Them


Smoking withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to live through, both for the quitting smoker and for anybody close to them. When we take the long term view, it is clear that quitting is a very positive thing to do, but the first few days or weeks can be a difficult time. In this article we will look at the different withdrawal symptoms that you may have, so that you know what you are up against and can assure yourself that it will pass.

Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

When we have been smoking for anything more than a few months, quitting can give us smoking withdrawal symptoms including irritation and anger, overeating, depression, difficulty concentrating and anxiety as well as the craving for tobacco products which can be overwhelming at times. Let’s take these one by one.

Irritation and anger

Most people who quit smoking become irritable. They are not a lot of fun to be around for the first few days. Some people may even have violent mood swings. Nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum can be very helpful in reducing this symptom. They make it easier on the smoker and on his or her family and friends.

Depression and anxiety

Smoking withdrawal symptoms

Smoking withdrawal symptoms

Some people suffer from depression and anxiety as smoking withdrawal symptoms. These can be serious so if you have this problem, talk to your doctor about prescription meds including Zyban, an anti-depressant that also reduces the physical smoking withdrawal symptoms.

Overeating

There are two reasons why people often overeat when they quit smoking. The first is the habit of having something in your mouth. You can deal with this by using regular sugar-free gum. But it is also true that nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant.

If you are a slim person without a tendency to overeat, you do not need to be concerned. Any weight gain that you have will almost certainly be temporary. If your weight has not begun to reduce again six months after quitting, you can probably lose the excess very easily by adopting healthier eating habits for a while.

If you are already overweight, on the other hand, the fear of gaining more weight may be enough to prevent you from quitting. If you do quit, you will be tempted to light a cigarette if you gain a single pound. In this case nicotine replacement gum can be an excellent aid. It gives you something to chew on and also delivers appetite-reducing nicotine.

Combat Smoking withdrawal symptoms

Smoking withdrawal symptoms can sound scary. However, the first thing to remember if you are bothered by the idea of smoking withdrawal symptoms is that in fact, these symptoms are caused by the nicotine itself. It’s not because you are not smoking now that you begin snapping at all of your family and friends – it’s because you began smoking all those years ago. If you had never smoked you would not experience these symptoms.


Imagine if you could easily use the same method that allowed Paul Peyton, a heavy smoker for more than 14 years, ? to permanently quit overnight… Wouldn’t that be wonderful?Well, guess what – you can. In fact, ANYONE can do it.But first, you need to understand where you’ve gone wrong in the past… Treating just the physical addiction to smoking. But it can only be removed completely by using targeted psychotherapeutic techniques. NOT by ignoring it and hoping it will go away. And CERTAINLY NOT by throwing even more nicotine at it, in the form of patches or gum. You MUST deal with BOTH parts of your addiction the right way, or you will keep getting those cravings forever…

Specific, step by step instructions ? we show you exactly what to do, so nothing is left to chance. You choose the timeframe ? implement the method at your own pace, as you feel comfortable. Tried and tested method ? this cutting-edge method has been successfully used to cure thousands of happy ex-smokers. Permanently removes your mental dependence at the subconscious level ? resulting in a permanent end to mental cravings.
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So how long does it take before smoking withdrawal symptoms end? The answer is that if you quit cold turkey, you can expect them to become much less acute in just a few days. You may continue to feel them in a less intense form for 1-3 weeks, and they may continue to trouble you in a mild form for longer, but the worst of them will be over in 5-7 days. Isn’t it worth holding out against smoking withdrawal symptoms for that short time, in order to be free of addiction for the rest of your life?


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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms






When does everyday worry cross the line into an anxiety disorder? At what point should you be concerned about that continual feeling of dread? Are you growing anxious over things that would in all likelihood never happen? If you have these questions, then you may be able to answer them by becoming aware of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.

If anxious thoughts, constant worry, and higher level of fear interrupt your daily living, you may have GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms of GAD fall into three categories ? emotional, behavioral, and physical.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Some of the emotional symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are a constant stream of worries going through your mind or an overall feeling of dread or apprehension. You may have intrusive thoughts that cause you anxiety that you cannot make go away. You have the strong need to know exactly what is going on at all times, and you find it difficult to deal with uncertainty. There is also the general feeling that there is nothing you can do to stop all your worrying.

The physical symptoms associated with GAD include an on-edge and jumpy feeling. You may have great difficulty falling asleep because your mind won’t let go of the day’s events. You may have digestive issues, including a pervasive upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea. The muscles of your body may ache from always being tensed up.



Anxiety Disorder Symptoms – Inability to Relax

A general inability to relax is a hallmark behavioral symptom of generalized anxiety disorders. You don’t like being on your own, and you do not enjoy silence. You may have a difficult time with concentration and focus. While many people procrastinate, people suffering from GAD seem to have a higher level due to a feeling of being completely overwhelmed. They may also completely avoid situations that trigger their anxious feelings.

Children also have unique symptoms of GAD. Unlike adults, children and teens do not comprehend that their anxiety is of a concerning level, and they assume that their peers also suffer the same emotions that they are feeling. Because of this, is it especially important that the adults in their lives pay close attention and intervene when necessary.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Children and teens can manifest generalized anxiety disorder through perfectionism, excessive worry on past and future events, social acceptance within their peer group, and a feeling of self-blame for issues completely unrelated to themselves. They also seek continual reassurance or praise.


Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

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Why 5-HTP May Be Better To Treat Depression

Why 5 HTP May Be Better To Treat Depression

5-HTP Supplements

I ran across this great article by Virginia Butters that explains why using an amino acid supplement called 5-HTP may be a great alternative to the current crop of anti-deperssion drugs that are out there like Luvox or Prozac or Praxil. Take a read and see what you think

When depression and anxiety are severe, they can have an impact on every area of life, and most people welcome any form of relief. SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors, are the choice to treat depression and anxiety for millions of Americans, but the risks of these medications may outweigh their possible benefits. The side effects and complications of these medications leave many looking for a natural alternative. More and more depression and anxiety sufferers are turning to the naturally occurring amino acid 5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. 5-HTP may be a better and safer option for many suffering from depression and anxiety symptoms, and here are five reasons why.

1. 5-HTP does not antagonize your brain’s normal functioning. The neurotransmitter serotonin is manufactured in the brain, and causes regulation of sleep, mood, and the perception of pain. The symptoms of depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and insomnia have all been correlated to reduced serotonin levels. Certain brain receptors absorb serotonin, and SSRIs work by blocking those receptors, which in theory slows our brain’s use of the serotonin we produce. This artificial slowing of the brain’s physiological regulatory system does not boost the actual manufacture of serotonin.

In contrast, the chemical precursor to serotonin itself is 5-HTP, necessarily used by our brains to manufacture the neurotransmitter. By taking a 5-HTP supplement, we provide our brains with more of the substance it naturally uses to produce serotonin. Increasing serotonin levels has been found to improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions.

2. 5-HTP doesn’t cause a fraction of the side effects common to SSRIs. When taking an SSRI, it’s common to experience a number of side effects, the most common of which include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea or constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, heart palpitations, fatigue, agitation, muscle pain and tremors. In a small percentage of patients, an increase in suicidal thoughts has been reported. Studies have shown that nearly 45% of SSRI users will have sexual difficulties or be unable to orgasm, over 20% will report a noticable weight gain, and 2%-4% will have more suicidal thoughts than before taking the medication.

Very few side effects have been associated with taking 5-HTP supplements. Minor gastrointestinal complaints are the most frequently reported side effects of 5-HTP therapy. Users have reported these often completely subside with time. No studies have found correlations between 5-HTP and any of the serious side effects commonly associated with SSRIs.

3. 5-HTP works. SSRIs have been found to have a positive impact on the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and are therefore commonly prescribed by medical professionals. However, 5-HTP has also been shown in clinical trials to cause significant improvement in these symptoms. 5-HTP was shown to be as effective as fluvoxamine, a prescription antidepressant, in one study. Because of it’s ability to encourage natural serotonin production in the brain, 5-HTP has been shown repeatedly to have a positive impact on mood, decrease anxiety, and aid in healthy sleep.

4. Dependency is not a problem with 5-HTP. SSRIs have the effect of artificially manipulating the brain’s natural processes. Because of this, suddenly discontinuing their use may result in severe bouts of depression and anxiety. 5-HTP can be discontinued quite easily if felt to be no longer necessary, because it’s natural effect of increasing serotonin production does not interfere with the brain’s normal physiology.

5. 5-HTP comes from nature. The 5-HTP which is usually found in supplements is extracted from the seeds of a plant, the West African griffonia simplicifolia. Small amounts of 5-HTP can be found in a variety of foods such as shellfish, cheese, eggs and milk. SSRIs are completely synthetic, and exist nowhere in nature.

Doses ranging from 50 mg to 300 mg are standard when using 5-HTP to treat depression and anxiety. It’s advised to begin with 50 mg and add more over a period of time if necessary, as some people obtain more favorable results while taking a lower dose. 5-HTP should be taken with a full glass of water and within 30 minutes of a meal for maximum absorption to occur. Taking more than 200 mg of 5-HTP at a time should be avoided. 5-HTP may not be right for everyone, and should be avoided by those currently using prescription antidepressants or anti-Parkinsons medications. It’s recommended that you consult with a health care professional before beginning a 5-HTP regimen.

Read about how to choose a 5htp supplement and how 5htp benefits fibromyalgia symptoms. at Virginia Butters site