Dr. Melissa Welby

Akathesia: A Tortured Restlessness

There are particular side effects from medicine that physicians want to know right away if you have. Akathesia is one of them. Akathesia is a sensation of inner restlessness so bad that it can actually increase the risk of suicide. People suffering from it are unable to sit still and often describe it as a creepy-crawly sensation inside of them. Akathesia treatment usually works pretty quickly. Let’s go over what is akathesia to be sure you can recognize it in the unfortunate chance that you or someone you know experiences it. read more

48 of the Best Resources to Help with Overcoming Anxiety (Includes Help with Anxiety for Adults and Children!)

Anxiety is a treatable condition. Depending on the intensity, some people can get better on their own and others need therapy and/or medications to help with anxiety. Either way, recovering from anxiety is possible! There are great self-help options available to assist with the treatment of anxiety which includes websites, apps, and books on overcoming anxiety.

I compiled a list of 48 of my favorite anxiety resources that are full of information for both adults and children. Get your list here: read more

Adventure Awaits! How to Overcome Fear of Flying Phobia.

Recently, I took an international trip with my family that required a 16-hour plane ride. Stuck in an uncomfortable middle seat for this unpleasantly long flight I had lots of time to think and reflect in order to make the most of this extended period of nothingness. One of the topics I thought about is how life would change if I had a fear of flying phobia and the trips and family adventures I would miss out on. Fear of flying is common and many of my patients talk to me about this very thing. You can learn how to overcome fear of flying phobia. There are many adventures that await you (or business trips). Don’t let the anxiety and fear that accompany this hold you back- get treatment and put the anxiety behind you. read more

How Does Antabuse Work? Everything You Need to Know to Decide if Disulfiram Antabuse Treatment is Right For You

Antabuse (Disulfiram is the generic name) is a medication given to people who are struggling with alcohol addiction and need medication to support their efforts to abstain. Breaking the cycle of addiction is extremely difficult and sometimes a person needs to medically remove alcohol as an option in order to begin to recover. Disulfiram Antabuse treatment is not a cure for addiction. It discourages drinking due to the extremely unpleasant consequences (the disulfiram reaction) that happen when Antabuse and alcohol are combined. How does Antabuse work? In order to understand this, we need to take a look at how alcohol is metabolized. Antabuse interferes with this pathway and this is why you get sick if you drink alcohol while taking Antabuse. read more

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Improve Sleep and Reduce Anxiety Without an Increased Risk of Falling

Preventing falls in the elderly can significantly improve quality of life. Unfortunately, falling and injury happen too frequently. Fall prevention in the elderly is the result of common sense safety planning and education regarding contributing factors that set people up to fall. Many frequently used medications increase these risks, especially sleep aids and certain anxiety medications. But insomnia and anxiety also impair quality of life and need to be treated. Learn more about the risks and safer alternatives that can help. read more

9 Facts About the Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants: They are common!

Sexual side effects of antidepressants are common yet often people feel too embarrassed to discuss these with their doctor. To make it more complicated, a common symptom of depression is reduced interest in sexual activity. This can then be compounded by the antidepressants sexual side effects. If you are wondering about antidepressant sexual side effects, but too afraid to ask, I am writing this post for you! Here are several facts about antidepressants and sexual side effects so you can be more informed. read more

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Rare but Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that is one of the rare side effects of antipsychotic medications. It is fatal in 10% of patients. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome symptoms need to be recognized early to cut down on this risk of death. NMS is an unpredictable and rare condition but because of the seriousness, people who take a medication classified as an antipsychotic need to know about it and realize if it is happening. Starting Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome treatment right away will improve the course of the syndrome. What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome? Follow along to find out. read more

How to Prevent Suicide: 4 Coping Strategies to Use When Thinking About Suicide

Preventing suicide takes forethought and planning, not only in the world as a whole to create better support systems and treatment, but for individuals struggling with how to deal with suicidal thoughts. Creating a plan for how to prevent suicide and manage emotions at the height of intense feelings is a lot to ask of anyone. But coming up with a plan ahead of time for how to manage distress and suicidal urges can help allow the feelings to pass. This post includes coping strategies to manage distress, problem-solving techniques to help cut down on crisis, and suggestions on how to create coping cards and a hope box to use when thinking about suicide. read more

15 Interesting Facts About Alcohol: How Does Alcohol Work?

How does alcohol work in the body? Read these 15 interesting facts about alcohol to learn how it is absorbed and processed, how strong is a drink, how much is too much alcohol and when it becomes dangerous, and how long is alcohol in your system.

Drinking alcohol is ubiquitous in society but how does alcohol work in the body? Many people don’t know what it does or how it causes intoxication. Read these 15 interesting facts about alcohol to learn how it is absorbed and processed, how strong is a drink, how much is too much alcohol and when it becomes dangerous, how long is alcohol in your system, and how it can affect the liver.

1. Where is alcohol absorbed?

25% of alcohol is absorbed in the stomach in the first 5-10 minutes after consuming a drink. The rest of the 75% is absorbed in the small intestine. Even after you stop drinking, alcohol continues to be absorbed in the stomach and intestine and gets released into the bloodstream. read more

What is Serotonin Syndrome? Hint: It’s an Emergency. Know the Signs and Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is an emergency and can be fatal in extreme cases. It is important to recognize serotonin syndrome symptoms when they are happening because if medications are stopped early most cases remain mild. So what is serotonin syndrome? Let’s review the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome so it isn’t missed but also so people have an accurate idea of what it is and don’t worry they have it when they don’t. I will also go over what causes serotonin syndrome to help make more informed decisions about medication. read more