MedHeads

Are Antidepressants Forever? Understanding Safe Discontinuation and Deprescribing

Are you—or someone you care about—part of the millions of people taking ssri antidepressants to manage anxiety disorder or depression? You’re not alone.

In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, we dive deep into why Australia leads the world in antidepressant use, what long-term ssri use really means for your body and mind, and how you can break free when those prescriptions turn into an endless habit. Wondering what do ssris do to your brain? I’ve got the answers you need.Using real facts and expert insights, I break down the surprising rise in ssri antidepressants prescriptions—mostly written by GPs—and explore why so many people stay on these meds for years, even when they might not need them. I clarify the difference between true relapse and ssri withdrawal symptoms, revealing how the ssri mechanism of action makes stopping more complex than it seems. Are ssris bad for you in the long run? This episode digs into the ssri experience to find out. Most research focuses on the short-term effects of antidepressants, leaving gaps in understanding what happens after years or decades. Many stay on them, influenced by the ssri chemical imbalance theory, yet face ssri side effects like lethargy, weight gain, emotional numbness, and sexual dysfunction—sometimes lingering even after quitting. If ssri anxiety or other challenges sound familiar, you’ll want to hear this. Here’s the good news: I walk you through Australia’s groundbreaking “Release” initiative—a step-by-step, evidence-based plan for tapering down ssri use. It’s designed to help you or your patients safely reduce and stop long-term antidepressants without fear, confusion, or the dread of taking ssri again due to returning symptoms. Whether you’ve just started ssris, have years of ssri experience, or are a healthcare professional seeking the latest ssri news, this video offers practical advice and hope. Don’t let antidepressant use become a silent lifetime sentence—join me to start the conversation and take action together! Subscribe for more mental health insights! Share your ssri anxiety story below! #SSRI #Antidepressants #MentalHealth #SSRIWithdrawalSymptoms #TaperingDownSSRI Chapters00:00:00 Australia’s High Antidepressant Use: An Alarming Trend

00:00:43 Why Are People Staying on Antidepressants Long Term?

00:01:41 The Habit of Long Term Use: Automatic and Unquestioned

00:02:30 Lack of Evidence for Long Term Effectiveness

00:03:18 Downsides and Side Effects of Chronic Use

00:03:54 Emotional Numbness and Lasting Sexual Dysfunction

00:04:31 Withdrawal vs. Relapse: The Challenge of Stopping00:05:08 Tapering Difficulties and Lack of Guidelines

00:05:59 The Release Program: A New Approach to Safe Deprescribing

00:06:45 Changing the Narrative: Tools and Support for Safe Discontinuation

Unlocking the Secrets of Breast Milk: Benefits Beyond Nutrition with Elena Medo.Breastmilk vs Formula: The Science of Nature’s Superfood! On this MedHeads Podcast, host Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Elena Medo,  Co-founder and CEO of Leonie Health PBC, explore the wonders of breastmilk.

Discover breast milk’s immune benefits from colostrum, packed with secretory immunoglobulin A, lysosome, and mucin to fight pathogens, to neurodevelopmental benefits reducing risks of autism and juvenile diabetes. Learn how oxytocin and prolactin foster attachment through kangaroo care.

Elena debunks myths about breastfeeding difficulties, discusses pumping breastmilk, and compares infant formula to donor milk from human milk banks using pasteurization and freezing breast milk. Worried about milk contamination? Get insights on drug use in pregnancy, including marijuana and breastfeeding, cocaine and breastfeeding, and opiates and breastfeeding.

Plus, explore breast pumps, father’s role in infant care, and formula feeding challenges in neonatal intensive care units to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Why watch? A must-see for parents and professionals! Subscribe for more health insights! Share your thoughts below!#BreastmilkVsFormula #Breastfeeding #Colostrum #NeurodevelopmentalBenefits

Chapters

00:00 Oxytocin: Bonding and Protection Mode

05:55 Breast Milk's Immune Defense Mechanisms

09:31 Colostrum for Preemie Oral Care

13:17 Understanding Breastfeeding and Motherhood Dynamics

15:31 Breastfeeding Challenges and Deterrents

18:55 Impact of Drugs on Maternal Instinct

24:29 Innovations in Human Milk Analysis

28:20 Dads' Hormonal Bonds Boost Baby Care

29:43 Night Feeds Boost Milk Supply

In this episode of the MedHeads Podcast, we flip the script from red flags to green flags those often overlooked but powerful signs of a healthy relationship. These are the traits that build trust, emotional safety and long-term connection.

We break down ten science-backed green flags: kindness, respect, communication, shared values, individual growth, laughter, responsibility, gratitude, emotional safety, and shared goals.

We also explore why it’s crucial to model these behaviors—especially for young people who learn about love by watching those around them. By focusing on what to look for in relationships, we set the stage for stronger, healthier connections.

#greenflags, #healthyrelationships, #emotionalsafety, #communication, #respect, #kindness, #sharedvalues, #personalgrowth, #gratitude, #relationshipadvice #Meducate

NAC: The Amino Acid Battling Long COVID & Liver DiseaseUnlock the Science of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) with MedHeads Podcast! Host Adriana Mitchell dives into what is NAC and its game-changing NAC benefits—from NAC for liver health to boosting glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant.

Discover how does NAC work as n-acetyl-l-cysteine, a proven antidote for paracetamol overdose, now showing promise for NAC ADHD, long COVID, and antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2.

A 2023 meta-analysis highlights NAC and glutathione reducing inflammation, protecting DNA, and even lowering COVID-19 mortality. Learn about NAC supplement dosage (600-1800mg/day), n-acetyl-l-cysteine dosage safety, and potential NAC side effects.

Explore benefits of antioxidants for chronic lung diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neuroprotection via innovative nanoparticle delivery. Adriana also covers exciting combos with bromelain and remdesivir!

Why watch? Get science-backed insights on health benefits of NAC and practical tips for your wellness routine.

Subscribe for more health breakthroughs!

Comment your questions below!Check our playlist for more supplements#NACSupplement #BenefitsOfNAC #Glutathione #HealthBenefitsOfNAC

Transforming Advanced Parkinson's Care: A Deep Dive into Duodopa and Its Daily Impact.

Discover Duodopa, a groundbreaking Parkinson’s disease treatment for advanced Parkinson’s on MedHeads. In this episode, we explore what is Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and the challenges of advanced Parkinson’s motor fluctuations.

Learn how Duodopa intestinal gel, delivered via a Duodopa pump, offers effective Parkinson’s disease management by providing continuous medication directly to the small intestine. This innovative Parkinson’s disease treatment device reduces “off” times, improves quality of life, and provides personalized therapy for patients. We’ll cover the Parkinson’s disease cause, clinical evidence, practical tips for using the Duodopa pump, and daily considerations for patients and caregivers.

Watch our Duodopa pump video to see if this reversible treatment can unlock stability for those with advanced Parkinson’s. Subscribe for more insights on Parkinson’s disease treatment and management!

Chapters00:00 Gastroenterological PEGJ Procedure Explained04:23 Duodopa Reduces Daily "Off" Time07:36 Optimizing Life with Parkinson's

Did you know that over 60% of ingredients in your makeup bag may have never been tested for safety? In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden truths of the beauty industry—from hormone-disrupting parabens to fragrance loopholes hiding hundreds of chemicals.

This is Toxic Beauty—a real talk about what you're putting on your skin, and why it matters more than ever.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The 3 most toxic ingredients hiding in everyday beauty products

• Why "fragrance" is one of the most misleading words on a label

• How U.S. and Australian regulations lag far behind Europe

• Simple swaps to detox your routine without sacrificing results

• The best apps to scan products and avoid greenwashing

Mentioned Ingredients to Watch Out For:
❌ Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben)
❌ Phthalates (often hidden in “fragrance”)
❌ Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15)
❌ Oxybenzone & Octinoxate (in some sunscreens)

Better-For-You Brands & Products We Mentioned:
✔️ Go-To Skincare – Gentle Aussie-made staples with no nasties
✔️ The Ordinary – Ingredient-first, budget-friendly skincare
✔️ Biologi – Clean, single-ingredient plant extracts
✔️ Dr. Bronner’s – Organic soaps you can trust
✔️ Ethique – Zero-waste shampoo and conditioner bars
✔️ Sukin – Widely available and free of the worst offenders
✔️ Ultra Violette – Reef-safe, high-performance SPF
✔️ Flower Beauty – Affordable & cruelty-free (but check individual products!)

Helpful Tools & Apps:
🔍 Skin Deep by EWG
🔍 Think Dirty
🔍 SkinSafe

🧠 Stay sharp. Stay informed. Subscribe to MedHeads for more evidence-based podcasts on health.

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👍 Like this video if you learned something new, and drop a comment with your favorite clean beauty swaps!

#parabens #phthalates #formaldehyde #toxicbeautyproducts #harmfulcosmetics #cleanbeauty #hormonedisruptors #cosmeticsafety #skincareingredients #beautyproductdangers

Why Metformin Users Need to Know These Hidden Side Effects?

Are you taking Metformin or considering it for managing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes? Discover the truth about Metformin.

Whether you're asking "What is Metformin?" or wondering "How does Metformin work?"—we’ve got you covered. This episode dives deep into the metformin mechanism of action, explores its benefits for blood sugar control, and answers the big question: Is Metformin good or bad?

Here's what you'll learn:Metformin side effects explained—from the common gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort, to more rare surprises like metallic taste and headaches.

How to manage or prevent Metformin diarrhoea and stomach upset with real-life strategies backed by science.

How Metformin helps with weight loss, the use of Metformin in diabetes, and why it’s still one of the most prescribed meds for type 2 diabetes.

The truth about dangers of Metformin—from potential lactic acidosis to vitamin B12 deficiency—and how to monitor your body for signs.Lifestyle hacks: the best foods to eat, how exercise supports treatment, and how to reduce side effects naturally.

The benefits of taking Metformin beyond blood sugar, including potential metabolic and anti-aging effects.

If you’ve been asking:“What are the long-term effects of Metformin?”“Can Metformin help me lose weight?”“Why does Metformin cause gastrointestinal issues?”

This episode is for YOU.

How Stress Physically Changes Your Body (Mind-Body Connection Explained)

Stress isn’t just in your head—it’s a full-body experience that silently impacts your health every single day.

In this episode, I break down exactly what’s happening inside your body when you're stressed—from your brain and heart to your gut, skin, and immune system. Ever had your heart race during a deadline or stomach cramps before a big meeting? That’s your body reacting to stress. And if it’s constant? It can lead to real, lasting damage.

We’ll explore how chronic stress affects:✅ Brain health (memory, focus, decision-making)
✅ Heart rate and blood pressure
✅ Gut and digestion (hello, IBS and nausea)
✅ Hormones and fertility
✅ Immune response and inflammation
✅ Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and more

But it’s not all bad news—there are real, simple steps you can take to calm your nervous system and support your health. Let’s get you feeling better, starting today.

🎯 If you’re ready to reclaim your health, hit subscribe and join the MedHeads community for more insights on mental health, wellness, and science-backed life hacks.

🔔 Subscribe now
#stress #mentalhealth #cortisol #guthealth #immunesystem #medheads #healthtips #anxiety

Ever feel emotionally exhausted after talking to a friend in crisis? Or catch yourself replaying someone else’s painful story long after they’ve stopped telling it? You might be experiencing vicarious trauma—and you’re not alone.

In this episode of MedHeads, we dive into the lesser-known but deeply real impact of vicarious trauma: the emotional and physiological toll of repeatedly witnessing or hearing about someone else’s pain. You don’t have to directly experience trauma to feel its effects. Sometimes, simply caring deeply is enough to activate your nervous system as if it’s happening to you.

We explore how the brain processes trauma—even secondhand—by triggering similar neural pathways and stress responses. If you’re constantly tired, more irritable, numb, or anxious for no clear reason, it might be time to look deeper.

This episode is for parents, teachers, healthcare workers, partners, friends—anyone who listens and cares. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, set boundaries, protect your empathy and give your brain the reset it desperately needs.

Because being there for others shouldn’t mean losing yourself in the process.

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Is monogamy really the gold standard—or just a deeply ingrained habit? In this episode, we dive into how monogamy affects our health, the brain science behind attraction, and the rising conversation around ethical non-monogamy.

We use keywords like monogamy vs polyamory, STI risk in monogamous relationships, and relationship stress health impact to cut through the noise and give you the facts.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected in a relationship or wondered if there’s more to love than “forever with one,” this episode is for you.

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