About Melissa Chefec

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Entries by Melissa Chefec

Dealing With ‘Brain Zaps’? Here’s Why They Might Be Happening—and What to Do

By Beth Ann Mayer, July 6, 2024 We’ll get more into brain zap causes in a bit, but research and experts point to abruptly stopping antidepressant medications as the No. 1 trigger. “Venlafaxine, in particular, has been associated with these symptoms, but other serotonergic antidepressants, especially with short half-lives, can cause them as well,” says Dr. Alex […]

Study pinpoints 3 common antidepressants tied to the most weight gain

By Jessica Freeborn, July 5, 2024 Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, who was not involved in the current study, offered further insight into antidepressants to MNT: “The most common uses of antidepressants are for depression and anxiety, where they can significantly […]

The Best Rest

By Dr. Alex Dimitriu, July 2, 2024 In psychiatry and medicine in general, sleep should be considered a vital sign. Almost every psychiatric condition, whether anxiety or bipolar disorder, ADHD or dementia, is substantially affected by lack of quality sleep. Poor sleep undermines impulse control, making us “bingey,” settling for quick fixes over more meaningful goals; harder stuff takes perseverance and discipline—that is, impulse […]

Can you drink while taking Rexulti?

By Sarah Bradley, July 2, 2024 “Most people taking any type of psychiatric medication should try to avoid alcohol entirely, or at least greatly minimize their intake,” said Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California.  Click HERE for the full article.

The best cooling pillows in 2024: Sweet dreams for hot sleepers

By Suzy Hernandez, June 27, 2024 According to Dr. Dimitriu, depending on the materials, cooling pillows can improve comfort. Cooling pillows work to help manage temperature and promote a cooler sleeping environment. They generally use materials to absorb and pull away heat from the body, like a gel layer or memory foam.   Click HERE for […]

Does Magnesium Help to Reduce Anxiety?

By Jessica Migala, June 17, 2024 And there’s the sleep part of the equation. “Anxiety, sleep, and mental well-being are all intertwined,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician in Menlo Park, California. As a mild anti-anxiety agent, magnesium can also promote sleep. “Better sleep, in turn, results in less anxiety the following day,” […]

Why Real-World Anxiety Keeps Following Me Into My Dreams

By Sydni Ellis, June 12, 2024 Can Anxiety Cause Bad Dreams? You’re not imagining it — the experts we spoke with overwhelmingly agreed that anxiety can contribute to bad dreams. “Anxious thoughts while someone is asleep can manifest themselves as bad dreams or stress dreams,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and […]

Does Magnesium Help You Sleep?

By Jessica Migala, June 11, 2024 So where does magnesium fit into things? “Magnesium is a beneficial muscle relaxant and mild anti-anxiety agent,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician in Menlo Park, California.  Click HERE for the full article.

These drugs can be a bedroom bummer

By Alpana Mohta, MD, June 11, 2024 Board-certified psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, spoke with MDLinx about the prevalence of sexual dysfunction with SSRIs: “The likelihood of SSRIs inducing sexual dysfunction is about 50% while being treated.” However, he notes, in some cases, this issue persists even after stopping the medication; this is known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). […]

Wait, What’s the Difference Between White Noise and Brown Noise? Experts Sound Off

By Bethann Mayer, June 9, 2024 “Sleep is so precious to our emotional and physical health,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Fundamentally, it helps the part of our brain that sets us apart from most other animals, the prefrontal cortex.” Dr. Dimitriu explains […]

This Busy Mom Says She Was Scammed After Shopping In Her Sleep

By Rachel MacPherson, June 5, 2024 Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, explains parasomnias are disorders of confusional arousal, meaning that the person is half awake and half asleep when they act out — which can range from sleepwalking to sleep talking and night terrors. “It can be thought of as […]

Is Adderall a controlled substance?

By SingleCare Team, May 20, 2024 “Because of its higher risk status, the government, your doctor, and your pharmacist will monitor the use of these medications more closely. Refills cannot be ordered, you will need an ID to get this medicine, and you will also need to see your doctor in person at least every […]

What are the side effects of trazodone for older adults?

By Sarah Bradley, May 16, 2024 All that said, trazodone is still considered a fairly safe drug. In fact, it’s safer than many other sleep medications, including Ambien, diphenhydramine, and benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Xanax, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Click HERE […]

Taking a Closer Look at Sexual Sadism

By Toketemu Ohwovoriole , May 06, 2024 Sadism is a form of sexual expression that is centered around power dynamics. Mutual consent and trust are essential to a healthy form of this sexual interaction. With mutual consent and respect for boundaries, sadism can allow a healthy exploration of fantasies, power dynamics, intimacy, as well as emotional release, […]

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