Intown Atlanta Psychiatry

09/03/2025

⚠️ Methylene Blue + Antidepressants: A Risky Mix You Should Know About

In the world of biohacking and alternative therapies, methylene blue has gained attention for its potential cognitive and mitochondrial benefits. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there's a serious safety concern that anyone taking antidepressants needs to understand.

🚨 The Hidden Danger: Serotonin Syndrome
Methylene blue isn’t just a harmless dye—it has monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) properties. That means it can interfere with how your brain processes serotonin, especially when combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or other serotonergic medications. The result? A potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome1.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

Agitation or restlessness

Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure

Muscle rigidity or twitching

Confusion, hallucinations

Fever and seizures in severe cases

Even a single dose of methylene blue can trigger this reaction if you're on antidepressants.

🧠 Why the Interaction Happens
Antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine increase serotonin levels. Methylene blue, by inhibiting MAO-A, prevents the breakdown of serotonin. Together, they can cause dangerously high serotonin levels in the brain.

❌ Who Should Avoid Methylene Blue
Anyone taking SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or MAOIs

People with G6PD deficiency

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

✅ What You Can Do
If you're considering methylene blue for cognitive enhancement or other uses:

Talk to your doctor first

Wait at least 2 weeks after stopping serotonergic medications before using methylene blue

Never self-medicate with supplements that affect neurotransmitters

Methylene blue may have exciting potential, but mixing it with antidepressants is a gamble you don’t want to take. Your brain—and your life—deserve better odds.

08/08/2025

For those parents whose kids are moving away from home for the first time, I know how you feel. My son is leaving today. I wrote this last night when I was in all my feelings. I wanted to share it and offer comfort to some of you who might be feeling the same way.

My Boy Leaves
It's the last night before we move you into your dorm
You had to work so we couldn't eat our last meal around the table
The table where we have done homework, had so many discussions, played games, and cried about serious things
You come home after work and we go over the packing list. Everything you will need to start your new life without us
I pack your extra pillowcases because you might need them
I think about all the times I delicately tucked you in and sang you the Batman song that you loved so much- changing the lyrics every time and put a dollar under that pillow when you lost a tooth
You take a shower and I hug you before you go- holding on extra tight
Soap, we must pack it for the dorm. Will you have what you need?
I'm tired from the day as I hear you pad by my door one last time. I want to open it and ask you to stay-
Can we go back in time to all the little moments that I thought would never end?
I will pass by your door as I go to the laundry room and sit on your bed and look around your room of glasses half full on your bed frame and candy wrappers barely in the trash can- all the things that drove me crazy- only to be here looking around at a room, just a room. Empty without you.
I want to go back and read that extra chapter with you, even though I felt dog tired and cranky, I want to be back in that moment, cuddling with you in your cramped toddler bed, smelling your sweet head, and hearing you giggle and point at something silly in the book.
You will leave some CDs and I will listen to them as your fan whirs in the corner and I will look at your dusty desk with the calendar still on October 2022 and know there is a purpose to all this grief. You are becoming the person you need to be and I am happy for you-
This is what happens in life
So, I will pack the rest of your things and fill my spirit with yours, dear one.

07/30/2025

Dealing with Perimenopause and/or menopause symptoms. Come to my groups starting in September and we will have an educated discussion.
Group dates for 2025: September 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm, December 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm
Group dates for 2026: January 5th from 7pm to 8:30pm, March 9th from 7pm to 8:30pm, June 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm, and October 5th from 7pm-8:30pm

Topics for Groups:

September- Introduction to Perimenopause- understanding the science behind the chaos
December- Mood swings and anxiety flares due to hormonal changes
January- Sleep disruptions and hot flashes-
March- Sexual dysfunction in Perimenopause
June- Why do I look like this? Metabolic changes associated with Menopause
October- Hormonal Replacement Therapy- discussing treatment options

Meet at The Ormewood Church- 1071 Delaware Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

07/07/2025

Imagine waking up without the fog of anxiety or mood swings. It’s possible. 🌞
Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, high-pressure careers, or just feel “off,” you’re not alone. Intown Atlanta Psychiatry offers expert psychiatric evaluations and medication management to uncover what’s really going on — and how to treat it.
We’re proud to serve the Atlanta community with care that’s compassionate, discreet, and grounded in evidence.
📍 Located in Atlanta, GA
🌐 Visit www.iapwellness.com to schedule

06/24/2025

You are not too emotional. Your brain might just need support. 🧬
Hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and mood disorders are more than a phase — they’re medical, and treatable. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we help working professionals, moms, and adults in the Atlanta area take back control with expert psychiatric evaluations and evidence-based medication management.
Our team is here to listen — and to act. With compassion. With science. With solutions.
🌟 You don’t have to feel this way forever.
Take the first step today → www.iapwellness.com

06/18/2025

Is it stress… or something more? Take this 5-second quiz:
• Trouble concentrating?
• Mood swings out of nowhere?
• Anxiety at work or at home?
• Feeling “off” no matter how much you rest?
If you said yes to 2 or more — it might be time for a deeper look. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults and new moms struggling with mood disorders, depression, or hormonal shifts.
✨ Located in the heart of Atlanta, we offer real answers — and real relief.
📅 Book your first appointment at www.iapwellness.com

06/12/2025

Ever feel like your emotions are on a rollercoaster you didn’t buy a ticket for? 🎢

Hormonal mood swings, anxiety that won’t quit, and lingering depression aren’t “just stress” — they’re signs your brain chemistry might need support. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we specialize in psychiatric evaluations and personalized medication management to help bring clarity back to your mind.

Serving Atlanta adults, working professionals, and new moms, our compassionate team helps you get answers — not judgment.

🧠 You don’t have to keep guessing. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

👉 Start your journey today at www.iapwellness.com

  77 Welcome to IAP Wellness 108 At IAP Wellness our goal is to provide holistic and integrative care to patients with psychiatric needs. We strive to help patients identify the “root” causes of their symptoms and guide them in improving their current state of functioning.

11/03/2023

It's Friday! During the week, it is easier for us to stick to our nutritional and fitness goals, but then turn around and sabotage it on the weekend. Many of us have a "weekend warrior" approach to living, which can include overindulging on sugar and alcohol. This is especially true due to being more social and hanging out with friends on weekends. This can put your body into a tougher cycle of detox as you age. Its okay to overindulge once in a while, but remember as we go into this weekend that taking a weekend break and sticking to your goals can lead to a better Monday.

10/27/2023

Finally completed my nutritional psychiatry program! I’m excited to incorporate this into helping my patients.

10/27/2023

Gluten, Dairy, and Sugar
How Do These Substances Impact Mental Health?

Many of us are inundated with news and opinions about gluten, dairy, and sugar. You can’t go to the grocery store without seeing a sundry of labels offering gluten, dairy, and sugar free products. Most of the time, these products are more expensive and the ingredients are cause for skepticism. Many of us wonder if this is just a marketing fad designed to line the pockets of the weight loss and anti-aging industry.
However, there are reputable studies by researchers and scientists looking into the connection between gluten, dairy, and sugar intolerances and mental health. We know there is a connection between our gut microbiome and behavior changes. For instance, if you normally consume less sugar and you then eat brownies, cookies, ice cream and have a coke, you might notice a major change in your mood. This is to be expected. Yet, what if you don’t binge but you are consuming gluten, dairy, and sugar on a normal basis as part of your everyday diet. How does that impact behavior?
First, let’s define gluten. It is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten releases a chemical called gliadin that triggers another chemical (Zomulin) to open up tight junctions in our digestive tract to allow fluid to flow through. These junctions remain tight to protect against bacterial infections. Since the 1700s, gluten additives have increased due to the need for greater commercial need of products. These additives are harder to tolerate and can cause more digestive problems leading to leaky gut syndrome for some people. The digestive membranes can become compromised and can shift to more unwanted bacterial growth. Another problem is that gluten additives can lead to less blood flow to the brain.
What about dairy? Most people associate dairy intolerance and allergies to lactose. This is the primary sugar in dairy. Some people don’t produce enough of the chemical lactase, which helps to break down lactose, leading to discomfort. According to researchers, this is not the primary problem with mental health issues. The most allergenic part of dairy is casein and whey. These two substances lead to inflammation and can contribute to anxiety, OCD, and depression for some people.
Finally, we know that sugar can be friend and foe to all of us. In the United States, the average person consumes products that are the equivalent to 31 teaspoons of sugar a day. Many of our grocery items have hidden sugars and might seem like a healthy choice. Several studies indicate that consuming high sugar foods can cause a 23% increase in rates of clinical depression.
So, should we switch to a lifestyle that eliminates gluten, dairy, and sugar? For some, that might be reasonable, but most of us are not going to be able to make that work long term. Many of the substitute products are not good alternatives due to other chemicals and additives. Unless you have a true allergy, which can be diagnosed with testing and elimination diets, it is best to reduce overindulging in gluten, dairy, and sugar. Substituting with whole food options, such as fruits for sugary snacks, lettuce to replace bread, and avocado or coconut milk to replace cream, is going to lead to positive mental health changes.

02/14/2023

Perimenopause: Who, What, When, WHY??

Many women will tell you that they reach their mid 40s and “things don’t feel right”. Most of my patients will come to me and report feeling irritable, having low energy, noticing foggy thoughts, and having disrupted sleep. These symptoms can be described as “coming and going”. My patient will say “I feel fine some days and terrible on others”. Many worry that they have bipolar disorder since it’s so sporadic. They are still getting a menstrual cycle or they are on some form of hormonal birth control that prevents a cycle so they are not thinking about any reproductive causes for their overlapping psychiatric symptoms.
Perimenopause can happen as early as age 35 and as late as 55. It is typically described as “the change before the change”. The symptoms differ for everyone. Some women may have low energy but “sleep is fine”. Others may have raging moods but “no night sweats”. The number one thing, they all have in common is “feeling like something isn’t working”.
Many of us have the flawed thought that menopause is “way down the road when the kids graduate and retirement is right around the corner”. This is why it can feel like being “hit by a truck” when it happens in your 40s. The science behind it is quite simple- “your hormones are changing” but dealing with it is a whole different story.
If you are having symptoms of perimenopause or curious about that next chapter, I am offering an educational group starting next month. We will meet twice a month to discuss topics of mood swings, sleep changes, cognitive problems, and issues of s*x drive. This will be a confidential forum to promote education about signs, symptoms and treatment of perimenopause issues. In addition, we will offer each other support and guidance in a judgement free environment.
If interested, please contact me at Lauren@iapwellness.com or call (404) 539-0719 for more information.

Lauren Robinson, APRN, BC-PMHNP specializes in holistic, integrative psychiatric care of adults with

09/01/2021

Integrative Psychiatry: An Approach to Treatment

I apologize for my absence from blogging for the past several months. This was not my intention. However, I have a great excuse. I just completed my year long integrative psychiatry fellowship with Dr. James Greenblatt. The fellowship was insightful beyond words. It opened my eyes as a psychiatric provider that has been practicing since 2002. I want to share with you what integrative psychiatry is all about and hope that you will be excited about the future of this field.
Integrative psychiatry takes traditional Western medicine (ie., medications) and adds on a layer of complementary treatments, such as supplements, nutrients, kundalini yoga, and more. It differs from a strictly holistic approach by focusing on combining traditional and alternative approaches based on the comfort level of the patient.
I have been working in the field of medicine for a long time and would consider myself a skeptic when it comes to alternative approaches. Yet, the reality is that traditional psychiatric medicine doesn’t work for everyone. Many of my patients are frustrated with medication side effects or lack of efficacy. Its hard to ignore the statistics that so many people will quit seeking help because they don’t think something works. As Dr. Greenblatt says, “we need to do better”.
I decided to enroll and complete the Psychiatry Redefined fellowship so I could “do better” and understand that there are more approaches to caring for my patients. If medications are not the only answer, I want to be aware of other options that I can offer my patients. As we know, therapy and medication can have a 70% effectiveness rate in treating a variety of mental health issues. How can we get to 90% or even 100%?
I learned valuable information in this fellowship and I will be sharing this insight with my patients and blogging about it for those who are interested. Thanks for your time!