ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Mom3

I went to a support group meeting at City of Hope last night (which I rarely do). The speaker was a bc oncologist. She was wonderful. She talked about coping with bc and one of the things she said was that antidepressants might help in coping especially in women who have are menopausal b/c of chemo, hormone therapy, etc. I'm considering taking a low dosage of some kind of antidepressant. I think I could probably benefit b/c there are days when I feel down b/c of this entire journey. I honestly don't feel very depressed or irrational (which she said happens) so I don't think I'd be on them all the time but there are days that I think they might help. Anywho, I'd like to read about some of you who are on an anti-depressant and see how you feel about taking them and give me personal insight on how they make you feel, pros & cons. Please, please, please share. Thank you so much.

4 loves: My three kids and my wonderful husband.

diana50

our bodies are really beat up after cancer treatment....chemo...rads...surgeries...hormone stuff...antidepressants help regulate the brain hormones which have been tweeked during all of this treatment.  over a period of time; with trauma..(to our bodies and psyche) wears us down and depression/anxiety is a result.  it is something you can't "make yourself feel better"  a medicine can really help you physically/emotionally feel better.

 i take cymbalta.  it is an antidepressant/helps with anxiety...AND helps the neuropathy pain i have in my hands and feet.(from chemo/shingles pain)  prior to that i was on paxil.  i changed to cymbalta about a year ago and have found it very helpful.  there are many options out there med wise to help with these symptoms.  i have no problem taking an antidepressant ...it really seems to help. 

AnacortesGirl

I've tried both lexapro and wellbutrin.  Right now I'm on wellbutrin.

I'm not one to take pills casually.  Even my onc is surprised that I still have a refill left on my ativan!  I only use them when I feel they are really needed.

So I feel very strongly that the antidepressants are a good drug to be using as we go through this.  They haven't made me any different when it comes to my moods or made me seem any different than my normal personality.  But they do seem to help the lows from getting too low or stay down for too long.  Case in point is yesterday when I was so down all day with the stress of my dx change, potential treatment change and the stress of making sure I have the appt lined up and that the docs have all my scans, path reports, etc.  Yesterday it just all came together and I had no energy and no drive.  I was just down and trying not to let me thoughts wander too far into the darkness.  I really believe that the antidepressant keep me from going to far into the darkness and that they help me (not make me - help me) pull myself back out and see the next day for what it is - a new day and not just an extension of the previous dark day.

I can't say that I'm perky today.  But I definitely have more interest and I'll probably feel better as the day goes on.  I don't think that would have happened had I not been on wellbutrin.  

Pure

I take and LOVE xanax. I only take on dark days but it is short lived so there are not the long term effects like an antidepressant. They relax my thoughts instantly. I am not depressed just anxious at times so they really help.

Bambaloos

I just started taking Lexapro, and it has helped the "melt downs' and moods.  I have not been on it long enough to noticed a huge difference in my normal personality, but it has helped get my coping skills back on track.  I am not one to  take alot of pills but feel I needed something  to get me through this "bump" in the road, I hope this helps!

clariceak

I have seasonal affective disorder, so I take Zoloft.  I tried the natural route, full spectrum lights etc, but after dragging myself through the holiday seasons I decided that it was hurting my family too much.

I take a very low dose, and taper off during the summer and have no side effects.  I realize the data isn't in on the long term use.  Zoloft doesn't lift my mood.  Exercise, being with friends and family does that.  It just keeps me from bottoming out.

When I was first dx'd I used a few anti-anxiety meds to stop the constant circling thoughts of doom.  I can see myself using them again if needed.  I think it's important to deal with depresssion/anxiety quickly if it looks like it is becoming a chronic condition.  From what I understand, prolonged depression can cause your chemistry of your brain to change making it harder to treat.  I would prefer to use as few drugs as possible, but when it becomes a quality of life issue I don't have any problem seeking pharmaceutical help.

jdootoo

As I told my counselor, I cannot think of a better reason to use antidepressants... what we are going through may be the most distressing thing we will ever deal with. A friend of mine who just finished TCH recommended I ask my oncologist about starting an antidepressant before starting chemo so I would be feeling less anxious for my first round, but my oncologist was very resistant to the idea. My BS brushed off the idea as well, so I had to make an appointment with a psychiatrist in order to get a perscription. She put me on Zoloft and I am so glad I fought for it!

I feel so much better... less anxious, more energy, etc. I think it should be easier for us to get on antidepressants than it is. In fact, I think our BS or oncologists should suggest the option to us.

Of all times in your life, be selfish and feel better!

Hugs...

paige-allyson

It has been about 3 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I started Lexapro during radiation and can honestly say that it saved my life- if not my actual life then at least the quality of my life. The main effect it had on me was that it stopped the constant intrusive thoughts about mets/ survival stats/whether I'd be one of the lucky ones or not, etc. etc. along with the hopelessness and ideas about eliminating the possibility of death by breast cancer by committing suicide.

 In my case the Lexapro was a miracle cure for the depression and obsessing about mets- it worked quickly too- within a couple of days my mood and thinking began to change for the better. Needless to say I don't intend to stop taking it. Life is good!

karen1956

I take wellbutrin...tried effexor and cymbalta and they did not work for me.....just added low dose of abilify......also take ativan when I need it.  I never took anything prior to Dx and now take an arsenal of Rx, but I wasn't functioning very well without it.....also take ambien cr or generic ambien to sleep....lately added ativan to the ambien.....maybe one day I can decrease all these darn meds, but for now I'm a walking pharmacy.

3jaysmom

thought i'd jump in here..sorry, cant remember who went 1st but she nailed it on the head..i started out real strong, but 22 rounds of chemo weakened me. Hormone therapy finished me! i've had a breakdown, and went 2 phychiatrist, who fired me 'cause i became allergic 2 every anridepressant she put me on. i have ms along with bc.  that's an Overactive immune system that just wears itself out, so i know have a minus who knos what imm.system.i also cannot take anything with serotonin in it, so basicalluy, im....and tatooed.  am seeing therapist in breast centre, and he's researching old antidepressents that dont have ssri's in them 4 me. if ur feeling low; dont let urself fall in the hole, it's so far to come up from.give it a try. not for controversy, but info Zanax isn't an antidepressant,its a benzo, and needs to be careful using, it can cause terrible addiction.  i'm not saying don't use it; i do, for panic disorder, just low dosage, and do]nt build up..will be praying 4 u all..light and love  3jaysmom

Joviangeldeb

I've been on Lexapro since my diagnoses and have no plans to come off of it.  I believe it has helped me cope with day to day living, and keeping my thoughts more positive. 

My thoughts are with you.

Take care,

Deb

my2kids

i take 10mg of lexapro and it has really CALMED me down. i stopped for a while but realized  i needed something.