What are you taking for the depression?

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Cadreaming
Cadreaming Member Posts: 56
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi, What are you taking for the depression that sometimes comes along with breast cancer? I'm finding myself very sad lately going through all of this and I think I need to be prescribed something.

What are the names of the prescriptions you are on for depression?  

Thank you!

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited December 2008

    I have been on several kinds: Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor and now I am taking Cymbalta. I like Cymbalta best because it works for more than depression.

    Good luck!

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  • Msklapkin
    Msklapkin Member Posts: 208
    edited December 2008

    I am on Lexapro- I started around my 4th AC Chemo treatment and have been on for 3 years now.

    Docs see no reason to stop.

    I also take xanax when anxiety hits or to help sleep.

    good luck 

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited December 2008

    When I was first diagnosed in September, all I could do was cry, so my doctor prescribed Effexor and it worked well with no major side effects.  I went off it slowly right after the mastectomy in October and the sadness came right back, so I started again and it keeps my mood pretty even. Effexor is supposed to help with hot flashes and mine have nearly disappeared, which is a great bonus.  Best of luck to you....

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  • car
    car Member Posts: 492
    edited December 2008

    I'm on a Lexapro. All of these antidepressants listed here work well, many of them have been incuded in studies for hot flashes and menopausal symptoms. If one doesn't work for you, it's good to ask for an alternative.

    Good luck!

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  • DianaT
    DianaT Member Posts: 532
    edited December 2008

    Is anyone taking anything for just anxiety?  I have an appt with my cancer psychologist on 1/8, but am really anxious so I called my chemo nurse.  She is supposed to call me back... hopefully soon...

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited December 2008

    Lexapro here.  I have no problems with SE and it helps with hot flashes too.

    Teresa

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  • priz47
    priz47 Member Posts: 470
    edited December 2008

    Diana,

    I was really anxious last night and could not sleep. I am going to ask my onc abt taking something , but need to make sure it will not interfere with Tamox and whatever else they choose to give me. My middle son was on Lexapro but it did not help him (he ran away 2 years ago). Want to take something that will work.

    D

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  • jdash
    jdash Member Posts: 754
    edited December 2008

    I take prozac for the depression   when i just want something for stress i take xanax   it works well for that   ask your doctor  

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  • ksmerrill
    ksmerrill Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2008

    I am on Lexapro for depression and anxiety, but the anxiety was a bigger problem for me.  The Lexapro manages it quite well, but I do have Xanax if I have real panic or severe anxiety.  Sometimes I'll take an Ativan to help me sleep, and it also helps my tummy troubles, too.

    I have also tried Effexor, which also worked great for the anxiety and depression, but it made me sweat much more than normal and I gained a whole lot of weight.  

    Hope that helps -- 

     Kristy

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  • GryffinSong
    GryffinSong Member Posts: 439
    edited December 2008

    Everyone is a little different. A combination of lexapro and a mood stabilizer (I forget the name) work well for me.

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  • Cadreaming
    Cadreaming Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2008

    I go see a psychotherapist next week. I told my oncologist that I'm feeling down and he recommended her. I also get hot flashes during the day so I hope to be put on something to help with depression and hot flashes. I don't want to gain weight though. I'm on Tamoxifen and I already want to lose 15 pounds (not from tamoxifen) (from eating too much and not exercising). The problem is when you are sad and depressed you don't want to exercise and diet. I just want to eat and sleep!!! LOL!!! Not good, I know.

     I also wonder if my oncologist can prescribe the anti depressant?

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  • car
    car Member Posts: 492
    edited December 2008

    Cadreaming, outside the state of NM only psychiatrists (they have an MD) can prescribe antidepressants. Your onc might be expecting your psychotherapist to suggest to you that you need antidepressants, but the onc or another MD would have to write the prescription.

    If you think that you need them, I'd definitely give your onc or the PA a phone call, also mentioning your hot flashes. There have been numerous clinical trials w/BC patients and the use of antidepressants to treat side effects such as hot flashes. Given that you are reporting mood problems plus hot flashes, I'm a little surprised that your onc didn't discuss a prescription in addition to the psychotherapist.

    That's just my $.02. Hope the appt. helps--and have a pleasant holiday.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2008

    CADreaming: My 2cents is this: There are SO many different drugs out there. Especially if you are uninsured and have to pay for the drugs yourself (I've been there!) - I would recommend working with your docs on trying one of the older, more established drugs first. They are "proven" and have been around long enough to know more about the SEs. Also cheaper! My doc started me out on cymbalta, which worked OK but was expensive. Now I'm taking an older generic, desipramine, which works great and is only $4.

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  • debisongbird
    debisongbird Member Posts: 275
    edited December 2008

    I am not taking anything, at the moment for depression, but I do take Ativan for anxiety and also to help me sleep. For anxiety it works like a dream. - For depression you would probably need a different med. - Debi

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  • Ivy
    Ivy Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    Hi Cadreaming,

    I was feeling down and sad almost all the time after being diagnosed, even tho Stage 1.  I decided to swallow my pride for my own sake and the sake of my family, and I asked my onc for an antidepressant the day I met her, which was a month after my diagnosis.  She was able to prescribe one for me; I didn't have to go to a psychiatrist for the prescription.  (I live in Ohio)

    She prescribed Lexapro because it is supposed to work in 2 weeks.  It seemed to be working the second week for me; but also starting radiation encouraged and energized me.  I have had no side effects after the first 8 days of a little stomach queasiness and lack of appetite.  After that I got hungry again.  And the difference is dramatic.  I am happy, peaceful and content.  I never wanted to need this, but I believe God is working through the medicine and other ways.  I hope you can experience recovery from your sadness; so many of us understand!  I got sick of feeling sad.  By the way, my onc said Lexapro is supposed to help reduce hot flashes.  Let us know what you do! God bless you!

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  • PuddinTame
    PuddinTame Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009

    I think any MD can write a script for antidepressants in TX. In fact, I have a DO and she gives me Wellbutrin since way before BC.  I've been on several AD's--Paxil (hated it), Serzone (nada), Celexa and Lexapro (okay but not enough), and finally Wellbutrin.  It's been great. Doesn't make me emotionally flatlined and actually helped libido issues. Ask the doc.  You may not get the results you want from the first try.  Different medications work better for some than others.   Be prepared to try more than one, if necessary.

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  • BFidelis
    BFidelis Member Posts: 156
    edited January 2009

    Also inquire about Klonopin for anxiety.  It is often prescribed for panic disorders.

    Beth

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