Anti-Depressants and Hypertension, What can I Take?

Options
PugMum
PugMum Member Posts: 80
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Hello All,

I have an appointment with my oncologist this week and I'm going to ask her to put me on an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety med. I also have hypertension and I'm looking for suggestions on what anti-depressants can be taken when you also have hypertension. I took effexor XR in the past and would not want take it ever again. Is anyone else suffering from both conditions and can provide some medication suggestions? Thanks for any advice.

Kathy

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2010

    Kathy....I'm on a combination of those drugs.

    When you say hypertension is it under control? Do you take any drugs for it.

    One more thing are you on Tamoxifen also?

    I take Femara so AD I take doesn't interfere with anything I take.

    You can PM me if you wish?

    Sheila

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited November 2010

    Kathy, I have high blood pressure (take meds) and have had great succes on a couple of different pills. You have to know what KIND of depression you are on. Are you sad? Angry? I find that Welbutrin is amazing for sadness. Zoloft is good for anger. Listen to your body.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited November 2010

    Barbe and Sheila are right.  It depends on what specific types of depression you have.  You can have other underlying conditions that affect your choice of anti-hypertensive too.  There are about 50 different antihypertensive meds and at least 10 or 20 antidepressants. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PugMum
    PugMum Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2010

    Sorry, I really didn't give enough info. I'm on toprol for my hbp which is pretty much under control. I take Femara for the bc and have had elevated liver enzymes for the past 6 months. I'm about 25 pounds overweight and am having a terribly frustrating time losing weight despite watching my diet and increasing my exercise. I went through sudden menopause with the chemo and am starting to have night sweats. I haven't slept through the night in what feels like a year which I think exacerbates my bitchiness. I honestly feel this is the perfect storm of depression/menopause/mad housewife syndrome. I'm angry AND sad and I'm just "done" feeling this way.I always felt the cancer was just a "blip on the radar" when I saw how sick other people were. Mine seemed pretty mild, if there is such a thing. My dh  doesn't believe depression is a real illness.He also lost his job last spring and was out-of-work for 4 moths. Add to that the fact that my son recently "came out" to me and asked me not to tell his father and I think you all might get a sense of why I feel like I have no equilibrium in my life.. My late mother had serious mental health issues for most of her life and I think I'm pretty aware of my own issues. Unfortunately she was pretty drugged for much of her life. That's what I'm trying to avoid. I know the meds out there today are mucchhhhh better than they were in the past but I'm overwhelmed with all the choices out there. Thanks for letting me rant. It felt great!

    Kathy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited November 2010

    I am taking Diovan 12.5mg for hypertension. I didn't have HBP until I started taking the Arimidex. Also take 10mg of Lexapro...started taking that because of the gloom and doom when I was diagnosed with the breast cancer. I  tried to stop taking the Lexapro on several occasions, but that was a HUGE MISTAKE. I still need them. Occasionally, I also take .5mg of Ativan for anxiety.

    All these meds---started when I was diagnosed. Fortunately, I am done with the Arimidex.

    Take care Kathy and hope this helps :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited November 2010

    I have been on Norvasc for hypertension, femara/lupron for the cancer and zoloft for depression and ativan for anxiety.

    I think there are many options depending on your specific needs and issues as well as doc preferences. Remember if one thing doesn't help speak up and try another...there is a reason why all these meds are out there, and qol should be high on our list!!

    Best wishes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2010

    Kathy,

    I take Norvasc for BP (generic).

    Femara, Prozac and Clonopine (Antianxiety and yes its addictive) I take a very low dose for years now. Depression issues aren't related to BC.

    I have been taking Prozac for many years.

    They tried so many other AD but it didn't work.

    there are some new ones and some of them raises the BP.

    Good Luck and Take care of yourself.

    Sheila

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories