Xeloda and Depression?

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ccarter48818
ccarter48818 Member Posts: 92
edited October 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY
Xeloda and Depression?
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  • ccarter48818
    ccarter48818 Member Posts: 92
    edited October 2007

    I don't know what I would do if this board wasnt here for my questions!

    Less than a week into Xeloda and I'm waiting for my onc. to call regarding stomach issues; he'll probably reduce dosage amount.

    My other big concern, maybe even more than the physical problems, is the dramatic increase in depression since I started this drug.  I mean, can't get out of bed, lack of interest in everything, really bad depressed.  Does anyone  that has experienced similar know if it will get better with a reduced dosage, or does it mean looking at another anti-depressant.  I already take Effexor for hot flashes and elavil for sleep.  I hate this disease.

    Hugs,

    Carla

    Crystal, MI 

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  • AliceJean
    AliceJean Member Posts: 625
    edited October 2007

    Oh yeah, my Effexor was increased while on Xeloda . But think of it this way...Xeloda makes you fatigued, and then you feel depressed because you don't feel like doing anything. Then your depression makes you more tired!! It is a vicious cycle. But the nurse from my insurance company, of all people, told me if you don't treat your depression you will not get off the couch and you need to exercise, that will make you feel better, and feeling physically better you will be less depressed. Another vicious cycle!! I know taking more antidepressants is not what we would prefer, but I do feel better and am glad I did it. Good luck!!

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  • ccarter48818
    ccarter48818 Member Posts: 92
    edited October 2007

    Thanks so much Alice Jean (and for answering my question last nightSmile)

    I'm going to tell my onc. about the depression when he calls.  It is a vicious cycle......and I hate clycling!

    Hugs,

    Carla

    Crystal, MI 

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  • ForTheMoment
    ForTheMoment Member Posts: 375
    edited October 2007

    Crystal-

    Yes yes yes!! I had terrible depression while on Xeloda, but I never made the connection.  I started taking effexor about a month ago and I feel much much better.  I went from never leaving the couch to walking about 30 minutes a day, and playing with my daughter much more.  I don't know if it is the effexor, the exercise, or the fact that I'm on navelbine instead of xeloda now, but I am a new woman.  Good luck!! You really do need to treat the depression.  I didn't realize how far down I was, until I got back up.

    Hugs and love,


    Erin

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  • tooyoungtohavebc
    tooyoungtohavebc Member Posts: 779
    edited November 2007

    OMG, so glad you posted this. Been meaning to start this thread. I just discussed this with my onc. I thought I was just depressed after getting diagnosed with stage 4 a few months ago, but then I started tracking my moods and noticed that 3 days after I stop Xeloda during me week off, that I feel like a cloud lifts and I feel like myself again. Then I go back on them and I barely want to get out of bed too. I told my onc that all i want to do is lay on the couch and have some beers. And I am moody as heck too. He said he has not heard many patients complain about this but that it is entirely possible because it passes through your brain. I have been exercising to combat it. Glad to hear it is not all just my imagination. My husband thinks I am crazy...but then he gets to see all of the mood swings..poor guy!

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  • LynnRoe4
    LynnRoe4 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2018

    Hi everyone, I'm on Xeloda & I am down.

    I take Paxil, it helps. I find drinking a lot of water helps,Pomegranate juice and ginger tea. Yesterday I made myself work outside 90 minutes. I felt better. I took a shower, put on my makeup. Felt pretty good. Thanks guys

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  • EV11
    EV11 Member Posts: 127
    edited October 2018

    I am on Xeloda (1500mg 2x/day) 7 days/off 7 days and it seems to have greatly minimized my side effects. Much better than 14 days on/7 days off. A trial done at Memorial Sloan Kettering a few years ago found the nearly the same results whether patients were on 7 days or 14 days with a week off. If your on 14 days you might want to try 7 (or even 10 days on) and 7 days off...


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