Anti-depressants - Page 2

Bev · 01-16-2008, 08:38 PM

Zoloft works for me. I don't feel any changes day to day. I haven't had a full blown panic attack since starting it. I sometimes feel one coming on, but never go over the edge where I can't breathe and my heart races. Weight is stable, thank goodness. I don't even want to think about going off of it.

Hope you find something that works. BB

Catherine · 01-16-2008, 10:06 PM

Jade and others,

Jade, I did not get over anxious about my cancer dx once the lexapro kicked it. I really feel like the Lexapro helped me cope. RE: weight gain: I weighed 125 pounds before chemo, 110 pounds after chemo. It has been about 17 months since chemo and I now weigh 135. I have been off of Lexapro since Sep 07. I have not worked much to get back to my pre cancer weight of 125. So basically I am 10 pounds over weight. I am not sure if the Lexapro helped me gain weight, but I am greatful that my oncologist recommended the Lexapro. During Chemo, I did take Ativan a fair amount at the beginning. At the end of chemo, I just took it once in a while. My goal now is to excercise more and to cut out some of my luxury food. I have to say that I do not look fat, so I want to take off a few pounds because I know that it is the healthy thing to do. I agree with what others say on this post....take whatever helps you...find what works for you. Support yourself anyway you can. Be kind to yourself.

Catherine

MCS · 01-17-2008, 10:55 AM

thank you.

Yes I was considering picking up some pills for fish oil, since the fish i eat is usually only twice a week. Our "sister" Becky has mentioned here how good this is , so I am going to follow up on this today.

Also I did some looking up into natural things since that's one of my worst habits! there's a thing called 5-HTP which is sold in health food stores, should not take more than 50mg per day. I put this in here for information only because there's a lot that is not known about it and feel it would be risky to take without substantial information on it.

A friend using celexa, similar to lexapro, has not had any weight gain on it,even though web forums on depression, all are suffering from an unexpected weight gain that creeps up without notice.

the other whamy on this is that libido goes down. I'll be frank with all of you, mine is just about on the floor so I don't want any more medications to worsen that

My husband is patient but........

So in other words, this is the first medication where I'm really scared of the side effects. I am on 5mg a day, had a bit of upset stomach at the beginning, some irritability but a lot of energy (i'm a natural a personality) which I don't really need. Never makes me sleepy, it has given me some urinary urgency that never had at any time in the past. and I don't really feel calm-ativan does that.

lots of love

maria

MCS · 01-17-2008, 10:55 AM

thank you.

Yes I was considering picking up some pills for fish oil, since the fish i eat is usually only twice a week. Our "sister" Becky has mentioned here how good this is , so I am going to follow up on this today.

Also I did some looking up into natural things since that's one of my worst habits! there's a thing called 5-HTP which is sold in health food stores, should not take more than 50mg per day. I put this in here for information only because there's a lot that is not known about it and feel it would be risky to take without substantial information on it.

A friend using celexa, similar to lexapro, has not had any weight gain on it,even though web forums on depression, all are suffering from an unexpected weight gain that creeps up without notice.

the other whamy on this is that libido goes down. I'll be frank with all of you, mine is just about on the floor so I don't want any more medications to worsen that

My husband is patient but........

So in other words, this is the first medication where I'm really scared of the side effects. I am on 5mg a day, had a bit of upset stomach at the beginning, some irritability but a lot of energy (i'm a natural a personality) which I don't really need. Never makes me sleepy, it has given me some urinary urgency that never had at any time in the past. and I don't really feel calm-ativan does that.

lots of love

maria

MCS · 01-17-2008, 11:06 AM

r.b.

EXCELLENT, GREAT

Thank you for posting this reference. maybe you should transfer it articles of interest because it's a keeper. outstanding information

maria

Erin · 01-17-2008, 01:04 PM

Joanie,

Sorry for your difficulties. I have a long story to tell which pre-dates my BC Dx, but I am running off to a dr appt, so I don't have time right now. But, bottom line...I take 20mg of Lamictal daily (a very small dose) , and it takes enough of the edge off the anxiety that I can manage the rest myself. It was originally prescribed to me years ago in an attempt to solve my migraines, but I found it extremely helpful for my anxiety/depression, with almost zero side effects. You may never have heard of it as it is usually used for management of seizures. They are starting to use it for bipolar in the last year or two.

I also agree that you should be seeing a psychiatrist for all of these kinds of meds. You wouldn't go to a GP for your bc - this is just as specialized a field.

Goog luck!

R.B. · 01-17-2008, 03:42 PM

Maria,

Your are very welcome. It makes me feel better to be of a little use. I am touched by your kind comments.

You will find more here http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...ght=greek+diet

StephN · 01-17-2008, 05:17 PM

Here is a link to this article that was published on the AOL home page. It is quite shocking to think how many negative studies are swept under the rug so that these drugs can be handed out.

Data on Antidepressants Often Shelved

By Gene Emery,
Reuters
Posted: 2008-01-17 11:44:44

http://body.aol.com/condition-center...17113709990001

MCS · 01-17-2008, 06:51 PM

I found this article. I have attached it [ATTACH]269[/ATTACH