Anti-depressant/anxiety drugs

[CherylS]

I would like to ask you all what you think about the use of anti-depressant, anti-anxiety drugs. I am primarily concerned with the safety of them, especially as a cancer patient. My onc. has been pushing for me to take Paxil for almost 10 months now. I am struggling with fear and anxiety since my dx., as I'm sure you all understand. She says it will improve quality of life. At first I was very reluctant, not wanting to add anymore chemicals to my body. Now it is beginning to sound more and more inviting, as this axiety continues to cripple me at times from moving forward. I actually began taking Paxil 1 1/2 weeks ago. The first week was awful. Nervous, shakey, anxious, headaches. It is beginning to get better now, and I wonder if it will continue. Thank you for any advice or input. I appreciate you all so much.

[Montana]

Cheryl,

I've been taking Effexor XL 75 mg for just over a year and it has really helped. I used to take the occassional Ativan if I was having an anxiety attack. I think lowering your stress level is worth the additonal drug in your body.

Sue

[Yorkiegirl]

I take Ativan, and it helps me. I never wanted to take it, but found that I do need it.


Vicki

[al from Canada]

Dear Cheryl,
Linda has been taking celexa for the past 2 years and I think many others in this group are taking the same. She also has ativan which is for anxiety attacks or situations which may provoke stress, such as going through and MRI or going to stressful appointment. Both of these drugs have minimal side effects.
Regards,
Al

[sassy]

I take Ativan as needed and it is well tolerated with few side effects. Personally I would prefer it over Paxil.


Sassy
________
Sammanntta cam

[Lolly]

I've taken Celexa since 2001, with few side effects. I was hesitant at first also, but my PCP kept reminding me that it would help if I was losing quality of life due to stress and anxiety, and especially if I was having problems sleeping. I finally decided to try it, and within a week felt so much better I was amazed. Mostly, I just started feeling as if I had a normal life, in spite of cancer, and that was a godsend.

<3 Lolly

[Lisa]

I've been taking Lexapro for 2 years. No problems. I also take Ativan or Ambien at night when my mind takes control.

I was on Paxil during my original bc. Both my husband and I found it very hard to quit taking. He kept calling the feeling "electric head."

I, too, never wanted to take an antidepressant. It seemed that the whole world was being drugged. But after crying for a couple of months after my mets discovery, I thought maybe they were on to something. I don't know what it does, but I know something helped me calm my fears.

Love and light,

Lisa

I have been on Effexor 75mg for 4 months. Best thing that I have ever done for myself. It has been a God send. - kim

[Lyn]

Hi I have been taking Prothieden different strengths for years and they are not addictive and also used with Fribromyalgia and other problems. I had a phamplet, I gave it to my doc which recommended anti-depressants to be taken with different chemo drugs as it aided the distribution in the body as well as prevented anxiety. I can't get by without mine, I have tried and had to go back onthem.

Love & Hugs Lyn

[Sandy H]

I took ativan for 2 years and it was great. I was able to get off it but it took a few weeks of slowly cutting back. I took Paxil for a while but then saw some info (from Canada) that it can cause cancer. My oncologist at the time did not agree with that but I figured if there was something else that worked I was not going to take any chances. Each one has to do what works for them and they are comfortable with. hugs, Sandy

[TAG]

I was wondering if you can drink alcohol while taking antidepressants? I read you shouldn't drink while taking them but an occasional drink would be nice but I don't know if it is safe.

Thanks,
Toni

Fish oil is reporting in varying degrees as being of benifit in respect of depression.

RB

Cheryl, from my experience, taking an antidepressant has virtually saved my life. I've been taking Prozac since 1991 and it opened a new world to me. Looking back I think I had been depressed most of my life. I've recently been diagnosed with BC that is Her2/neu positive. My physician has bumped my dosage up a little in anticipation of surgery and chem in Feb. Remember it takes 4 - 6 weeks to feel positive effect. Well worth the wait. Good luck. I will be a regular on this group forum. Just found it today.

[fourboysmom]

Hi Cheryl,
Personally, I ride the Z train (Zoloft)...it really keeps me in check, and I am not ashamed to admit it. Whatever works. I am also a nurse and know that it takes a good 3 weeks to maintain a good level of drug in your system and feel the effects. Ativan also really helps calm me when I'm freaked out by the cancer in my life.
Also, try to not miss a dose or stop cold turkey. Its important to increase/decrease doses slowly. Good luck and I hope you feel better! Love, Janet in CT

[al from Canada]

Dear lyn,
Alcohol is always a personal choice but remember, in excess it stimulates tumor growth and it is classified as a "depressant". Try to do the math with the zoloft / paxil / alcohol effects.

Al

[lu ann]

I've been taking paxil and elavil since Thanksgiving with great results. I don't have the anxiety as often and the tingly sensation in my back has decreased. Many Blessings. Lu Ann.

[Tracy]

I have been taking Wellbutrin since my mammogram. I just increased my does with the ok from my PCP and Onc. I also use Ativan as needed.