This Sad 😢Season.

[Gladaven]

My nephew aged 52 passed away last night after suffering a fatal heart attack I was already feeling depressed. I suffer with AF and take Warfarin can anyone tell me of a safe antidepressant they take with this medication. Cheers Gladys.

[BobD Volunteer]

Gladys please accept our simpathies at this sad time but we are not medically trained and must not advise on such matters. Please speak to your GP .

[Gladaven in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob for your kind reply , wonderful to know that you are feeling better Glad.

[Finvola]

Gladys, I’m sorry to read this - and send you heartfelt condolences on the death of your nephew.

Please see your GP who will understand and will also know your medical history.

[Gladaven in reply to Finvola]

Thank you for your kind words and advice.

[Buffafly]

I'm very sorry, death at this time seems worse if that is possible, and the last straw if you are already depressed. I hope you are able to see your GP promptly 💔

[Gladaven in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you for your kind thoughts and advice.

[Hidden]

No antidepressants are 100 % safe with AF. I have had to take an antidepressant for 20 years, the last nine of those while having AF. I was on warfarin for 9 years, recently changing to Apixaban.

I have been on Sertaline, an SSRI, for 8 years without any problems. My GP said it was the safest antidepressant for people with heart rhythm problems.

Apparently the problem is that antidepressants can lengthen the QT interval on the ECG which can be problematic. Ideally we should have an ECG before and after treatment to screen for and monitor this

This is what I was told 8 years ago, and the advice may have changed. Your GP will have access to current guidelines.

[Gladaven in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind advice and explanation.I am 80 I get depressed and anxious😓about my heart condition and palpatations. Cheers Glad.

[Alessa69 in reply to Gladaven]

Glad, I am so sorry to hear about your nephew, and I just read on further, your Son.it’s just so hard on you. Are there other family members and friends around who will support you? As everyone says, you must see your GP who will understand your history, and what’s best for you. Lots of people here to talk things through with though. It’s easy to say, but try not to focus on worry. Grieve for your nephew, and I hope that friends and family can give support. It’s hard at this time of year, but there’s always good things in Life, sometimes hidden and sometimes maybe in small ways.Sending you our love 😘 and prayers for peace

[Gladaven in reply to Alessa69]

Thank you for your kind words I do have my husband of 57yrs and a great family. This heart condition I have terrifies me and I worry what more our family must face, specially when something like this happenes, guess I must be a right coward. Gladys xx.

[Alessa69 in reply to Gladaven]

Oh , no way are you a coward, having come through so much! Am glad that you have your husband for support, you can support each other.You just have to get through each day lovely. Amazing research work being done these days into hereditary conditions, so we are fortunate in that respect , things will get better in the future. I just try and be positive and not look too far ahead, or worry would overwhelm me, and wouldn’t help anyone. So I sing to myself when I walk the dogs!

[TamlaMotown]

Oh such a very sad post. Please know that you are in my thoughts Gladys at this incredibly difficult time 🕯

[Gladaven in reply to TamlaMotown]

Thank you for your kind concern. My nephew was so close to our son who himself died suddenly from a fatal heart attack eight years ago. I am sure that sorrow broke my heart. Glad.xx

[hock217 in reply to Gladaven]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your nephew and your son eight yrs ago. I have not been on this site for awhile. I had restarted an SSRI and suddenly needed to double up on my HTN Rx which was not sufficient. After tests and speaking with a Pharmaceutical Spvsr, it seems my failure to titrate was partially to blame. My cardiologist suggested a generic alternate SSRI Escitalopram which his patients tolerate well. Started with 5 mg which is not that helpful but will increase to 10 mg once my BP is stable. Hope this is helpful. Too bad as I felt so good on the Welbutrin.

[TamlaMotown in reply to Gladaven]

Oh Gladys that's even sadder. My heart truly goes out to you. Please take care. Big hug coming your way 😢

[Gladaven in reply to TamlaMotown]

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts Glad. Xx

[wilsond]

Oh Gladaven..so sorry to read this.Grief is the heavy price we pay for love.I dont know what you can take with AF but your doctor is the best one.If you have trouble gettig an appointment,tell them what has happened and i hope they will help you out.

Sending a hug over the internet.,,xxxxx

[Gladaven in reply to wilsond]

Thank you for your lovely words and advice, I think I have told you in the past about our son dying from heart trouble eight years ago. My nephew went on a run and on his return collapsed with a fatal unexpected heart attack Glad xx

[Alessa69 in reply to Gladaven]

Oh Glad, that happened to a friend of ours, he left his wife and a small child.Nothingcan ever prepare you for that dreadful shock my love, am just so very sorry. I had replied above on your post before I read this far. Sending you more love and virtual hugs 🐾💕🐾💕

[Gladaven in reply to Alessa69]

Thank you for your love and hugs sorry about your friend, such a shock and so sad 😢 for those left behind. Gladie. Xxx

[Hidden]

So sad Gladaven, even more so at this time of year but hopefully you will find support from your family. It would be very dangerous for anyone not qualified to offer advice so please talk to your GP who I am sure will do what is best for you at this time.

[Gladaven in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words and advice. I worry so much about this AF heart condition and palpitations almost daily. Gladys.x.

[Alfieros]

So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

[Gladaven in reply to Alfieros]

Thanks for your very kind words of comfort.Glad. Xx

[jeanjeannie50]

So sorry to hear your sad new Gladys. The loss of someone you care about is just awful. I would see your GP and ask what he suggests.

Big healing hug being sent your way.

Jean x

[Gladaven in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely lovely hug . Gladys xxx.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Very sorry for your loss

[Gladaven in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thank you so much. Glad. Xx.

[pottypete1]

There is never a good time of the year to lose a loved one but these dark days must make it even more unbearable for you.

My thoughts are with you.

Try your best to only use antidepressants if you really feel you cannot cope but if you do try your utmost to make it only a short term fix. Your GP should be mindful and guide you accordingly.

My son has been taking antidepressants for over 20 years and despite his best efforts he cannot find a way to stop, something he would dearly love to do.

I hope the pain subsides soon.

Best wishes

Pete

[Gladaven in reply to pottypete1]

Thank you so much for your very kind thoughts and comments. This time of the year is extra sad for us our son aged 48 died suddenly from a fatal heart attack 2011. Cheers Gladys 😢

[Luludean]

Losing someone we love is a heavy burden to bear.

His family must be so sad, I think they must need your support .

It strikes home even deeper if it is from heart problems which you may share in some way. Maybe he had a cardiac history?

This time of the year highlights every emotion.

I am not medically trained but, I think it is much better to see a good counsellor, one who is bereavement trained . You may have to pay buy, if they are good it is really worth it!!

You can check on line for counsellors, your GP may offer one but, it usually takes time that way.

As I said I am not medically trained but, life has taught me a huge amount , not all pleasant. I think it is better to talk rather than put more chemicals into your system.

With all best intentions , L

[Gladaven in reply to Luludean]

Thank you Luludean for your very kind words and advice, my nephew by marriage had gone for a run, on his return he collapsed from a fatal heart attack.. Eight years ago our beloved son Ray aged 48 died in the same manner. I am sure the stress and sorrow broke my heart and caused this AF horror I suffer from. Your bereavement thoughts are a good 💡 idea I must try. Sincerely yours Gladie.xxxx

[Delrosario]

Hi Gladys, So sorry to hear of your loss . Depression is a big issue i would say talk to your doctor he would be the best person to treat you. My prayers are with you and yes surround yourself with family through this hard time. Take care.

[Gladaven in reply to Delrosario]

Thank you for your prayers and kind words I have a good family and a wonderful hubby of 57yrs yrs. Gladys. Xx.

[fibber-me]

Gladaven, ongoing depression that has increased by such a tragic event can be such an overwhelming imbalance that sometimes you do need some help other than yoga and mindfulness. My psychiatrist took me off Setraline when I inquired about drug interactions with Pradaxa and Diltalezem-XR and she put me on Buspirone. I haven’t taken it yet for fear of interactions. The best meds I ever had for anxiety/depression and overwhelming thoughts was Prozac 10mgs. But when I changed insurance changed doctors and medication. Then I got A-AFib.

[Gladaven in reply to fibber-me]

Thanks for your kind words, yes AF. is such a worrying condition and the fear 😱of drug interaction makes it worse. I get so anxious at times. Cheers Gladie. Xx.

[Jay10]

So sorry to read your post, sending you a virtual hug and love.

Jackie

[Gladaven in reply to Jay10]

Thanks so much for your kindness Jackie. Much love Gladie. Xx.

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear your sad news. At the other end of the spectrum, my 101 year old Father-in-law died last Thursday, a relief for him and the family as he had no quality of life and had not had any recognition of his surroundings or family for a long time.

Take care & my personal hope is, that with the right support, you may be able to manage without antidepressants, as they are quite difficult to come off. Could you perhaps try one of the excellent bereavement support groups - look online or ask at your GP surgery.

Also, it is ok to be really, really sad - crying and looking over past relationships, photographs and talking to others who knew him, are all very healing, but it does take time.

Hope this is helpful -take care

Pat x

[Gladaven in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your kind words I am also sorry for your loss but as they say "some times something's are for the best"They were both great lads I watched them grow up. Some wonderful memories to cherish. Cheers Gladys. Xx

[Bagrat]

This is so overwhelming for you and of course brings back all the raw feelings of your son's loss. Depression and overwhelming sadness are two different things. Of course the first makes the second feel worse but you need the space to grieve and remember these two people who mean so much to you.

There may be a bereavement support service available in your area and your GP may be able to help with that.

[mbheart]

So sorry to hear the sad news -- many on here have given very thoughtful advice. I found this article which was interesting and it actually is something I am going to speak to my GP about since I currently take Celexa but may ask to switch to Prozac - webmd.com/heart/news/201603...

[Fastbeat]

Sorry to hear of your loss.You need GP advice re. Medication.

[Gladaven in reply to Fastbeat]

Thank you for your kind reply I shall be seeing my GP soon! Cheers Glad. xx.

[Hilly22]

Dear Gladaven

I'm so sad to hear this, it must be very hard for you to cope with. I lost my nephew in a drowning accident two years ago and very much feel what you're going through.

Do you have people around who you can talk to? There's some very good advice on here about talking your feelings through with others, and getting professional help. As others say, first stop would be your GP.

Please let us know how you get on. Thinking of you and sending a huge hug xx

[irene75359]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, and also (although it was some time ago) of the loss of your son. The pain of such losses can be with you always and I found the following clip really helpful in understanding that.

facebook.com/bbciplayer/vid...

However, if you are depressed, this is a separate issue which your doctor should be able to help you with, so please do go and see him, and do make it clear that you were already depressed before the death of your nephew.

Thinking of you and hoping you get the help you need. Please let us know how you get on.

[Gladaven in reply to irene75359]

Thank you for your concern. Gladys.

[Hidden]

I can't help I'm afraid but i am so sorry for your loss. X

[Gladaven in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words😇.Glad.Cheers

[Becksagogo]

Hello. I'm afraid that I have no words which will help you with your sad loss other than to say you wil be in my thoughts at this very sad time.

I do hope your GP will be able to assist with compatible medication.

[Gladaven in reply to Becksagogo]

Thank you for your kind thoughts. Glad. Xx

[Janith]

My only advice is DO NOT TAKE ANTIDEPRESSANTS with or without afib. Toughen up and work through your depression! My condolences regarding your nephew. (I just read that you also lost a son ... it’s no wonder that you are depressed ... nonetheless, l have yet to see a positive result from those that l know who are taking antidepressants ... there are superior natural mood elevators ... see a doctor specializing in natural remedies ... they will help you to work through your sadness.) l wish you the best.

[Gladaven in reply to Janith]

Thank you for your wise advice Gladie.xx

[loobylou777]

I'm so sorry for your loss, both of your son and more recently of your nephew. Please see your GP who will be able to offer the right advise. Take care x

[Gladaven in reply to loobylou777]

Thank you for your kind concern.Gladxxx

[Pennie1958]

I’m so sorry for your recent loss and that of your son. My son passed away 1 year ago, in his sleep. He was 41, leaving behind a wife and two boys. We are still battling through it, my daughter-in-law and I speak most days, we go out for lunch when we can and we talk and laugh together about him and how he’d would deal with things. We often cry, but always end up laughing. We are getting there, unfortunately my daughter tried to block it out, refusing to cry when she needed to. She is now being treated for depression bought on by “not allowing herself to grieve. Please talk about them and share how you feel, people do care, and it does help to talk. That physical pain of your broken heart, is real. I don’t know if that will ever change but I do know that talking to friends and family has been my salvation.

You have been given lots of advice and love, all generated by people that care. I wish you well and hope that you have a good GP, that can do what is best for you.

Lots of love being sent your way xx

[Gladaven in reply to Pennie1958]

Thank you for your kind concern, I also share your loss this stupid AF is making things worse. We should not have to bury our youngsters I will never forget them Deepest Sympathy Pennie to you and yours Gladie.xxxx.

[Lindaoreilly77]

So sorry to hear your sad news Gladys, hope you manage to see your GP soon. . Have you got anyone close to you to speak to. It always helps to be able to talk about the people we have lost.

You are in my thoughts 😘

[Gladaven in reply to Lindaoreilly77]

Thank you for your kind thoughts.Glad. XX

[Jennifer53]

I take 2 types of anti depressant. Your Gp will recommend one suited to your needs. Telling you to work through it is not helpful. I have taken these meds for over 4 yrs now without any negative impact. The first one I was prescribed was just not helping. When the other was prescribed alongside I could see the sun again. I also done talk therapy. I hope you find something that helps. Be gentle with yourself.

[Gladaven in reply to Jennifer53]

Thank you Jennifer what is your second med called? I will mention it to my doctor to see if is appropriate Cheers Gladys. Xxx.

[Tantaanna]

I agree with Janith in trying to use natural alternatives- I teach emotional release classes - also find exercise classes help a lot

[Gladaven in reply to Tantaanna]

Thank you Tantaanna I love your name,it sounds like Aunt Anna in French. I have been given such a lot of wonderful thoughtful loving advice by all you special people on this forum, I have much to mull over and think about. Many thanks for your very kind concern. How does your emotional release therapy work could you teach it to me? Gladie. Xxxx.Ps some exercise may be beyond me cos I am 80yrs and have a bad back but I do do Chair Exercises. Good nite, xxxxx😇😅😴😴😴.

[cjsabc]

My advice? Starting antidepressants is a slippery slope. My 14 year old son died in my arms in the road, in 1990. We never recover, not properly. But after 4-5 days of following my well-meaning doctor's prescribed 'sleepers' and 'uppers', my wife and I threw them away and instead decided to resume being active. And being giving. I was back at work, silently traumatised and grief stricken, 10 days after his death. It was transforming, our spirits lifted and we were able to help others. I'm very thankful now that we didn't go down the medication-route or we'd probably still be on it, or at the bottom of that slippery slope. "Time, with love, has healing fingers". Kind thoughts go out to you and your family Gladys.

[Gladaven]

Thank you for your wise kind thoughts, please accept in return my deepest sympathy for your own loss. Gladys.xx.

[foral]

A family member who takes coumadin also takes Depelept with good results

[Redmerlin]

Gladys. My sincere sympathies. Winter is a time when many people feel more depressed especially in the Northern hemisphere. I suffered badly from Seasonal affected depression ( SAD). Went to GP at a low ebb. Blood tests showed a severe lack of Vitamin D. Now after taking Vit D supplements. I am back to my normal self. GO TO YOUR GP. Suggest you could take Vit. D and take Doctor's advice.