Anti depressants & COPD

[Jansy16]

I have severe COPD & am suffering badly with anxiety. I feel that anti depressants might help as am so breathless made worse I feel from feeling permanently anxious. Has anyone else tried this medication & if so has it helped. Thanks all hopefully with your feedback.

[Bevvy]

There are lots of different anti depressants out there. Some help with anxiety some don’t. You need to discuss this with gp and get support from them. Don’t wait. It takes time for medication to work. Also might take some time to find right tablet for you plus amount you need to take.Antidepressants are vital for me.

[peege]

Not surprising that you're feeling anxious Jansy, it's a difficult time. When anxious &/or stressed we usually just breathe into the very top section of lungs increasingfeelings of anxiety. I realise that very I'm lucky I can deep diaphragm breathe to release stress and I've had to do a lot of it recently especially to get to sleep at night. it does help but I do understand if you're severe & very s.o.b. it's too difficult for you. I'm sure there are many members here who take anti- anxiety medication successfully, in this day & age there should be no need for extra suffering. What does your gp say? I'm sure he/she would help (it's their job after all). No harm in trying, there are several medications on the market, one size doesn't fit all so hopefully you'll be able to start with a low dose and with your doctor's support get to have a better quality of life. Wishing you all the best, Peege

ps there are pure antidepressants and antidepressant/antianxiey medications. I took antidepressant Prozac many years ago (before lung disease hit) through a very difficult couple of years and it really helped.

[CDPO16]

Hi Jansy, I have very severe COPD with associated anxiety. The two really go hand in hand. I was prescribed antidepressants two years ago but found that they did not suit me. Do speak with your doctor though and discuss how you feel and see what options he/she suggests. As other have said, there are various options. Hope you find something to help you xx

[leo60]

Hi Jansy, I have severe copd and it can make you very anxious. Due to bad experience on Prozac years ago, I have always steered clear of antidepressants. I have been doing a pulmonary rehab course and one of the nurses recognised a need in me and persuaded me to give them a go. I am so pleased I did it, I am only on a low dose, but it had taken the edge off and find I can relax into my breathing far better. As the others say, there are many of them, and you need to find one that suits you. Please ask your GP, it could make a big difference for you Good luck xx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I suffer with anxiety too and have COPD, I have sertralene anti depressants and they do take the edge off and help my breathing. Go and see your GP explain how you fell and ask about antidepressants, they will be able to give you the best advice. Good luck I hope you get the help you need, please let us know how you get on. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[knitter]

I was prescribed Xanax years ago , but one of the side effects was nausea, I couldn’t cope with the sickness . So I was told to stop.I have tried various ways to cope with anxiety , meditation, breathing exercises , relaxation . But I think I may try medication now .

Sending best wishes.

[Patk1]

Please ring yr dr and tell him this.they can help xxx

[Jansy16 in reply to Patk1]

I did try this morning to be told they are only doing telephone apps as not allowed to go in due to the Pandemic, then told by the receptionist that all apps were booked & to phone at 8am tomorrow. I'm in Wales UK & that's the only way at the moment you can speak to a Dr. We just can't afford to be Ill anymore. Thank you for replying.

[Snackjack]

I retired in 2015 and ever since I have had one health issue after another so was quite anxious pre Covid so my GP gave me some anti-depressants as it was all getting overwhelming. I was about to reduce them when Covid happened and due to health issues and Covid being so bad my anxiety got quite bad again so I am still on them although I am in the process of reducing them again. I found that they helped me but we are all different and I think it is best to speak to your doctor to try to get some help. As I am on quite a lot of different medication for my various health issues I can only have certain anti-depressants as some would not work well with other medications to which your doctor would take into account when prescribing for you. I think many doctors are doing initial consultations over the phone so they can judge if they need to see the patient face to face. I do not know but I suspect many of us are on some form of anti-depressant. Make the call and see how you get on. Let us know how you get on. Best wishes xx

[garshe]

I have severe COPD and was getting terrible panic attacks. I was diagnosed with Health Anxiety. My Consultant prescribed Lorazapam which I was reluctant to take as I am not depressed . I take 0.5.mg and it has controlled my anxiety. I also concentrate on my breathing as sometimes we breathe too fast. Good luck.xx👍💕

[Jansy16 in reply to garshe]

Dr has just prescribed me with Mirtazapine so I'm hoping & praying it will help. Thank you for replying.

[garshe in reply to Jansy16]

👍👍💕💕😘 xxSheila

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. I hope the pills work, but if not try again.