Positive experience with anti-depressants

[ConantheLibrarian]

Recently I have had a very positive experience with taking an anti-depressant and I would like to pass the information on.

For the last 2 months I have been taking an anti-depressant, prescribed by my GP, called Citalopram. Although I have had Friedrich's ataxia for 22 years I had never previously considered taking anti-depressants as I don't consider myself to be clinically depressed. However, last year my condition got noticeably worse and I was finding it a struggle just to get up in the morning, shave, shower and get dressed. On my GP's advice I started taking a low dose (10 mgs) of Citalopram every day. At first it did nothing for me, apart from giving me mild diarrhea, which is no joke when you have a mobility problem. However, once I started taking a higher dose (20 mg) the diarrhea stopped and I noticed a big improvement in my energy levels and my state of mind. I now have a much more positive outlook.

It's important to say that this drug or Prozac, which has a similar effect, doesn't always help people and is associated with a variety of possible side effects. However, I don't think anyone should worry too much about the side effects as your GP will start you off on a low dose to see how you get on. Personally I find that this drug has made a huge difference. I have a friend with ataxia and he has been taking Prozac for several years and he finds it very helpful too.

[Pineapple12]

Hi ConanthelLibrarian

I have been taking 20mg of this for a couple of years. It has taken me 2 years to get diagnosed, SPG7, and I don't think I could have coped. 😀

[ww-wibblywobbly]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing this.

I take milnacipran/ixel 50mg twice a day. I find a huge difference taking this. I'm more positive and it also seems to affect me physically too.

Without antidepressants I really can't manage, and due to this my Ataxia gets so much worse.

Third year this year and I haven't had any side effects yet.

[TimLowThom]

I take 20mg (maintenance dose!) of Prozac for many years now due to EA-1 Ataxia. I've found it to be the best thing for being able to continue my chosen profession of music performance. The constant is CONTROL. I still have attacks when my resistance is low during colds and fatigue, but as I've aged helps to keep the anxiety at bay which induces the attacks. Please note: EA-1 Ataxia is the non-progressive form and life can be dealt with little expectations. I've tried many things throughout my life (started at age 5 or 6) but found nothing that helped until after I was 45. Unfortunately, I felt like a freak until all the genetic studies came out and could get into some studies at University of Rochester.

Cordially,

TLT

[february]

Dear ConantheLibrarian,

I've had ataxia 20+ (found out in 2017) it's due to Niemann Pick C disease) and have taken the generic of Zoloft (Sertraline) starting before I was diagnosed with ataxia. I've found this anti-depressant extremely helpful in dealing with the symptoms of my ataxia, as any chronic illness can cause depression! So glad you found something that works so well for you! My best to you..., ;o)

[ConantheLibrarian]

Thanks to you and the other people for replying. It's always useful to know what help is available.

[_ada]

I am taking escitalopram 15 mg and mirtazapine 15mg. It helps but my neurologist said that some of the antidepressants may cause imbalance (like zolpidem), but not every. Some actually help. So it is good to try. I can say that escitalopram and mirtazapine are safe