Cll and anti depressants

My husband is on watch and wait for CLL diagnosed 2.5 years ago .. He has been on anti depressants for about 5 years .. What's your question ?

I'm on 200mg of Zoloft nightly and at stage four still on Watch-and-Wait.

Yes, you are fine taking them. It doesn't hurt and actually, if you weren't depressed before (I am clinically depressed, a brain chemistry thing) the initial diagnosis makes you that way. My doctors know I'm on them and have no problem with it.

Ive been on antidepressants for 20-30 years its a Vietnam thing, I was also diagnosed CLL 6mths ago Im 67 years old, there doesn`t seem any problem from my doctors.

Im on wait& watch

My husband takes several different anti depressants and this does not appear to have any adverse effect on his CLL. I addition he has pernicious anaemia and has vitamin B12 injections to treat this...His depression seemed to improve once he started the injections so B12 might be helpful..best of luckxx

Norahmaria, I'm not sure about the chemical interactions and would leave that advice in the capable hands of your medics but it certainly sounds as if you would benefit from some help and vital vitamin checks to rule out deficiencies.

You've had so much to deal with that a low and at time anxious mood is entirely expected and very human. We may all sound chipper on here most of the time but I'd dare predict there isn't one of us that doesn't have an attack of the gloomies and the odd wakeful night be it from discomfort or worry. I certainly do. Clearly some people suffer terribly with depression for a number of reasons.

Clinical depression is quite different of course and needs careful handling. Reactive depression to devastating life events can leave us feeling the need for support both pharmaceutical and from 'talking therapy'.

I'd speak to your doctor and consider counselling alongside any medication he/she may be able to suggest. If you can exercise at all it releases the endorphins and raises mood. But I'm sure you've considered all those options. A combination of counselling combined with medication seems to yield better outcomes from everything I've read and witnessed professionally. I don't know if that's a funding issue which would cause a problem where you are but if it's possible, it could help.

Of course one of the side-effects of anti-depressants can be sleepiness (especially initially) and probably the last thing we CLL'ers need is induced fatigue! You'd need to discuss that possibility with your physician.

Sending strength and warm best wishes to you.

Newdawn x

Hi Norahmaria !

I've taken antidepressants since way back in the 80's, in my 20's. Tried different ones, finally found

Effexor XR (extended release). I do well on them and need them. Like RemingtonSteele said " It's a brain chemistry thing" for me too. When I move up to a higher dose, which I recently have done 2x in the last 7 months, I always take the new dose in the morning since I don't sleep well initially, then in a week or two, I can take the new dose at night. My new heme/onc knows I'm on them. I will need them for life, sometimes people need them for a longer period and some need them a short while. I also have started taking Silver Centrum for women over 50. I'm pretty sure these vitamins have helped me physically. Definetly talk to your doctor. All the best to you and I'm so happy to hear at this point, you're managing the CLL.

Denise

Hi

I have been reading all the replies to your question and although I have never taken any anti-depressants I have a lot of experience with those that have. They do work if you want them to but it is better to deal with the sourse of the depression if you can with 'Mindfullness' or CBT. Anti-depressants can make you feel a lot worse initially even suicidal in younger people. you can increase your seretonin levels by vigorous exercise in the gym or diet (bananas) but as a short term instant fix if GAD is at the root of the problem or even PTSD I would suggest an anti-Anxiety pill such as Clonazepam, it gives an instant lift and lasts about six hours or so. If ultimately your GP prescribes an anti-depressant then an anti-anxiety pill may help while they kick in which can take several weeks over which time your dose may gradually be increased. If nothing else Clonazepam will give you a better night's sleep and more preferable to a sleeping pill which of course do work as well and a good proper night's sleep works wonders.

Hi all I take duloxetime branded Cymbalta for anxiety which is also an antidepressant .also advocate Mindfulmess it is an amazing way of being . Am interested in B 12 test as not actually had that. Will ask at Leeds when I go at the end of the month. Have anaemia but can't stomach iron tabs! PS am on w and w for last 6 years.