Besremi & depression

[givingITMybest]

I began Besremi about 4 months ago and at first I felt more like myself than I have in quite awhile. The past month or two I'e felt some depression, feeling blue and generally very low on energy. At the same time there are issues within our family reasons for feeling downs well as some other health issues I expereince. I'm finding it difficult to figure how much of what I'm feeling is actually related to the Besremi. I see my oncologist in a couple of weeks and will share how I'm feeling. This is the third medication I've tried and really want it to work. I started with hydroxyurea, stopped because I bloomed in skin cancers and also had fatique ( HATE the fatigue), used bomedemstat for about 1 1/2 years and stopped because i had a fungal infection in my lungs and had the previous year bleeding in my stomach. Both things were total shocks. some of the results of bomedemstat showed both outcomes for people using the med who have other types of cancer, not E.T. However, the coincidence felt too great for me. I've never had issues with my stomach etc.

My questions is, do anti-depressants help with depression caused by besremi? And really, I just need to express my fear to this safe community. No worries, I am not suicidal. Thank you for listening.

[hunter5582]

While depression can be an adverse effect related to Besremi, there are other causes like what you list. Given all you have described having on your plate, I would suggest it would be abnormal to not feel some depression. This is certainly something to discuss with your MPN care team.

If the depression is mild and since you are not feeling suicidal, you may wish to discuss treatment options while remaining on Besremi. Suggest starting with consulting a mental health professional. There are very effective treatments for depression (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy). There are also effective medications that you can consider. A note of caution though, some antidepressants (SSRIs) can alter platelet function. Be sure that any prescriber consults with your MPN care team about options.

WIshing you all the best. Please do let us know how you get on.

[KLCTJC]

I am with Hunter. If you have reason to be sad then it may be because we all have the right to feel sad! And if it is mild they could try and treat it. If something like a SSRI helps that may be totally appropriate. I would talk to your doctor but if Besremi is helping they maybe able to manage it whether it is situational or from the Besremi. Besremi caused me to have hypothyroidism. We are working on finding the right dose of levothyroxine. I was so scared they would make me stop Besremi because it seems to be working and I feel good. Make sure you lean on your support at home. I always do! If I didn’t have them I would be in a completely different place. I have an appointment today and this 41 year old’s mom is coming with her because she will not let me go by myself 😆 Good luck

[KLCTJC in reply to KLCTJC]

Sorry! I do think Hunter is totally right about the SSRIs, but your MPN specialist will know if you can take them. I was just saying if your doctor thought it could be managed safely with a medication you could potentially try it.

[Pogm]

Thank goodness we have this helpful, supportive network to voice our concerns! I started Besremi almost 3 months ago and a few weeks ago started feeling more anxious. I did , as a young person, deal with anxiety often, so I recognized that because of my past history, I am prone to issue,and it could be a side effect from the medication. I have hypertension and recently had a spike in my blood pressure that sent me to the ER. That too, I can contribute to the Besremi, but I have increased my BP medication and getting it under control. I want to give Besremi a fighting chance, because the benefits right now outweigh the risks. But, it is so important that you "listen to your body" and discuss any recent mental and physical health issues to your MPN specialist. Good luck and sharing, rather than concealing, is vital to our well being.

[GardNerd]

After being on Besremi for a few months, I had some moodiness, mild depression, and irritability. I’m pretty sure it was due to the Besremi. With time and some mindfulness work on my part, it got better and pretty much went away. It seemed like my body adjusted to the Besremi. If it’s not too bad, I wouldn’t give up on the Besremi — but definitely talk to your doctors about it. Best of luck to you!!!

[ritaandscooter1]

Hello, I can completely relate to how you are feeling as I felt the same on Pegasy's and was on a extremely low dose 22.5mcg. At first this was hard for me to see so I told my husband to pay attention to my mood. I'll never forget being escorted through an unbelievable resort/workout facility in Az. with 3 beautiful outdoor pools (I'm a swimmer) and feeling nothing!! I knew then that I was experiencing depression and it was definitely the Pegasy's. I've never had previous experiences of depression. In addition, there were sudden bouts of crying that came out of no where. It would be best to check with your doctor in regards to how your feeling. My MPN specialist had me quit taking the Pegasys especially since the low dose was hardly doing anything. I've been on 2 aspirin a day plus phlebotomies every 3-4 months. I'm a light weight on any drug but this experience on Pegasy's was no way to live! Hope you get some answers. Wish you the best! Kerry