Are you on an antidepressant?

[4fishylady]

Question, was anyone else put onto an antidepressant when diagnosed with MS? I was put on Cymbalta. Been on it 2 yrs, but have weaned myself off. 3rd day now, so far no side effects, but have read of horrible withdrawals from it. I'm interested to hear your stories. Thanks.

[erash]

4fishylady withdrawal symptoms are worse with abrupt cessation

[cheshcat]

I hope you didn't stop abruptly and very slowly weaned off? I would do at least 8 weeks slow withdrawl. I did start an antidepressant last fall when my health was really struggling. I'm, sadly, still waiting for a diagnosis, one way or the other. I really haven't had any side effects. It's helped with anxiety mostly. I'm on celexa.

[heidilegs]

Don't take yourself off of anything talk to your dr please

[4fishylady in reply to heidilegs]

Thank you so much for your responses. I do appreciate them. When I was diagnosed, I was at a very high level of anxiety and depression. I did need an antidepressant badly. Dr. was adamant about using Cymbalta, although I wanted something with fewer bad side effects. I lost that battle. I understand that Cymbalta does something in the brain besides the antidepressant things. (Wish I knew exactly what.) Now, my husband has learned much about MS, and has more understanding and compassion towards my issues. At ages of 73, and him 78, I would like to be able to enjoy a mutual marital response while we are both still capable of doing so, (and he is). For 6 mo. I had cut down to only one 30 mg. pill per day, and today is day 4 being off, without any noticeable symptoms of withdrawal. Beginning about 2 weeks prior to stopping Cymbalta, I have had a periodic squeeze around my head above the ears, with an intensified foggy feeling. Most days, I just keep on pushing through, to get done what I must do. Possibly a new lesion? Another MRI? What can they do? I'm still walking, talking, doing. I just thank my heavenly Father for what abilities I still have, and want to make good use of them in the time He allows me to have on this old earth. If the time comes that I know I need to be on an antidepressant, I will ask my Dr. for one. I may end up having to get another Dr. because of this, but so be it! Friends, I have lived long enough to KNOW that WE have to be in control of our lives! No Dr. knows everything! They all have a different way of handling every issue. My mother suffered an additional stroke, because Drs overlooked putting her on blood pressure meds upon release from the hospital. They don't all do it right every time! I learned much from that episode. You be in control of your life!

[ddeadred]

Long ago, my trusted neurologist put me on Prozac. When he presented the idea, he was cautious knowing I was careful of taking tons of meds... That said, he had switched me to Cymbalta when it came along because of some addition positive aspect I don't remember. that said, I moved and have yet to find a neuro I like, but I recognize the fact that my brain simply does not make connections correctly and I need to take something to keep me happy.

I've been fighting this MonSter for over 30 years now, and better living through chemistry is something I've been forced to accept. This morning is a great example! Woke up feeling as if I had been hit by a freight train and after morning meds, I'm feeling human again! Although it was had for me to accept at first, I now take meds morning, noon, and night plus shots of Copaxone 3 days a week and I know it is what it is... I will do battle with this MonSter with EVERY weapon I can find!!!

PS: I agree that you should NEVER change meds without a docs approval... It can be very dangerous...

[dar58]

I was dx with MS almost 17 years ago. I wasn't prescribed any antidepressents until last year. I battle 4 autoimmune illnesses and now Durcums disease, which in itself complicates things more. The pain between all of these are unbearable. I find myself more and more going to the ER because I cannot take the pain. Last month I went to the ER and I told them I don't know how much more I can take of this. They didn't help to treat the pain instead they put me in a stripped room with a guard at my door for 2 days on suicide watch and increased the cymbalta to 60 mg. I'm not suicidal, just very depressed as I can't sleep, eat or function with this much pain. Since August I have lost a total of 50 pounds. I do not feel cymbalta is helping me, but with the effects if I stop it worries me. Don't go cold turkey on this med, wean off with your DR helping you. Good Luck

[4fishylady in reply to dar58]

@dar58 I also take many other meds, like for RLS and neuropathy, gabapentin and ropinerole, also temazepam for the 4 - 6 hours of sleep I get. I do take a lot of fish oil and flaxseed oil, which is supposed to support the brain and a lot of other body functions, in addition to vitamins, etc. I have had insomnia for many years, was on ambien for about 10 yrs, now temazepam for 3. My best to you.

[Hidden]

Hello Everyone

I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, and have been on Cymbalta from the day it became FDA approved. Not only has it helped me keep my emotions in check but helps a lot with pain

[bxrmom]

I was dx with ms 10.5 years ago and had depression long before that and was put on antidepressants. I have now been on pristique for 7/8 years and my depression recently started to get bad again so my family Dr added a low dose Abilify as I am on the max dose of pristique. Just started the Abilify last week. Seems like it's starting to help.

[4fishylady]

Well, so far so good, with me. I've been off Cymbalta now 8th day! No withdrawal symptoms. I did have to call the Neuro about my free Tecfidera Rx ending, and left message about the intense "brain fog", with a feeling of having a headband being tightened above my ears, that I had been having for 2 weeks. They called me in a double strength steroid Rx, said it was an exacerbation, and could get worse without meds. So, now on Prednisone, but at least fogginess is easing some. Now, if I could just sleep. Last night in bed at 10, up at 2:30, read, tried sleeping on sofa, then back to bed, then up at 4:45. Good morning everyone! For now, I'm enjoying being off Cymbalta. I have more energy, and much less fatigue. If I get depressed again I'll ask for something else, or worst case scenario, go back on low dose of what is left of the Cymbalta, again. My husband likes the "old me" back again, and he is trying hard not to upset my applecart.

[AlohaBlessings]

I've taken Nefazodone for depression for nearly 16 years I think. I began on Serzone but switched to Nefazodone, generic when it became available.

I really appreciate how Nefazodone makes me feel. I take a larger dose at bedtime and it helps me get good sleep yet I wale up feeling great, not groggy. I take half the evening dose 12 hours later and my days are pleasant.