Depression and RA

[nymima01]

Hello all - I write here for my daughter who has AS and schlerosis of the back. She takes Humira and this seems to be doing a great job for her. She has had RA for over 20 yrs, but was just diagnosed early this year.

She has been plagued with SAD since she was a young adult. (seasonal affect disorder). Now that fall is upon us, she is starting with the depression again. I am wondering if there is a drug that anyone takes to treat depression that may or may not be caused by RA and what drug that would be? I think I have heard that some of the biologics treat other disorders too as well as the RA. I would appreciate any advice or experience one would have on the subject. TY.

[ruth_p]

I take sertraline for my depression, but there are lots of different ones out there. Has she tried a light box? They can be quite good for people who suffer from SAD. 🙂

[Hidden]

Hi. Its great that your daughter is responding well to RA treatment. Sorry to hear she is beginning to feel low in mood. In the UK if people are depressed they are most frequently referred for Counselling or CBT and if appropriate prescribed SSRIs for depression by their GP. ie Citalopram,Fluoxetine, Sertraline etc. They take several weeks to start working. Some people swear by them, some people think they make no difference, some hate their somewhat levelling/numbing effect. I don't know what can be taken with RA drugs in this regard. I don't have personal experience of Anti Ds, but meet many who do in my work. I think like RA drugs, what suits one doesn't suit another. There are some drugs that have several uses, (ie Amitriptyline used to be prescribed for anti depression, but is rather out of favour and more likely to be prescribed for neuropathic pain now.) This is a discussion to have with her Rheumatologist/Pharmacist, but someone on this site will have some experience I feel sure. It is only individual thought/experience, not medical advice. I know a lot of SAD sufferers use SAD lamps. I would definitely seek advice before doing this if on drugs that cause light sensitivity. All the best.