Hi I have AS and RA and take methotrexate 25mg injections, I am starting Adlimumab injections alongside from Monday. I have been having a lot of flares recently which has caused me to have a bout of depression which I am struggling with and wondered if anyone also takes antidepressant tablets whilst these meds. I have spoken to my GP who isn't keen to prescribe and told me to speak to Rheumatology helpline. Think that was fobbing me off.
Amy 1xkr
Yes please do chase your Rheumy team for advice before you try any anti-depressants.
In addition to RA my consultant also diagnosed fibromyalgia and prescribed amitriptyline for it together with the Adalimumab I was starting. The former is an older style antidepressant I believe but some people find it helpful for fibromyalgia. But I wasn’t on methotrexate like you so please do ask your consultant’s advice first.
If the Helpline nurses are slow to respond I suggest you write a letter to your consultant with a copy to the GP. I’ve always found I get a speedy response to a letter!
Or email your Rheumy secretary. That's what I do. X
I’m not on any RA meds at the moment because they were stopped when I was admitted to hospital at the beginning of May. Prior to that I was on methotrexate and Baricitinib, and 30mg amitriptyline as a pain killer, but I understand it was used as an antidepressant in the past.
you are not alone. My GP has referred me for mental health support. This will be my second time they have helped me. I would try to avoid antidepressants if you can. I hope your new drugs help your pain. I think your GP is fobbing you off too.
Thank you I’m trying to avoid more meds but done 4 weeks of visits to mental health nurse and feeling worse for it.
I’m sorry to read that. Hopefully you might feel better once your pain is controlled.
Yes, hopefully if the Adalimumab works, I think you will be more comfortable and and so happier. It does take some time to kick in though. Good Luck
Thanks. Had my first adalimumab jab today. Any advice on what foods to avoid?
I take an antidepressant and I’m on tocilizumab and mtx. I’m currently on fluoxetine, which is a SSRI, but tapering off to change to venlafaxine, which is a SNRI as my anxiety and depression is not being helped by the fluoxetine. Speak to your rheumatologist if your GP won’t prescribe it without checking. X
I've been on escitalopram for many years (before I started biologics) and it's been no problem. I also added amitriptyline for chronic pain back in Jan and that's been fine too!
You need medical advice on this one. Contact rheumy and GP. All the best
Am on amitriptyline with mtx but only on 10mg, as I have neuropathy. Rheum dept haven't commented on it so am assuming it's ok. Good luck.
15 years ago I was on antidepressants and biolgic medication, rheumatology actually put me on it as I had a breakdown whilst in hospital, seemed okay but that's me. Definitely get advice, you could even check with your local pharmacy, the chemist is likely to be able to answer that question too
I have been on Venlafaxine for many years as whilst taking most of the Dmards at some point and now on a JAK inhibitor. Never had an issue with that but for a quick check speak to your local pharmacist. Personally, I am unaware of any problem interaction between the two treatments and my Rheumy team have been aware all the time.
Depression is as debilitating a disease as many more physical ones. You deserve to feel well and I hope you find the right meds soon. Most come with a few side effects but mine have been bearable and far less a problem than depression itself.
I wish you well and successful treatment as soon as possible
Like others have been told, Amitriptyline or Duloxetine was mentioned to me for Fibromyalgia pain and I've seen a few people mention them on here too. I'm still under investigation and not taking either for pain, but I do take anti-depressants and amphetamines for ADHD. I'm hoping if I need to take anything else it won't interact with those too!
Maybe gather some information and go back to the GP or see another one at the same practice? I know it can be hard to go back and try again when you're already depressed. My GP surgery has an online form, which I sometimes use if I know I'm going to get really upset. Best of luck and hope you feel a bit better soon ❤️
Thank you for sharing that. Wish we had a system like that. I'm finding it really difficult to get GP appointments earlier than two to three weeks in advance! even phone appointments are up to two weeks.
It's not ideal - they're still quite slow and sometimes it's hard to tell if the website is working properly, so you're just sat waiting & hoping the request went through. Everything still feels weird since the pandemic.
I don't know how comfortable you'd be declaring anything, but it might be worth telling the receptionist that it's regarding your mental health and really important you see a GP. That might speed things up and you don't need to tell them any details. Hope you get something sorted soon and I've only been on here a couple of weeks, but found people to be kind, understanding and supportive, which helps.
I take low dose duloxetine and noratryptaline for sciatic pain, both antidepressants, the pain clinic prescribed one and my GP the other. You might also want to try 'wrens' a free online service for people with all types of auto immune diseases. I'm just coming to the end of my 12 week session and have found having the place to talk about and explore my issues worthwhile.
hi
I ve had sertraline on a couple of instances with no issues and will asking my GP for more this week.
I am currently on Mirtazapine, an SNRI for anxiety and poor sleep. I have fibromyalgia alongside RA and am just about to start Benepali. The clinic is aware of my other medications and didn’t seem worried about any contra indications. Being on antidepressants isn’t ideal and I held off for long enough, but having been taken off all RA meds for nearly two years whilst my disease was still very active, I needed some help! I think if you need antidepressants and are suffering, then you need them! You needn’t stay on them forever! I think it’s best to be guided by your rheumy team. Best of luck.
No I don't think that was fobbing you off. Sensible advice imo. I take an antidepressant but not on your meds.
Hi 👋
I’m sorry to hear you are suffering from depression. I was on Sertraline for about 6 months, through one thing and another 😞
My Rheumatologist had no problem with it, but my liver tests did shoot up, as Sertraline can also be harsh on the liver, combined with Methotrexate which I’m on, my liver was definitely struggling. I had to lower the dose of antidepressants, but they did work and help to tide me over a very difficult period in my life.
Definitely discuss this with your Consultant just in case there is any kind of drug interaction.
I hope everything goes well for you and you feel better very soon 💕
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