Any advice on antidepressants ? Thank you

[SASSY196]

Hi lovely ladies, Thank you so much for the kind words and advice after my last post. I am wondering if anyone takes antidepressants and how this has impacted on them ? I have been prescribed citalpram because of my feelings and panic attacks but side effects look significant for some people. Am still waiting for my first chemo and don't know if it is too much to start these or they will help. Any experience advice ? Again thank you for all your kind messages from last post x

[Welshandproud]

I take citalopram and have done for a few years. The first two weeks can make you feel a little unusual but once they kick in they are brilliant. Do not fear taking them. They have taken the edge off for me x

[SASSY196 in reply to Welshandproud]

Thank you

[Flamingobeef18]

I too take citalopram and find it really helpful.

My attitude is that we are in a very difficult situation and should take all the help we can get. There is actual evidence that chemotherapy can effect brain functions, particularly around mood and thinking, in the same way it can cause physical side effects. So to me citalopram helps to treat that nasty side effect in the same way that my anti nausea meds treat sickness caused by the chemo.

I have not had any side effects and tolerate it really well. I did increase the dosage whilst on Caelyx because the Caelyx interferes with the effectiveness of the citalopram .

I know there is sometimes a certain amount irrational shame and stigma around taking antidepressants but please do not let that influence you. My advice would be to give it ago.

Be aware though that it can take a few weeks to get into your system.

Best wishes

Juliax

[SASSY196 in reply to Flamingobeef18]

Thanks Julie

[Hidden in reply to SASSY196]

That is very good information I will also think of this aspect

[sticky3006]

My mum used to take Citalopram and after the initial couple of weeks where it upset her stomach a bit it worked well. I take Mirtazapine, 3.75mgs which is a tiddly dose to help me sleep. I have had years of chronic insomnia and wish I’d started them years ago. Good luck x

[Lavender2016]

I have lorazepam which was originally there to take the edge off although hospital appointments but now take it to everyday to help me sleep at night and currently just finished a 2nd cycle of carbo for preventative reasons xx

[KimLJ]

I didn’t get on with those I’m on Duluxotine which are for depression but brilliant for anxiety/panic. At least if you start them at the same time anything like nausea you can get help at chemo. If you look at the paracetamol packet leaflet it’s frightening. You feel like you do as you do not have enough serotonin to help you cope thus the tablets. If you was told you were diabetic and need meds for more insulin as your body wasn’t producing enough we would all take them straight away. These tablets will help you so much after about 6 weeks. Be kind to yourself and take them xx

[shortfriends]

Hi Sassy, I have been taking paroxetine for a long time and GP wants to change me over to mirtazapine? and I am scared to do this because of the side effects described. So at present on top of my current med I was prescribed diazepam to take as and when needed for severe anxiety attacks. I try to rarely use them as they are known to create dependency but the fact I have them available makes me less anxious. It takes a minimum of a couple of weeks for antidepressants to take effect but if they are the right ones for you they should help you. Like the others I believe we should take whatever helps us to cope with our situation so don't be afraid or ashamed. I really hope they work for you and you feel a bit better soon. I will be thinking of you and am sending hugs and love just now.

Pat xx

[juliamillen]

I take mirtazapine and they certainly help me sleep which is a real bonus

[ShropshireJo]

Hi. I started fluoxetine (Prozac) some years ago and it really helped get me through a very stressful period. I successfully weaned myself off them by gradually reducing the dose over several months. When OC reared it’s ugly head again three years ago, I started back on the tablets, increasing the dose earlier this year. It has helped enormously as I’ve dealt with setbacks over the past six months. I did feel a little spaced out for a week when the dose was increased but the long term effects have been worth it for me.

I hope all the experience of the other lovely ladies will,help you make up your mind. All the very best. Jo 🌺🌼🌸🌻🌹

[luluw]

I take sertraline and it's brilliant. I was suffering from severe anxiety and now I'm enjoying life again. It made me feel worse for a couple of weeks (my GP warned me about this and told me to stick with it) and then it kicked in. I wouldn't be without it now. I have recently made the decision to stop treatment and the sertraline will help me to enjoy fully what time I have left.

Lou xx

[SASSY196 in reply to luluw]

Thank you. You sound like a brave lady and very kind to give me advice and support at this time.x