Antidepressant meds

[Irisw]

For those of you on antidepressants have you found that it has caused raised liver function numbers ... or caused some indigestion? I may start an SSRI.

[mrspeffer]

Morning Iris...IT has been my experience that the least amount of chemicals in the body makes it easier on the liver. With that said, do what you need to do to live a productive life.

I usually try alternatives before hitting the pharmaceuticals, but if you are unravelling and not just bummed over this, indeed, talk to a mental health specialist. Hope you feel better soon

[Mleewright5]

Hello Iris,

I started on Wellbutrin over a year ago and it was the best decision I could have made. With everything you are going through, if you and your doctor decide this is a good option then please try it. I feel so much BETTER! And you know what? My numbers stayed the same! Good luck on your journey.

Melissa

[Irisw in reply to Mleewright5]

Thanks so much....I’m struggling right now

[EileenUSA in reply to Irisw]

Hi,

Do whatever you need to get help, support. I fond a good therapist was very helpful to work through the stress of chronic illness issues. Also. I know many folks have been helped by taking SSRI . Even if only for awhile- as a way to eventually get back to center. Give yourself whatever support you need in whatever ways resonate with you.

Hugs,

Eileen

[Geordielasstx in reply to Irisw]

I am struggling also and seeing a shrink next week. My problem is I already have and Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) I was born with it and worse with age and PBC. My fear is it will make me sweat more as they can bring on induced HH. But, I think if it can help me feel more balanced. I worry about PBC and my health. Some days I don’t want to do anything and hardly see friends now. Just a lot emotionally going on for me.

So I feel for you Iris, truly as this dark cloud is never ending. Sending you the biggest hugs I can muster and to you all my PBC family 😍

[Irisw in reply to Geordielasstx]

How long have u been diagnosed? Are u using antidepressants ?

[Geordielasstx in reply to Irisw]

Hello Iris been diagnosed for 5 years and stage 2-3 with beginning cirrhosis, think I’ve had this a while though. Our last military move seemed to awaken it and we moved to Germany from Texas and knew something was wrong. Didn’t show it’s ugly head since we moved to England and LFT were sky high with the insane itch. Military Dr guessed and sent me to specialist who was a complete arsehole telling me and what was going to happen. Positive for PBC and AMA. Fell into deep depression and had a pity party for a while.

With all my health problems I’m high risk and need to get the anxiety under control and we may be stationed in Italy next year. So maybe another big move. With my sweating the way it is going to ask about mirtazapine, been doing research and seems to fit what I need.

Have you talked to your Dr yet? Sending you the biggest hugs, your not alone sister. I’m in the same boat, how long have you lived with PBC?

Hugs 🤗

Anne xoxox

[Irisw in reply to Geordielasstx]

I’ve only been diagnosed since Aug. I haven’t been staged yet. I have had other weird symptoms and specialists will be testing for other auto immune just in case. This has been a whirlwind of dark emotions. Also have precancerous cells in my cervix that I’ve been talking to gynoocologist about. I’m so tired😰I picked up Zoloft today and will prob be starting it soon.

[Hidden]

I took sertraline for a few months a couple of years ago for depression and anxiety. It never made any difference to my blood test numbers, i took the lowest dose to start with then went up to the prescribed dose, so as to avoid the medication side effects. I came off it after six months without any problem. Its also prescribed by some doctors for the itch of pbc, so worth discussing with your doctors.

Please don’t continue to feel unwell, I did for a year or more not wanting to take anything, but I missed so much of the enjoyment there is in life, special times too that I will never get back, so do seek help whether that’s therapy, tablets or both. I took the tablets along side seeing a therapist and within a few weeks I felt normal again and now I am more positive and stronger than I have ever been.

[Irisw in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for ur thoughtful words... been paranoid about meds causing any progression

[Betonarme]

You would be happy to read following pages, Headline goes like:

"Antidepressant could be a promising treatment for PBC"

Researchers at University of Calgary found some interesting relationship between Antidepressants (but it's a particular one: Mirtazapine) and PBC. You can read below:

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

more detailed paper is here -->

journals.plos.org/plosone/a...

Check out the survival curve of the people who took Mirtazapine over 120 months!

I've found out later that Serotonin and Histamine has effects on Immune Cells.

Interesting...The story is somehow similar to the discovery of UDCA and its positive effect on Liver.

[Irisw in reply to Betonarme]

I really need an SSRI

[Irisw]

I’m hoping that an SSRI won’t hurt me ... but I desperately need it