Antidepressant?: This is a very personal... - PBC Foundation

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Antidepressant?

Susn profile image
Susn
8 Replies

This is a very personal question, but I'm wondering if anyone is taking an antidepressant? and if so, which one?

I've been struggling with depression for more than a year now, resisting medication and hoping that I could get past this with therapy, meditation, exercise, and diet, but it has proven to be stronger than I am, and I'm ready to try something in addition to therapy. My therapist is very cautious given the PBC.

Thanks.

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Susn profile image
Susn
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8 Replies
butterflyEi profile image
butterflyEi

Hi Susn sorry to read that you have been struggling.

I take Sertraline as part of my anti itch treatment. The upside for me is that it took the edge off and I am more temperamentally like my old self. I only take 25mg but the hepatologist said I can go up to 50mg if the itch goes active. This happened a few months ago so I upped the medication and still felt very good.

When Prof Jones has spoken on the Thursday afternoon Q&A sessions run by the PBC Foundation he has spoken on various condition that we need to live our best life and sometimes dependant upon our PBC any risk outweighs the reward. Not sure that was quite his words but in a nutshell. I have been taking Sertraline now for about 5 or 6 years in that time my blood test results have improved in part, I believe, because I am not struggling with stress.

Hope this helps you.

best wishes

Larrysgirl profile image
Larrysgirl

Hya Susn. I take zoloft to control the itch of PBC ,which was out of control. I don't suffer from depression and am sorry to hear that you do. I am on 25 mg but can go up to 50mg if necessary. I have been taking it for just about 3 months now and haven't had any issues. I hope you find the right combination of therapy and medication to feel like you again soon.

I'll be praying for you, God bless, Anni

❤️

JennerLayne profile image
JennerLayne

Hello,

I take Fluoxetine 40 which is the generic form of Prozac. Been on it 6+ years with no issues. Once, I took a break for about 6 months and realized how much better I feel on than off, so the doctor re-prescribed it. Best wishes!

SuperJo profile image
SuperJo

Hi SusnI take Wellbutrin for the fatigue as prescribed by my Hepatologist and this made a difference in my mood. I didn’t realize how the fatigue had affected my outlook and ability to cope with life. I take the SR (slow release) this amount depends on your tolerance 150 was too much for me but 100 works great. This has made the difference in my life so I can function without being a sad tired puddle. Hope you find something that helps you.

I wish you great success.

Chumito profile image
Chumito

Hola, hello from South America. Chile! I have been diagnosed since 2017. I take 100 mg of Sertralina daily, and honest to death true, I don’t think I could go without. I believe it helps with the itch also.

Lyndsaysmom profile image
Lyndsaysmom

I am on sertaline 100 mg. it also helps with the itching.

7443jec profile image
7443jec

I have been on Citalapram since my husband died. This was before my PBC diagnosis and it has never been suggested I should come off them. Good luck. X

twink72 profile image
twink72

Hi! I was diagnosed in 2014. I have been on Sertraline, Wellbutrin, and Trazadone for 7 years. My Hepatoligist is perfectly fine with that. Hope this helps. Stay strong and don't be afraid of the depression meds. They've literally saved my life.

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