I’m sure this has been covered at some time but I am considering going on an anti-depressant. Between having MBC and also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the same time I think it would help me cope. Also, I was put into instant chemical menopause which really messed with my mood! For those of you on anti-depressants would you mind sharing what you are on and how it has helped (or didn’t help) you cope with this awful disease? Thank you so much for sharing!
Shelly
I’ve been on and off them since my late 20s. Sometimes it is trial and error before you find one that works with the least side effects. I felt like a zombie on Zoloft, ok on Effexor, but the best for me has been Elavil a very old less commonly prescribed drug. I take a very low dose 10 mg and don’t feel any side effects — I don’t feel “drugged.” I have a friend on Cymbalta who likes it, had another friend on it who got manic. There are many types to choose from. Don’t let that discourage you. It definitely makes a subtle difference for me. My lows are not as low and I reboot much faster. Discuss it with your doctor and look up the side effects so you can recognize the connection if you experience them. Do you plan on going into therapy also? I do. It has been a lifeline for me. I have found it invaluable Took me a few tries to find a compatible therapist, but she is a gem who has gotten me through the worst of times. Good luck. For me so far the hardest part of this disease is the emotional toll it takes. I’ve had to work really hard on coming to grips with this and moving forward to enjoying life with an appreciation I didn’t have before.
Thank you so much! Best of luck to you.
Yeah! Finally someone who can relate to the depression side of all this! I wish this was discussed more. I KNOW that I am not the only one that deals with this, but the medical community does not seem to want to deal with this. Especially now since my breast cancer has mestacticised into the brain and these new drugs are making me very reactive. Making things rough. Also, had a seizure, so now stuck as a nondriver for at least a year. Not a lot of options where I live and family & friends pretty busy & not getting my frustrations. I swear that I am trying to keep positive!!!!! Anyone with helpful suggestions? No taxis or Ubers.
I feel for you. Isolation is a killer. If I can suggest, have you been blunt with your family and friends and told them you know how busy life is, but you have to get out of the house to save yourself? Can they commit to one ride a week, a month? Tell them sitting at home watching the clock is not an option especially with this diagnosis that has us all watching the clock. Is your oncologist supportive? Maybe he or she could talk to family members. One reason I still work at 64 is that I don’t do well with lots of unstructured time. I swirl down the bowl, if you know what I mean. In addition to getting out, do you have hobbies or pets at home? One of my “hobbies “ is researching travel plans and online Buddhist dharma talks. I love to read. But you have to get out and do things. Don’t be so subtle about what you need! Also if your oncologist isn’t addressing the mental health side of things either they don’t know what you’re going through (though they should be asking you) and you should tell them , or you need someone who treats mental health like another vital sign. Really the task of “getting on with our lives” is too much for one person in our situation.
I take Zoloft. I’ve been on it for about 4 to 6 weeks and it does seem to help me sleep and improve my mood. I say whatever helps! Good luck
I take Zoloft. I’ve been on it for about 4 to 6 weeks and it does seem to help me sleep and improve my mood. I say whatever helps! Good luck
I have been put on Cilift twice over the last 2 years - 6 months script each time which I tailed off gradually during the last 30 tabs. It seems to work well although I had nightmares for the first 2 weeks. Also tends to dry my mouth and nose especially at night, and apparently the fact that I grit my teeth quite a lot is also a side effect resulting in stiff jaw muscles??? All in all it is better than that awful black cloud I had hanging over my head every time the disease showed progression so I guess I will be on them most of the time now. Also tried Sceletium (herbal) in the off months to ease anxiety with quite good results but it didn't really help the bad depression.
Good luck
I'm on Lexapro and it works like a charm. It's not a "happy" pill, but removes my ability to obsess over this diagnosis. Happy has been left up to me!😊
Sister/ Warrior I am so sorry you are going through the challenge of depression. I do feel your pain, and I am trying to hold back my tears. I pray that God will remove your depression, and that God will direct you to the right drug or natural supplement from Gods green earth. Natural supplements do exist, and do work. My friends cousin who was/is bi-polar took St johns Wort, and so did my friend, and It worked for both of them, but just like prescribed medications you have to have the right supplement/drug and the right amount for your body size. You/your Dr. must take into account whether your body is properly breaking down the supplement for proper absorption. This is why medical Dr.s test your blood to see the level of the drugs they have administered. A good Integrative, and Homeopathic Dr. do the same blood level testing.Try to read up on natural supplements for depression, and get in touch with a certified experienced Integrative Dr., Homeopathic Dr., or a Naturopathic Dr. In the last few months I myself experienced some depression challenges, not medical, but the loss of 7 loved ones in a six week period , and the first one went to heaven this past Thanksgiving morning. I am currently taking a Christian based grief share class, and am getting, not just my joy back, but I am getting my f-u-l-l joy back. I love God in my life, but i really like this quote "Sometimes when it rains we have to wait for the rain to pass, and then we can embrace the beautiful rainbows, and the sunshine which always follows."Joy does come in the morning. Ask friends and family to send you really funny videos, you tube clips, and inspirational post. Make a daily devotional list of what you are grateful for., sometimes blessing are all around us but we take them for granted. There are also online therapist that can help you navigate this challenge . Ask friends and family to pray for you, and with you. Everything I have suggested/shared has helped me, to overcome, and I pray it will help you Amen
I'm a long termer with this lousy cancer and I can tell you that an awful lot of the women I have met who are dealing with mbc use anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and/or sleeping meds at some point. Just hearing the words "you have cancer" is extremely stressful. And between the cancer and the cancer treatment, our brain chemistry can sure get knocked outta whack! I've been on hormonal treatment the whole 14 years I've had mbc and the hot flashes were extreme. I was told that the "treatment of choice" (13ish years ago) was Effexor, an anti-depressant, so I have been on that for most of the time I've had this cancer. It's an Rx med, and I get the long acting type and take 75mg two to three times a day. The hot flashes tend to be worse for me during transitional weather, in spring and fall, when temps are up and down alot. I have no idea whether it has kept me from being depressed but I figure that doesn't matter as long as I am functioning okay and not in the dumps most of the time. I an a retired clinical social worker who worked as a psychotherapist for many years and it was my experience that alot of the time, primary care doctors don't have enough experience with anti depressant meds to treat people with depression that doesn't respond to the first med they try. So if you are depressed and aren't getting the relief you want please do consider seeing a psychiatrist. That doesn't mean you are "crazy crazy" but they do know more of the finer points of meds for depression. The other thing to know is that some of the anti depressants take 3 or 4 weeks to really have a big impact. I've been retired long enough that there are alot of newer meds that I am just not familiar with.
Hi, Shelly!
I have been on 40 mg of celexa since 2000 when I had my initial diagnosis of BC. I remained on it, even while I was "cancer free" for the following 17 years. Recurrence was discovered this past November.
I am a strong proponent of anti-depressants. I still feel that the celexa has made my life bearable through many life changes and emotional upheaval. There is no one who will ever convince me that medication for emotional health should be avoided. It can be a life saver!!
Good luck to you, Shelly! Linda
Hi Shelly, I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I do not take antidepressants, but have a meditative practice that I believe has helped me in all things in my life. This is a crazy journey we are on, and you with the additional MS. I have a family member with that, and know of its difficulties for her. I would suggest meditation, it goes with everything! My very best to you, Michelle
I'm a xanex fan, but try to limit it to times at night that are impossible to get sleep. I have never tried them in the daytime. They make me tired.
Whatever anyone needs to help them cope and manage, Shelly. I would offer info on the DNA testing to see which anti-depressant you might have a better response to though. I am not on anti-depressants, but in my DNA report, it shows how certain ones are more effective for me than others. Best to you!
Shelley I have been having a lot of success with essential oils. I diffuse in the evenings, I take capsules during the day, I put joyful, anti anxiety, calming oils on just like use perfume.I did not want to become dependent on any drugs, or deal with any more side effects! And it’s working, I thought why not try? What do I have to lose?
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