C's and antidepressants
#248596 - 02/25/06 08:37 AM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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I'm thinking of asking my doctor about getting put on antidepressants for a while. The brownies just haven't been enough lately, lol. I was up most of the night last night feeling too anxious to sleep. It was like my stomach was tied in knots. I'm usually the type of person who avoids putting drugs into my body whenever possible, but work has been super stressful for me lately and there comes a point when enough is enough! My question is for C's who have been on antidepressants for non-IBS reasons. Which meds have you found to be effective without worsening your C symptoms? I know a lot of the ADs are better for controlling D, and I certainly don't want to make my C any worse. I'd appreciate any advice!
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Kree, I recently asked for help with my worssening PMS symptoms. Since my IBS has gone from D to C, I too was worried about making it worse. However, what I have found is that it is, in fact, much better because I am not so stressed. I'm only taking 10mg of prozac, and I can sleep better, handle PMS better, and my C is better! Can't beat that!!
-------------------- God is Faithful!
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-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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trying something to help you sleep instead of an AD? I know work is miserable for you right now, but getting a good night's sleep every night might make it easier to cope with. (I think of AD's as "big drugs" but sleeping pills as not so big which is why I'd try a sleep aid before an anti-depressant.) Just a thought.
-------------------- [Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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HI there...I finalyl got on Lexapro a while ago because of crazy anxiety. After gallbladder surgery, just graduating college and all, I was really stressed..especially with starting a new job. So, I started it...and somehow I haven't had C since...it's amazing. I don't know if I can blame it ALL on the Lexapro, as I started hypnosis tapes as well...but I feel quite well! I have been so C my whole life and after surgery, I didn't get any D at all...so Lexapro has been great--and has helped me get my life back on track! Hope this info helps!
-------------------- IBS-A
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I take 40 mg a day. I've tried about 8 to 10 different ADs over the past few years or so...and couldn't tolerate any of them besides Prozac and Lexapro. Lexapro didn't do anything for me though. And I was convinced it increased my C...but I think I was blaming the Lexapro and that it was just my stupid C staying the same.
I would warn you agains Paxil if you only plan on being on an AD for a short time. Paxil is one of the hardest ADs to come off of. Everyone I know, including myself, who has stopped the Paxil has had a nightmare coming off of it.
Good luck. Unfortunately, you might have to try a few before you find one that works and that your body tolerates without nasty side effects.
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Sand, With all of what she's going through now, I think the AD is probably a good idea.
Kree, I take Paxil(37.5 mg per day right now) and it has helped me a lot both with the C and my anxiety. I think it's been shown to be effective for at least 50% of the people who try it. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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I thought anti-depressants were for:
1) long-term depression with no apparent causal event 2) depression with a causal event but which did not resolve in a reasonable amount of time 3) depression so severe that the depressed person could not function adequately without chemical intervention 4) depression so severe that talk therapy could not be effective without chemical intervention
I know they're also prescribed "off-label" in "non-therapeutic" doses (i.e., less than would be used to treat depression) for IBS. And I know from something posted in the LR that Elavil can be used for insomnia and chronic pain - from the dosage, it sounds like that's at "non-therapeutic" levels, also. All of this seems reasonable to me - using big drugs to treat big or intractable problems.
What I'm hearing a lot about now (not just on the Boards, but from people I know) is using anti-depressants to handle "life event" problems - relatives dying, spouses leaving, bad jobs, bad marriages - where there is no chronic, unrelieved, long-term depression and no consideration of talk therapy. ADs are such big, big drugs that this trend makes me nervous. It makes me even more nervous for a short-term situation - getting onto and off of ADs can be a miserable process. Beyond all that, people are supposed to be unhappy when sad things happen - it's part of what motivates us to change, to move on, to find another way, to understand. And beyond all of that is my bone-deep feminism - I'm old enough to remember when women who were unhappy with their lives were told to take Valium every day, get over it, and cheer up.
I'm not saying someone who is in Kree's position - a miserable supervisor, unhelpful co-workers, and unable to leave for four months - should suck it up and tough it out. I'm just saying that anti-depressants seem like overkill as the first line of defense. There are milder drugs (including Valium, ironically enough) that can help with sleep problems and anxiety and have, it seems to me, fewer side-effects.
I certainly know that anti-depressants, like all major psychoactive drugs, are a Godsend for people who truly need them and whose lives would be unlivable without them. I just think they should be a last resort.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to get clobbered for this but I needed to say it. I'll be off the Boards for a day or two, so I'll check for bruises when I'm back on.
-------------------- [Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Sand, You are correct on 1) through 4), but nowadays it's also used to treat plain old ordinary anxiety, and for IBS, the SSRI's are used to get the serotonin levels up in the colon. AD's also vary quite a bit in strength, Prozac is the strong- est. In fact, the FDA was considering yanking it because of the no. of incidents of people going nutso on it. Valium is pretty strong too, and it also causes C bigtime, others like it, Librium, etc. do the same thing. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Thanks!
#248885 - 02/27/06 09:48 AM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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Thank you all for your suggestions. I now have a little list to bring with me to my doctor this afternoon. I chickened out last time I wanted to ask him about ADs, but this time I'm definitely going through with it.
Sand, I certainly understand where you're coming from, but my stress is affecting a lot more than just my sleep at this point. The funny thing is, I felt just the way you do about ADs until very recently, but some people I'm very close to have gotten through tough times with the help of ADs. My cousin was extremely depressed after a very tough break up, and he says going on ADs for a couple of months was the best thing he could have done to help him function in everyday life until he was more emotionally stable. I think that's what I need, too. I've been coming home a lot of nights and crying uncontrollably, and that's completely not me. I think stressful events themselves can cause a change in your body chemistry that needs to be put right again. Just my two cents on the issue!
Thanks again and I'll let you all know what happens this afternoon!
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Kree, I agree with you and Sand. I work with a lady who is convinced an AD is what everybody needs....so I see Sand's point there. However, I was on Prozac for postpartum depression with my son, and after two years, came off with no problem. That was 10 years ago. Stress and other events had triggered my PMS to unbearable levels recently....hence I sought help again, and was pleasantly surprised at how much it helped my IBS. I don't plan on taking the med long term this time either, simply because I hate taking meds period...however, it can truly make the difference in your ability to get things back on track and go forward more strongly than before.
This is an interesting topic! I hope your doctor can help. Let us know!
-------------------- God is Faithful!
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It is not the strongest SSRI out there. I have done research and it appears to me that Paxil is the strongest. It has been linked to abnormal bleeding and also the most dangerous for pregnant women to take because it causes birth defects.
It is also the hardest SSRI to stop taking.
I don't mean to cause an arguement...but I don't think people should be afraid to take Prozac at all. I think it got the most attention because it was the most common AD used before all the new ones came out.
Just my two cents.
Here's two sites I saw that confirm some of this. Paxil and pregnancy paxil warning Paxil and prozac weaning off Paxil
Kree, I think you need to talk to your doctor, though. A medical doctor knows best and can get beyond the media hype. I know for me personally, Paxil was horrible and I don't feel "nuts" on Prozac.
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Now now now, I didn't say you were going nutso at all. There have been documented cases of it in the news. There was some guy in Massachusetts who hacked through his neighbor's front door with an ax, and proceeded to chase the neighbor with it. That's the only case I can readily recall, but the news item said there were others. I think it was on Fox News a while ago. Where did you hear that Paxil was stronger? -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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I think you're right about just needing to get back on track with some meds if you can't seem to get out of it. I know after one of my babies I had the blues, and they lasted longer than they should. When my doctor and I talked, if I didn't get better in two weeks, I would have to take meds to get myself out of it. I was lucky and came out of it. But I remember how important she said it was to get some meds or you could be stuck in it forever. Unless you get to the point of needing them, I think it's hard to understand the need for them, if that makes any sense. I'm at that point now with PMS or possibly that PMDD. Diane
-------------------- IBS C, Spasms
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Just butting in here --
I haven't read this entire thread, so I may be off base here, but I'm coming to the rescue of Prozac. While I've heard all the reports you mention, Bob, and I don't doubt their veracity, the stuff truly saved my life.
Some folks here know of my very rare condition which threw my hormones out of control. In 1983 I did not know that I was seriously suicidal until I came very close to throwing myself down the stairs. I had enough wits about me to realize I needed professional help, and it was then that my doc immediately put me on Prozac. It did WONDERS! I was finally able to speak to others without totally breaking down, and all ideation of suicide was gone.
Now, what was this thread all about anyway? Maybe I should read it......
-------------------- <img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Dianne, if you read any of my previous posts, I too suffered post partum. Now, 10 years later, I'm very much classic PMDD. The meds worked before, and I think they will this time. I never look at it longterm...I think that makes all the difference.
-------------------- God is Faithful!
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I was on Paxil and had no adverse effects with my C. In fact I felt great on it and didn't have IBS symptoms....
HTH & Good luck
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I never thought I'd be saying "woohoo" about getting Prozac, but I'm very excited to be doing something for myself. I talked to my doc and shared your suggestions. He said he would be comfortable putting me on any of the 3 I mentioned, so I ended up going with the Prozac because it was cheapest, lol. From what's being said here it sounds like a good choice. I'm starting it tomorrow. I can't wait to start feeling like myself again. Crossing my fingers...
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Just remember it will take a few weeks to a couple months to start feeling any of the benefits. Don't give up on it if you don't feel better right away.
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I'm happy you were able to do something to turn this around. I hope you are soon feeling more like yourself and able to be at your best during these last months in this job! Keep us posted!
-------------------- God is Faithful!
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Hi Kree, I'm glad you didn't have any problems getting the AD. Say, did your doc comment on Paxil? I'm wondering if he thinks it's as bad as it's been made out to be. Good luck with the Prozac. I hope you feel better real soon! -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Hi Bev, Thanks very much for verifying the anecdotal evidence I mentioned about Prozac.I've also heard a historian mention that if the former president John Adams was alive today, that he would be on Prozac. However, that's not necessarily some- thing bad. Evidentally, he had a lot of anxiety. Since reading other evidence, I rescind my position that Prozac has more problems than Paxil. Not that I'm going to stop taking Paxil. According to the critizism I probably shouldn't do that anyway. As the old addage around here goes,"It works for me". At least everybody says do what works for you. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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PS
#249064 - 02/28/06 07:34 AM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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If prozac doesn't work out, you can always try another. I tried Lexapro first, then went to Prozac. I hope Prozac works well for you...but just know there are other options if this isn't the right fit!
Good luck and keep us udated! Here's to feeling like yourself again!
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Well, I started the Prozac this morning, and I'm beginning to wonder if it's a good idea. I also have GERD, and the acid the Prozac gave me was absolutely horrendous. The worst I've ever experienced. However, I took the Prozac when I first woke up and didn't take my Aciphex until right before I ate breakfast about half an hour later, since my doc told me to take it with food. I'm thinking tomorrow I'll switch the order so that they Aciphex has a chance to get into my system first. If not there's no way I can deal with that horrible pain in my throat every morning. What a bummer, my doc didn't say anything about acid as a side effect. Now I have to see what tomorrow brings.
Bob, Paxil was one of the meds my doc recommended, so he obviously must think pretty highly of it.
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Kree, Thanks for your doc's comments, and thanks for asking him about Paxil. I haven't heard of Prozac causing excess acid but I'm sure Beth knows and when she reads this she'll comment . Did ask your doc about Actaphex? I think it's supposedly better than Aciphex. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Actaphex
#249188 - 02/28/06 02:36 PM
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Kree
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Northern NY
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No, I didn't ask him about Actaphex. I wanted to give the Aciphex a chance. But I have a follow up in a couple of weeks and if the Aciphex doesn't start working better I'll definitely bring it up!
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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Kree
#249284 - 02/28/06 05:49 PM
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Sand
Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)
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I am sorry you're having such a terrible time. I went through the crying uncontrollably stuff years ago myself and it's miserable and a little scary. I hope the Prozac works for you.
Take care.
-------------------- [Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Edited by Sand (02/28/06 05:50 PM)
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Maybe try not to jump to conclusions? I have never read or heard of this side effect before. (Or from Paxil either).I would talk to your pharmacist.
Also, you can take Prozac at any time of the day. It's really flexible.
I hope you feel better tomorrow, Kree. If not, call the doctor. He should know if there is a connection.
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I have experienced some acid reflux since starting Prozac. It isn't severe, but I imagine it might be for someone who suffers GERD anyway. At least you know there are other options if the side effect is too uncomfortable. Sorry you have experienced a dissapointing beginning. The acid I have experienced has lessened as I have continued the med though. I've been taking it daily since January.
-------------------- God is Faithful!
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...are usually the worst in the beginning. Casey had a real problem with Lexapro for about a month, but then it gave her her life back.
There are other meds out there. Don't give up altogether sweetie!
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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The acid was horrible again this morning, so I called my doc after work. He said that he's had other patients get worsening GERD from Prozac, and that it usually goes away in about a week. He said I should take 2 of my Aciphex a day instead of one until it (hopefully) resolves, and if it's not better in a week to let him know. So I'm not looking forward to breathing fire every morning, but I'm going to stick it out! Hopefully this will be worth it.
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield
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How are you doing on it? Or did you have to switch? I've been wondering abut you!
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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