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Posted 2/3/2017 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon, all,

I hope to make this short and sweet. I have been on six antidepressants since approximately the year 2000.

* Amitriptyline
* Welbutrin
* Celexa
* Lexapro
---took a hiatus from antidepressants
* Zoloft
* Lexapro (later added Latuda as an aid)
* Trintellix (psychiatrist wants to add Abilify as an aid)

Here is the problem I'm having. I have many GI issues anyway and my gastroenterologist is concerned my GI issues are worsening especially because of the Trintellix. He also mentioned Latuda and Abilify as being no better. Are there antidepressants available that present no gastrointestinal side effects? I'm between a rock and a hard place here.

Thanks for your time.

-smooth
Posted 2/3/2017 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
What about pristiq or Effexor? Can you take them? They are about all I know that is left. Did you try Prozac? It is hard when you are starting to run out of options. I hope you find what works for you and doesn't have problems.

Wishing you the best.

Hugs, Karen....

I take abilify and it helps me a lot.
Posted 2/3/2017 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Karen,

I have an extensive history of GI issues ranging from hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophigitis, and GERD. In 2013, I underwent surgery to correct said issues and my gastroenterologist has deemed the Latuda, Abilify, and Trintellix to be causing me side effects. I have diarrhea almost daily, itch horribly at night, and my nausea gets bad at times.

Per my mother's advice, I texted with a friend whom is very educated on this matter and she also mentioned Pristiq. It sounds like we are on the right track here. She cautions against Effexor because it is hard on the liver and is a bit older.

I'm glad the Abilify helps you. I would give up my proverbial kingdom to rid of my GI issues. I'm very upset that my psychiatrist wouldn't have picked up on this. Anyone that knows anything about me knows about my GI issues. It's just unfortunate doctors spend no time with you anymore.

Thank you so much for helping me. Just fighting back the tears.

-smooth
Posted 2/3/2017 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
I am on Effexor, it is not bad on the stomach at all. Taken with food and plenty of water I have no GI issues from this particular med.

Peace
Trina
Posted 2/3/2017 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry you are going through so much. It can get real frustrating. I had tried like five different anti depressants until I found one that didn't have bad side effects. I have been taking the pristiq for about six years now and it has worked well. I took Effexor for about 15 years as I remember. I went on pristiq when Effexor went generic.

GI issues are no fun. You can barely leave your home. It keeps you there. I Hope you find one that doesn't effect you that way. And I hope it is soon.

Take care,

I hope your day gets better.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/3/2017 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Trina,

Hello there. I'm glad it is doing the trick for you. Thank you for taking the time to contribute here as I very much appreciate it.
---
Karen,

I unfortunately let my issues define me. Everyone has issues, but some are just better at dealing than others.

It appears you have been through the gauntlet as I have. I remember the side effects that are easier to notice for some that I took. The first one I ever took was apparently an archaic medication and made me tired all the time. Since I was in college, being tired all the time simply wasn't going to work. Welbutrin made me mean. Celexa did pretty well, but then Lexapro came out and it did even better. I stopped because of a side effect and also because I felt like taking a pill to 'be happy' was ridiculous. Then I took the hiatus for a few years. After that, I matured and realized there is no shame in needing a little help, even if it is a pill. We can't help our chemical imbalances and that is that. The ones after the hiatus just kind of stopped working. I'm pretty amazed you have been on the same ones so long.

I hope I find something, too. If I end up having to pick one or the other, I really don't know what I'm doing to do. Life is tough and I'm a little bit over it, you know?

Thanks again.

-smooth
Posted 2/3/2017 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Smooth,

Life is tough. I am going through something myself. I am beyond upset, but I am not going to let it continue to bother me. I hope... It is easier said than done. But that is for another thread...

If you try the Effexor and it doesn't work, you can try the pristiq. They are closely related but not the same. I like pristiq better. I gained a little weight on the Effexor. Not that I wouldn't of gained it anyway but I have been gradually losing on the pristiq. But I took a real high dose. Effexor starts out at either 18 or 37.5 milligrams. I can't remember for sure, but I took 375 mg. So I think I was told I was at the highest dose. I only take 100 of the pristiq. It starts at 50. But I have had no stomach issues either on this. Besides the Effexor and the pristiq have anxiety meds in them which help.

I again hope you find what works for you. Being depressed is the pits and nobody should have to feel that way. .But we do from time to time. I wish you the best...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/9/2017 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Lexapro causes me no GI issues but it looks like you tried that.
Posted 3/18/2017 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you are having so many GI problems. Maybe your GI issues are so bad that any medication is going to upset your stomach. Do you have a diagnosis from your GI doctor? t seems odd that all these meds upset your stomach. I have a very sensitive tummy and GI issues and even I haven't had that many problems! Maybe a 2nd opinion from another GI doc? Triltillex made me extremely nauseous and I couldn't take it. Others have given me some constipation or diarrhea but not to where I had to stop taking them. What about paxil or pexeva. Pexeva is name brand though and expensive. It is similar to paxil. I hope you find a solution soon.
Posted 3/20/2017 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
If they could find out what is causing the GI issues, that would good.

Has anyone figured that out?

Someone on this website from the anxiety forum mentioned genesight about matching you up to the right meds.

It says talk to your health care provider about genesite, which can be found by that name on the search engine.

Here's some of the data:

-----------------------

--- GeneSight Psychotropic
The GeneSight Psychotropic laboratory developed test analyzes how your genes affect the way your body may respond to FDA-approved medicines commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, schizophrenia or other behavioral health conditions.

The information from the GeneSight test can help your healthcare provider select the medicine(s) and dose(s) that are best suited to your condition and genetic makeup. Medicines that align well with your genes may work better with fewer side effects.

-- Medications covered by GeneSight Psychotropic are FDA-approved for one or more of the following conditions:

Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Panic disorder, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and Schizophrenia

Talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is best for you and your specific condition.
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