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other depression meds??

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Posted 3/27/2008 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I used to post a lot on the Ulcerative colitis forum but only a few times here.  Turns out that I have microscopic colitis and I can control most symptoms with a strict gluten free and dairy free diet.

Anyways, I went to a new DR last night because I had to get my script of ativan refilled- I could not make apt with my usual Dr.  I told her that I had been on ativan for 2 years at 0.5 mg twice a day; I also take 75 mg of wellbutrin twice a day.  She did not like this and said there were better meds out there that treat both depression and anxiety but failed to mention any (I asked her a few times).  She also said that I need to get off the ativan.  I am supposed to take one 0.5 mg tab in the am and then 1/2 of a 0.5 mg tab at night for a week.  Then just a whole tab in the am for a week, then half of a tab in the am for a week and then none.  I asked her if the withdrawal could be more gradual but she said no.  I have an apt with my reg DR in 3 weeks to discuss this. 

What are these other meds she is talking about?  The one thing in depression meds I want to stay away from are ones that cause diahrrea and nausea because I have enough trouble with that already with my colitis.  Also ones that cause sexual side effects are not preferred since I am recently married.  Ones with weight gain as a side effect are WELCOME because I wouldnt mind the extra weight.

Also should I be tapering off ativan slower since I have been on it for 2 years?  Any suggestions that might help during this period of tapering... any good ways to distract yourself?

Thanks for your help.

Posted 3/27/2008 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Terps,

If you want to make sure you don't get the stomache problems, stay away from zoloft. It gave me serious diahrea. And I had problems with sexual side effects with paxil. I currently take effexor and have no side effects. But what is right for one isn't always right for another.

Hopefully somebody else will come on with some more information for you. I hope that you find what works right for you.

Good luck
Karen
Posted 3/27/2008 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
EMSAM skin patch is out there , older generation MAOI drug but still the best . No constipation , colitis or sexual side effects..you may want to try it
Posted 3/28/2008 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Terps,
I used to post alot in the ulcerative colitis forum too (was for my daughter), but now I'm suffering with depression from all that's gone on with her health and various other issues. Wanted to let you know I'm taking Wellbutrin and seems to be helping some. I still have teary days, mostly when I think about what possibly lies ahead for her health wise and it's so upsetting. She was recently diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (aka osteonecrosis)...bone death, they say likely due to the steroids she was on...I'm still trying to figure out which directions to go in with this. Have seen a couple of doctors, xrays etc etc. Anyway, I'm rambling, sorry :)
Posted 3/28/2008 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
oh..oops. Forgot to look at your signature for what meds you're already taking...I shouldn't post when I'm tired :)
Posted 3/28/2008 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Buckeye,

Don't be sorry for posting or anything, that is what we are all here for. To try to help make it easier for eachother and to give advice or information it we can. At least our experiences. Also this is a good place to vent when you need to so feel free to post about whatever you need to.

You and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Gentle hugs, Karen
Posted 3/28/2008 9:24 PM (GMT 0)

Buckeyeinfl said...
Hi Terps,
I used to post alot in the ulcerative colitis forum too (was for my daughter), but now I'm suffering with depression from all that's gone on with her health and various other issues. Wanted to let you know I'm taking Wellbutrin and seems to be helping some. I still have teary days, mostly when I think about what possibly lies ahead for her health wise and it's so upsetting. She was recently diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (aka osteonecrosis)...bone death, they say likely due to the steroids she was on...I'm still trying to figure out which directions to go in with this. Have seen a couple of doctors, xrays etc etc. Anyway, I'm rambling, sorry :)

I am not too familiary with osteonecrosis but it doesnt sound good.  Have you guys tried Remicade, 6 mp, Imuran, Entocort (which is a very poorly absorbed steriod but works well sometimes on people who have UC), or considered surgery?  If the steriods and all are causing this much damage to a young woman (age 20?- I was dx'd with UC at age 22) I would think surgery would be a viable option.  And there are great surgeries now that dont require wearing a bag or something- the J pouch and the BCIR pouch are great I know people who have them.  There are options left and I wish you the best of luck in trying to find that wonder drug.

 

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