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Anyone here with colitis taking antidepressants?

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Posted 3/26/2012 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
I have posted on the ulcerative colitis forum about this also but I need as much imput as I can get.

I have gastritis, colitis and proctitis. Had precancerous polyps removed during a colonoscopy 6 months ago. Upon extensive research (on my own), read where 2 of the antidepressants I was on at the time (Celexa and Welbutrin) had colitis listed as a possible side effect. That terrified me, so I stopped taking the meds cold turkey. (I know, this is highly advised against). The depression has returned with a vengence and I have started seeing a therapist. My thought was treatment without antidepressants, but, my therapist mentioned wanting to start me on medication again. I am terrified that if I take antideprssants that I will end up with cancer.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

masschaos

Posted 3/26/2012 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
The doctors are paid to know the medical repercussions. I suggest you sit down with one and ask for and get the information you need. As in, percentage likely I would develop cancer from these drugs.

I am all for being my own advocate in the medical world, but sometimes our expert opinion is tempered by medically invalid information. Doing your own research is great, but should not be the determining factor in plans of treatment. So, talk. Ask your questions. Then, make a truly informed opinion.

I have colitis and take Zoloft and Amphityptiline.
Posted 3/26/2012 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have ulcerative colitis and have taken Elavil/Amitriptyline. It was prescribed by my gastroenterologist to calm the gut. It did help. I did quit taking it though as it stopped helping my FMS.

I currently take 90mg of Cymbalta with no negative gut issues. I also take daily probiotics and daily Lialda to keep my UC in remission.
Posted 3/26/2012 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for your insight. I am definately going to give this alot of thought.

masschaos
Posted 3/26/2012 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Colitis, an infection of the intestines, colon, gall bladder.
The most normal cause of this inflammation of infection is by the use of antiobiotics. Its a rare reaction.
Every human has this bacteria in you, sorry forgot the name, anyhow this bacteria helps push out the toxins, the bad stuff out your body through your bowels. Rarely, the bacteria will overgrow and multiply, thus, making us sick. Usually white cells will be found in your BM's (bowel movements). You should have a c diff test to see if you are positive.

However, I just went through colitis 3 weeks ago, and I'm improving. I was given Vancomycin, as I am allergic to the first choice medication, Flaggyl.
For pain, I was given morphine and oxycodone.
Amitriptyline is totally the wrong medication, get a new doctor :)
Posted 3/26/2012 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
You do not have to be terrified of cancer from an antidepressant. Do you know how rare that is? Its seriously like 1 out of 500000000000 you have less than one percent of a chance to get cancer from that. Would you rather being so depressed or actually being happy?
I been on Celexa since I was 20, I am 31. I don't have cancer, I'm in chemo for a totally different reason. Take the meds.
Posted 3/26/2012 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
The amitriptyline was prescribed more for the IBS portion of my colitis... the urgency. It managed to slow things down a bit. Was not Rxed for anti=depressant properties... low dose.
Posted 3/26/2012 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
amitriptyline is not only for depression but also for migraines and pain killer too. I know, I was on it when it first came out
Posted 3/27/2012 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Ulcerative colitis is different than regular colitis. With UC, wou have ulcers on the inside of your colon/rectal area. Different causes with the same result.
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