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Posted 9/11/2012 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Has anyone used these before? I feel like I'm really struggling emotionally with all this :(
Posted 9/11/2012 8:39 AM (GMT 0)
There are members on here that use antidepressants. I have used them in the past but saw little to no benefit. The only two that have had any effect on me are Xanax and Endep (Amitriptyline). Xanax is an antipsychotic and it has only help marginally (reducing a little bit of my anxieties as well as helping me sleep a bit better). Endep is a tricyclic antidepressant and only makes me feel terribly tired for the first two days of starting it, then it has no effect after that.

Others I have tried are Zoloft, Effexor-XR, Cymbalta, Luvox and Lexapro. All had zero effect on me.

I would only take Xanax now and only when I am extremely anxious. Otherwise, I just try my best to cope. I am one of the unlucky ones where antidepressants don't help very much. I would recommend giving them a go though, but I suggest that you do something else to actively improve your mood. Antidepressants aren’t ‘happy’ pills and work best in conjunction with other therapies.
Posted 9/11/2012 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
They made me flare really bad. They have a lot of other really nasty side effects too. And they've been shown to be no more effective than placebo in most cases of depression. They're also really hard to get off of. Be careful.

Xanax isn't an anti-psychotic. It's an anti-anxiety med. It's way different than the anti-psychotic meds such as Abilify, Geodon, etc. Xanax is really fast-acting and great for anxiety and panic attacks but does make most people a bit sleepy. I used to take it at night sometimes to help me sleep. If you're going to ask for anything, I would ask for xanax. However, I think things will get easier for you emotionally after a few months of having UC with or without psych meds.
Posted 9/11/2012 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
Having a chronic illness can cause depression and some benefit from medications and others not so much. But I agree that if you were to start on one, it should be done in conjunction with therapy - preferably with a therapist that is trained to help people with chronic illnesses.

I have GAD (general anxiety disorder) and I'm emotionally handicapped (meaning I don't know how to sort my feelings) so I was seeing a Psychotherapist for a while along with the occasional usage of Klonopin (an anti-anxiety med). Taking the med alone has not helped me but in conjunction with a therapist did. She also helped me deal with having so many things wrong with me.
Posted 9/11/2012 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
I also have GAD. I've been usin Klonopin for the past 15 years nightly . Made me tired during the day. It's one of the few benzodiazepines that have half a life. Means there is always half in your system . I myself couldn't take SSRI's couldn't eat or sleep. Seeing a therapist is a good idea too!
By the way how was the Massage. Did it help relax you?
Faith:)
Posted 9/11/2012 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Ended up having to re schedule for Saturday but I can't wait! Yeah I am nervous to get hooked on pills or they make thing worse that'd be awful
Posted 9/11/2012 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Chrissy! Used to think that way. Thought I didnt need the Klonopin at one time. Afraid I was addicted, and I was. tried to ween off. Almost had a nervous breakdown. It helps me big time! Who cares if your feeling better. I take a very small dose. Takes the edge off
Posted 9/11/2012 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
When I was tapering off prednisone, after I relapsed at 2.5mg, I started an antidepressant and I think it helped me. I stopped taking it after 6 months or so, I felt that I wasn't seeing enough results to justify taking another pill each day. I guess it helped when I needed it most and that's a good thing. I would take one again if I were feeling down.
Posted 9/11/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
For sure. I've been struggling with the pred pretty bad the whole time. I'm already really emotional and it has thrown me for a loop. It was pretty awful when I was at the higher doses. Now I'm just terrified I'm gonna end up in the hospital again :/
Posted 9/11/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
The unknown of UC is scary and can be depressing Chrissy we all understand that ! try and stay positive ... ya just never know :)
Posted 9/11/2012 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
So true. You're right tho :)
Posted 9/11/2012 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Seems to me, something like Xanax is more useful for us w/ UC than antidepressants are.
antidepressants have GI issues and they are more long term.
You just have to go easy on the Xanax and not get addicted : )
Posted 9/11/2012 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
ChrissySoul,
I understand what you are feeling. I am tapering pred. Started at 40 mg, now at 30mg. For the first 2 1/2 weeks I was so anxious, I could barely function. Now I am feeling calmer, but having sleep problems and tummy not feeling as good as I expected.. Dr. prescribed Xanax, but I haven't tried it yet. Keep hoping I will improve emotionally without it. If things don't improve I will certainly take a small dose at night time. Have you tried that?
I noticed you do yoga. Do you find it helpful? I've been thinking of starting but a friend of mine whose a yoga expert said to find someone who is a restorative yoga teacher. I have had any luck with that term where I live. The yoga instructors are all generalists with various levels of experience. I'm interested in what you think. I am older and don't want to injure myself.
Posted 9/11/2012 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I take Lexapro. It has definitely helped me. I feel much calmer. It also helps my anxiety.
Posted 9/11/2012 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
It has been 2 months since I have been off of Prednisone and I am still having bouts of depression & lethargy or swinging to the other side where I burst into a rage and am short-tempered. Not sure if these mood swings are prednisone related (was on it for almost 7 months) or if it is just dealing with UC, two small kids and struggling financially. Heading to the GI tomorrow so I am going to ask about some anxiety meds.
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