SSRI's & UC - Brain-Gut Connection?

Hi...I finally went on Effexor XR (SNRI) because of a bad depressive state I was in. Interestingly, my UC was pretty good at that time....just couldn't cope during that time.

I haven't noticed a change in my UC since taking it...my life situation is different (work-wise)...I still have flares, however..mild.

If your emotions/anxiety are causing you distress to the point of exacerbating your UC symptoms, it would be worth to try.

What one is your doc wanting you to try?

q

I've actually been told that there's more serotonin in your gut than in your brain, so that's why SSRI's help. I've also read some research that says SSRI's have helped those with IBS and IBD (I'll try to find it later).

I went on Prozac b/c I was dealing with depression and anxiety related to UC and other unresolved issues I had (self-esteem, perfectionism, etc.). I haven't noticed any difference in my UC or IBS, but it has helped mentally, especially when added to cognitive behavioral therapy.

I was given xanax to ease the anxiety of flying in and out of DC (when you couldn't get out of your seat for 30 minutes or they would probably shoot you dead) but I didn't notice any difference at all in the way I felt. Couldn't fool me, it was just plain stressful.

What were your reasons for going on them?
--I went on Zoloft because I was having problems with postpartum anxiety/depression, which was likely influenced by the UC symptoms I was having.
How have they impacted/helped you?
--I started feeling better (emotionally) almost immediately. I'm on the lowest dose, but it just seems to help me be more steady. I'm really glad I was on it when I was diagnosed. I think it helped me deal with the news that I have a chronic disease a little better.
How long were/are you on them?
--I've been on it since the first of December.
If you've finished your course of treatment, what do you have to share about it?
--I'm still taking it and will probably continue taking it through summer at least. I'm currently applying for two jobs (we want to move back closer to family) and if I get interviews, I know I'll be a little stressed about them, and hope the Zoloft will help me from becoming over stressed and leading to a flare. However, when I do stop taking it, if I find I'm feeling bad emotionally again or notice that I start to have a flare, I'll immediatley go back on it. I don't have a problem with taking Zoloft long-term if it helps me.

Thanks guys for your understanding and support. I knew it was the right crowd to bring this up!

Quincy- the Dr. didn't suggest a specific med. She actually said she reccomends the meds first, for a year (that scared me), or agreeing that if we'd see no change after 2 months, I'd agree to begin the treatment. I actually, convinced myself that I felt better and didn't go back to the dr. this was after paying a $250 initial visit fee!! The best rate she could give me was $150. As a student is was a bit much, that was another factor in not going back. Now, I'm thinking abt returning, atill have to see if insurance will work with it..... because I firmly beleive there's nothing like a good therapist to help work through some things...

UC Dude - I totally agree with you. I think CBT is the way I should be going. Yes, the last thing I'd want is being an emotional zombie. I want to feel things - both both and good, painful and pleasurable - that's what life is all about. I want to experience it all and incorporate it into my life. Thank G-d it's not at a point where it's interefering with my daily living too much, though when I first saw her, it was pretty bad.

Jone bone - Thanks for your encouragement. I took up running in August, haven;t been so good lately, but it's amazing. I've also gotten into Meditation (John Kabat-Zinn's work), breathing techniques and some body awareness things are helpful.


Thanks all for sharing!

Well this is an ancient thread, but thought I'd dig it up. I've had anxiety BIGTIME since I tapered prednisone in March, and it was going nowhere. Every little ache or pain I just knew I was dying. It became debilitating and lifestyle altering. I asked my M.D. about it and she suggested Paroxetene, a SSRI "Paxil" 10 mg daily (very low dose). She also mentioned that most of our serotonin is manufactured in the gut. I'm only just over a week into it, but my shaky remission has turned to daily diarrhea HOWEVER my anxiety is lifting!

I've never taken anything either, but a few years back I asked my gastroenterologist if I should try that route and he said in his opinion I didn't need anything like that. I do have a prescribed bottle of Xanax that I haven't touched after going to doctor from a severe panic attack. I think I just took too much pre workout.

Thanks Kiptyn. I read Briggs protocol and understand how immediate release Bupropion can be beneficial to UC'rs. My symptoms are more anxiety-related than depression but I could be fooling myself. Welbutrin is not recommended for anxiety. But if the source of the anxiety is low serotonin it should do the same thing? From a brief research my understanding is Paroxetene also has beneficial effects in the gut.

Never heard of the Stablon Boris will have to check it out. You have an interesting approach to your UC, happy it's working for you.

I am also a strong believer in meditation, but must reiterate that this anxiety is completely physical/biochemical. It was really hard to believe and a deep blow. Maybe more like a swift kick in the butt :)