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Posted 5/25/2009 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'm convinced that elevated stress levels can cause flareups. I am a very stressed out individual that has tried several different relaxing techniques with little success. I'm going to see my GP about some stress medication to try and get it under control. I'm just wondering if anybody has taken any stress meds and if it worked with there UC.

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Post Edited By Moderator (Lonielane) : 5/25/2009 1:05:30 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/25/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Xanax works wonders for me!!
Posted 5/25/2009 4:56 PM (GMT 0)

I seond that on Xanax.  I take the generic and it helps a LOT!!  I tried a couple others that made me feel "spaced out" but this does not.  I have been luck taking 1/2 dose every 4 to 6 hours rather than all at once. 

ElaineNY

Posted 5/25/2009 4:56 PM (GMT 0)

It sounds like you might benefit from taking a long-term "SSRI" medication (ie Celexa, Lexapro).  These are daily meds taken once a day.  They don't take full effect for a couple of months or so, though, so sometimes doctors will prescribe the short term anti-anxiety meds (ie Xanax, Ativan) to "fill in" until the long terms take effect. 

Hope you get some relief...

Posted 5/25/2009 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Effexor XR for a little over a week. I'm really happy so far. One of the side effects is constipation - good thing for most of us UC'ers!
Posted 5/25/2009 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on antidepressants for years and they work for me. I currently take cymbalta. I think they have an affect on the motility of the bowels and intestines. Some cause constipation, others diarrhea. At least that has been my experience. Good luck with the stress reduction!
Posted 5/25/2009 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Since you have continual stress, learning to recognise what's going on through therapy or counselling is helpful.

It won't eliminate the "stressors", but it can help a LOT as to how you perceive them.

If you do have depression, antidepressants can help.

Antianxiety meds can help as well....but can become a dependency if one isn't able to cope at all.

Looking at the whole picture and setting up methods to deal can help you the most long-term. That would include therapy, research, relaxation, exercise, meds, changing friends, limiting stressful situations, etc.....

I wish you the best.
quincy
Posted 5/26/2009 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
I'd try natural before going onto prescription, but that's just me.

5-HTP + PAK
TMG + L-Methionine (Cheap sub for SAM-E)
L-Theanine (Suntheanine)
NOW makes a decent mood formula.
DHA
Low Vitamin D can contribute to depression.
Bad diet can contribute.

I don't get depressed or stressed out too much but started using all of them to try and see what physiological effects I get from them so I can better suggest the different types to patients. Seems over half the people that come in the office is on a depression med nowadays. It's really sad. TMG should be great for UC anyway since it contributes to methylation process, so I think I'll continue it for a while.
Posted 5/26/2009 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently on paxil and it helps quite a bit for me.... I also have taken ativan for anxiety. I am experimenting with alternative methods that I cannot mention on this forum.
Posted 5/26/2009 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
I use Ativan when I'm on Prednisone to take the edge off.  Otherwise I'd have serious relationship issues.  I stop taking it otherwise though, becaue I'm scared to become dependant on it.

Posted 5/26/2009 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the replies. I saw my GP and he prescribed Cipralex for depression and Ativan for stress. I guess I'll just have to see where this all takes me. If I can ever achieve remission maybe I won't need these meds. Lets hope for the best.
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