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Anyone else have an increase of depression during a major flare?

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Posted 3/18/2011 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
I am wondering if vicodan doesn't increase depression or what else it could be?
Posted 3/18/2011 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
It does have depressant effects, so I would think that could be why you're feeling it. It's also a narcotic, so the cycle of addiction could be part of it. Not to say you're addicted, just the nature of that type of medication.

How much are you taking?

I have depression, and during flares I always had more depression than anxiety. But still had anxiety, but not for the UC.

I think anything that is a "downer" can cause depression if those of us are prone or feeling the exacerbated effects even when normally "blue" because of having a flare. There's nothing positive about a flare...it's a major downer anyway.

I still hate dealing with my butt on a continual basis...even waiting for my daily bm to happen before I even "function" to go out, etc...because I'm not used to needing to accommodate while I'm out and about.

While I'm not flaring, I've just increased my antidepressant to 75mg as of last night. Spring is my worst time of the year emotionally...contrary to most people.

Are there any other meds you might be able to take?

quincy
Posted 3/18/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
     Read the adverse affects on Vicodan.  It could increase your depression.  I know it has a lot of side effects.  I had to take Hydrocodone following my hospitalization in 08.  I was a bit depressed but attributed it to my illness.  There are still rare times I have to resort to Hydrocodone because of my osteoporosis (thank you prednisone) and the three back fractures I have suffered over the past few years, but never feel depressed anymore.
Posted 3/18/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'm always depressed... I'm in a flare, I'm unhappy, I can't do what I used to do. I lay on the couch and watch my life pass by. Accept the situation for what it is, it sucks! BUT it will get better! Hope keeps me going. I tried anti depressants, they didn't work. I think because my feelings are legitimate. Until my situation changes, I will tend to think it's depressing! Who is happy to be in a miserable flare? I take vicodin at night but I feel the same as I did before I started taking it. I'm sure others will be more uplifting...
Posted 3/18/2011 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Depression can be a comforting friend. Have you seen the advertisement for Abilify? It's portrayed perfectly...that's exactly how I describe depression.

Some antidepressants such as celexa are more depressing...I've found success in effexor XR...I thought I could do without it, but I can't. I'd rather have depression as an acquaintance that's there, but not for longing.

q
Posted 3/18/2011 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
     Quincy....lol...I have seen the advertisement for Abilify and my hubby and I both look at each other and say,,,"I would rather be depressed!"

Do you listen to all the side effects???  OY VEY!

Posted 3/18/2011 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I can't think of a single reason why a person in a bad flare shouldn't be depressed. As my doctor told me once, "I'd be worried if you weren't a little depressed!" That was after the steroids which failed to stop my five-year flare succeeded in causing diabetes.
Posted 3/18/2011 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes - Vicodan can add to the depression, but I think prednisone is much more likely to be the cause. During flares my depression is terrible (complete emotional breakdowns should not be common for a 48 year old guy used to being highly active), but I'm also on high doses of pred. Once I get below 20mgs, the depression starts to subside. As for the Vicodin I try not to take it because of the withdrawl problems ... I take Tylenol-3 instead, which is actually my best colitis drug. There are specific receptors in the colon that respond to opiates and codeine is the one that responds best according to my gastro. Most people don't realize that Immodium is actually classified as an opiate and codeine works on the same receptors as immodium, only better. I use T-3 since the withdrawl effects are much more minimal than vicodin. There have been times when I've started a flare and took the T-3 and by the next day the flare had subsided and everything was back to normal.
Posted 3/18/2011 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences.

This is the worst flare I have had since 1999. The pain level is at a steady 8 where 1 is no pain and 10 is passing out from pain. I take 2 5/500 generic vicodan every four hours. It takes the edge off but does not kill the pain. Morphine is the only drug that gets rid of this level of pain. I don't have insurance so my doctor is treating me for free at home. He is checking on me every 2 days. Somehow he managed to get all my tests paid for too.

I know intellectually that this flare will get better but sometimes it is so difficult to have it run my life. I wanted to open my house to a family of Japanese refugees from Miyage but my husband and doctor both said no because I am too sick. I have known the family for 32 years. The marriage was arranged by a traditional marriage broker. I represented the groom's interests. I had no idea how strong a love could grow in an arranged marriage. They are a very special group of people.

Maybe I just need to hear successful remission stories from people tp lift my spirits. Do you have one?

All my best,
SZm

Post Edited (Subzeromambo) : 3/18/2011 5:53:45 PM (GMT-6)

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