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UC & Sertraline anti-depressants, can they cause flare-ups?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/9/2012 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Just to briefly explain my position. After numerous trips over the course of 3-4 months to see various GPs with progressively worsening symptoms, and being told each time it was haemorrhoids I was finally listened to and sent for an s-scope when things had gotten really bad and diagnosed with UC & diverticular disease in August 2011. Responded immediately to combined treatment of Asacol, Salofalk enemas and Predfoam ememas and then settled on a maintenance dose of just the Asacol. All was seemingly OK for a few months but I felt pretty low, anxious etc so was prescribed Sertraline anti-depressants which I started for a couple of weeks but then experienced my first flare-up in February 2012 and stopped them immediately as I was worried thay had caused it. So I wanted to know if anyone else has any experience/advice relating to taking these anti-depressants with UC.
This is my first ever post on here so I hope I've explained things OK.
Posted 9/10/2012 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
YES, they can!! I would never ever ever again take antidepressants. I took Cymbalta for just 5 days and it sent me into a really bad flare. It also gave me terrible insomnia and completely took away my sex drive and ability to orgasm. My orgasms are still not back to normal 7 months later! It really pisses me off. I think antidepressants are evil and way over-prescribed. Also, doctors don't explain the side effects well enough (if at all...). I tried zoloft (sertraline) too, but only lasted 3 days because of the horrible insomnia and sexual side effects.
Posted 9/10/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Before my UC diagnosis , I've tried different anti-depressants all causing me stomach cramping and D' , so I think very likey it could cause an issue With UC .

Although.....I have "heard" of some SSRI's (?) Helping .... So!?!
Posted 9/10/2012 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
I take 200mg of Setraline every morning, and 25mg of trazadone at night. I never have insomnia,
My anxiety is completely gone, I feel good, sex drive normal, and my energy is finally back after
a full year of flare.

I guess everyone is different, Steroids made me flat crap crazy, and the above antidepressants helped me significantly.

Carlie
Posted 9/10/2012 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
SSRI hasn't bothered me. I'm on one because of sleep issues unrelated to UC.
Posted 9/10/2012 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Yep. I was on celexa, zoloft and lexapro and all caused me to start flaring after a couple of weeks. The celexa and lexapro also caused me to have a non-stop period. Im currently a week and a half into welbutrin. the ssri's made me feel much better but I couldn't handle the side effects of the flare and period. Even tried treating the flare to see if my body would adjust, nope had to stop cold turkey and withdraw from it...terrible. so far welbutrin isn't a miracle worker like the ssri's, we'll see how it works.... fingers crossed
Posted 9/10/2012 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
It's possible....but please understand you dropped your rectal meds. UC starts at the rectum, so you've left that area uncovered.

q
Posted 9/10/2012 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the very useful and constructive responses so far. As my first entry in this forum it has already lifted my spirits just knowing there are people sharing similar experiences who are willing to take the time to reply. I still remain undecided as to whether to go ahead again with the Sertraline or not. I am certain my UC would be more settled if I could control my general stress/anxiety/worry levels... trouble is I noticed the blood returned yesterday after another settled few months so maybe now isn't the best time.
Posted 9/10/2012 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried xanax for anxiety? It might make you sleepy so you might just take it at night. I like it a lot better than any antidepressants. It is an anti-anxiety med, very few no side effects. Good old exercise has been shown in studies to be just as effective as antidepressants. Eating well and sleep are really important as well. I personally wouldn't ever touch an antidepressant again.
Posted 9/10/2012 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Sertraline has never bothered my gut, but then everyone is different.
Posted 9/10/2012 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
So, what about adding in the rectal meds again?

Your UC's not controlled. Stress, etc may exacerbate your symptoms, but you're flaring regardless.

Use the rectals again...

q
Posted 9/10/2012 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on 75 mg of Zoloft since January 2011. In the past month I've been tapering down and so far I'm on 25 mg. I don't think it ever caused a flare for me or caused any issues but it certainly didn't help anything either.
Posted 2/12/2018 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
I know this is an old post, but my UC began after taking a combination of antibiotics and generic Zoloft. It seemed to me like it directly caused it for me!
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