Antidepressants for someone suffering with Colitis and COPD

Hello all, just wanted some advice on behalf of my mother. She suffers with COPD (stage 3) and with flare ups of colitis. She is very depressed but has told me there is no antidepressant that she can take with both illnesses that won’t either set off her colitis or counteract her COPD medication. I’m at a loss of what to suggest so thought I would see if anyone else had any experience of this?

Thank you Susie, I have been wondering if this is the case as she is very reluctant to give me any information about any of her illnesses, medications, and doctors/specialist appointments. She won’t let me go to any of her appointments with her so it’s hard for me to know the true extent of things. Her depression and anxiety are getting increasingly worse. She is in tears every day when I call her, and I’m at a loss of how I can help her. She has told me there are no antidepressants she can take which don’t either set her UC off or counteract her COPD medication. Your help is very much appreciated! 🙂

Z, I have been on Wellbutrin, Zoloft & Effexor. There was another one in the beginning, I cannot remember the name, lol. There are so many of them on the market. When I first was put on oxygen years ago I bottomed out. I felt like a dog on a long leash because my line was so long so I could walk around downstairs. Of course this is a normal reaction. At first I wouldn't use my portable tank to go out in public, I was embarrassed, lol. It was a difficult time. I went back on meds one more time & felt so much better. I will put it this way, knock on wood they have never failed me.

I suspect even if you tell your mother an antidepressant will not interfere with her medications she will not believe you. Sadly it sounds like this is her mind set. I have 2 siblings with COPD both on oxygen & on several different meds & both are on antidepressants.

Do you know if she has any family member listed at the drs that allows the drs office to speak to them? I signed a form that allows the drs to speak with my husband & daughter. I wonder if she has you down for that. My thinking is to call & speak to the nurse & let her know the shape your mom is in & what she is telling you about the meds. If the dr approaches her & mentions you are concerned that may cause a problem with the 2 of you. You are in a tough spot.

Take care.

Do some searching, you may find some studies regarding antidepressants and U.C. I seem to remember seeing that Wellbutrin was actually beneficial for U.C.

My own anecdote is that I take generic cymbalta, at a low dose, for neuropathy (off label). It has been great for my U.C. but this may be coincidence.

Z, that is great news. I am sure the dr will be able to help her with some medication.

Take care.