Anti-Depressants

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rabz08
rabz08 Member Posts: 6
in Ovarian Cancer #1
How do you guys feel about maybe starting an anti-depressant to just take the edge of things while going through treatment?

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  • carolyn45
    carolyn45 Member Posts: 100
    #2
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    Talk to your oncologist or primary care physician.
    If you have bad days, that's totally normal, as long as you have good ones, too. If you feel like you're "in a fog" and can't get through it, or if day after day you feel dull, tired, and like there's not much hope, anti-depressants can be a real help. Any MD can prescribe anti-depressants, and your oncologist may be accustomed to doing this. If not, check with your PCP. He or she may feel competent or might refer you to a psychiatrist. Anti-depressants are not for crazy people, as some folks think. They are for people who are stuck, kind of like a sailing ship with no wind to move it along. It's important to get the right anti-depressant for your particular physiology, so if one doesn't work, I'd seek out a psychiatrist who should be better at figuring out what suits you best. Good luck!
  • marilyn jarvis
    marilyn jarvis Member Posts: 2
    #3
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    anti depressants
    After a total hysterectomy with debulking and omentum removal for Ovarian Stage 3C in March 23, 2011 I was surprised when my Oncology Surgeon sent me home with Lorazepam (1mg). Now that I've been in remission for 3 months and am thinking much more clearly, I realize now how confused my thinking was right after that operation. Only another cancer survivor can relate to all the emotions that you have to deal with on this journey for survival that we need to take. The reason that I was confused about these anti depressants was because I hadn't needed them before this little blip in my life so why would I need them now and after all (I told myself) I'm a really strong person. Well all I can say to all you fellow strong gals out there is that sometimes in life you have to say "uncle" and this could be one of those times. So far, I've only taken about 10 of these antidepressants in the last 6 months (during chemo and after chemo) and only when I really needed them and they really made me feel better. I'm not goint to use Lorazepam too often because of all the stories that you hear about becoming addicted. Now that I know how well this drug worked for me I would definately suggest that you have anti depressants available because when required they are truly amazing.
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #4
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    Anti-depressants
    I took them near the end of my treatment. I held up pretty well throughout most of the "adventure," but near the end of chemo, I started feeling like I had 14 years earlier, when I experienced depression. It's not something that is easy to pull out of, especially when you're dealing with other factors, and the anti-depressants really help. Lorazepam, which was mentioned by another member, is actually an anti-anxiety medication. Anti-anxiety meds can be taken when the patient is feeling anxious, but does not need to be taken daily. Anti-depressants are taken daily and cannot be taken only periodically. You gradully increase the dosage over a week, or so. The effects are cumulative and it takes a few weeks for them to kick in. Typically, you will stay on them for 6 months or more. When you decide to discontinue them, you need to wean off of them gradually. Hope you find something that helps.
  • lovesanimals
    lovesanimals Member Posts: 1,366 Member
    #5
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    Tethys41 said:

    Anti-depressants
    I took them near the end of my treatment. I held up pretty well throughout most of the "adventure," but near the end of chemo, I started feeling like I had 14 years earlier, when I experienced depression. It's not something that is easy to pull out of, especially when you're dealing with other factors, and the anti-depressants really help. Lorazepam, which was mentioned by another member, is actually an anti-anxiety medication. Anti-anxiety meds can be taken when the patient is feeling anxious, but does not need to be taken daily. Anti-depressants are taken daily and cannot be taken only periodically. You gradully increase the dosage over a week, or so. The effects are cumulative and it takes a few weeks for them to kick in. Typically, you will stay on them for 6 months or more. When you decide to discontinue them, you need to wean off of them gradually. Hope you find something that helps.

    Anti-Depressant
    I was already on an anti-depressant before my cancer. I've been on an anti-depressant (Paxil) since May 2007 (three years before my ovarian cancer diagnosis) for anxiety, panic attacks and mild depression. As "Tethys41" indicated, the medication is taken daily and for me, it took about 4-6 weeks to kick in initially and like any medication, it comes with its own potential side-effects, such as weight gain and excessive sweating. My life in general is so much better now because I'm on Paxil. I don't know if an anti-depressant is right for you but I know for myself it helped tremendously while I was going through my cancer surgery, chemotherapy and recovery. Frankly, knowing how I am, I don't think I would have been able to get through the last year in one piece without the help of this medication. Good-luck to you.

    Kelly
  • leesag
    leesag Member Posts: 621 Member
    #6
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    A little help from my meds
    My mother committed suicide by overdosing. Having said that, after my diagnosis and not being able to sleep for four nights, I called my doctor. Thank God that he gifted men and women of science with the formula for Celexa and Ativan. I took 20mg of Celexa nightly and .5 of Ativan when the going got rough. During my experience with brain mets, Celexa and Ativan were nightly supplements for me. I've recently (2 weeks ago) eliminated both from my routine. (Although I reserve the right for an Ativan when my mind starts wandering at bedtime).

    Dearling, I can tell you what my doc told me.... you wouldn't refuse pain meds if you were pain, why refuse anti-anxiety meds if the anxiety prevents you from doing what you need/want to do?

    Ultimately, it's between you and your doctor!

    Hugs,

    Leesa
  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    #7
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    leesag said:

    A little help from my meds
    My mother committed suicide by overdosing. Having said that, after my diagnosis and not being able to sleep for four nights, I called my doctor. Thank God that he gifted men and women of science with the formula for Celexa and Ativan. I took 20mg of Celexa nightly and .5 of Ativan when the going got rough. During my experience with brain mets, Celexa and Ativan were nightly supplements for me. I've recently (2 weeks ago) eliminated both from my routine. (Although I reserve the right for an Ativan when my mind starts wandering at bedtime).

    Dearling, I can tell you what my doc told me.... you wouldn't refuse pain meds if you were pain, why refuse anti-anxiety meds if the anxiety prevents you from doing what you need/want to do?

    Ultimately, it's between you and your doctor!

    Hugs,

    Leesa

    Whatever makes it better!
    I had never had trouble with depression but this diagnosis threw my life and future in a spin as it does for everyone. ( I also heard that Carbo decreases your seratonin level....not sure if that is accurate or not) Maybe I could have worked thru all the issues without the med but I took a low dose antidepressant while on Chemo and I would still take it if I thought I needed it. I agree with Leesa ...do what you need and want to do to get thru this.
  • jbeans888
    jbeans888 Member Posts: 313
    #8
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    I am on sertraline, which is
    I am on sertraline, which is generic zoloft. I truely believe it has helped me. I jumped at it the second they offered because depression is the last thing I need. I have been on it since I was initially diagnosed which was Feb 2011. I took it all thru chemo and I am still on it. They also say it helps with hot flashes. I don't know about that since I still get them. But at least I am not depressed. So that is good.
  • rabz08
    rabz08 Member Posts: 6
    #9
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    jbeans888 said:

    I am on sertraline, which is
    I am on sertraline, which is generic zoloft. I truely believe it has helped me. I jumped at it the second they offered because depression is the last thing I need. I have been on it since I was initially diagnosed which was Feb 2011. I took it all thru chemo and I am still on it. They also say it helps with hot flashes. I don't know about that since I still get them. But at least I am not depressed. So that is good.

    Thanks guys..its definitely
    Thanks guys..its definitely been a rough few months and although I'm getting round 5 of 6 tomorrow I still may need 3 additional rounds. I just thought I could use something to take the edge off.
  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #10
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    rabz08 said:

    Thanks guys..its definitely
    Thanks guys..its definitely been a rough few months and although I'm getting round 5 of 6 tomorrow I still may need 3 additional rounds. I just thought I could use something to take the edge off.

    I am on Celexa
    a very low dose. I was on it before ovca. I tell you it has helped me a lot. It just takes the edge off. I also try to inhale deep and clear my head and think of a better place. If you feel you need something ask your doctor.....val
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    #11
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    antianxiety
    When first diagnosed, I immediately contacted my GP for some Ativan. I just needed to take the edge off and quit crying, stressing, etc. During treatment I found that the ativan was useful for the nausea I experienced. I now use it a couple of times a month when I'm unable to sleep or just generally not holding up well. I'm sure my husband is glad I use it!
  • JoWin615
    JoWin615 Member Posts: 150 Member
    #12
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    Anti-depressants
    I started taking sertraline after I finished all of my chemo treatments and got a great report from the final PET scan in June. I was NED, so why was I crying constantly and feeling like I was trapped in a dark tunnel? Everyone around me was saying "Congratulations! You did it! You should be so proud of yourself for being so strong!", etc. The truth is, I did not feel very strong at all. I was still bald, tired all the time, and feeling guilty for not being happy! A true vicious circle, right? The nurse practitioner at my oncology center was very helpful and said this was fairly normal. I feel much better now, and I wish you all the luck in the world as you finish your treatment.

    Jo
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #13
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    Anti Depressants and Anti Anxiety
    The anti depressants (Zoloft, Prozax, Celexta) SSRI'S need time to build up in your system. Several weeks or a month to get relief and they seem to work for 6 months to a year. The anti anxieties ( xanax, valuim, ativan) are for instant relief of stress and anxiety. They are habit forming. I have been on Xanax (alprazolam) for more than 10 years and my dosage has increased since my DX in June of this year. I am trying to back off on them some. After going through Cancer DX, Surgery, Chemo i think we all need some kind of mental health help.....so dont be reluctant to try both. Just remember that the anti anxiety is a sedative and will make you tired and the anti depressants will give you some energy after a few weeks. DONT STOP taking either cold turkey....wean off slowly and always consult with your Doctor about it!

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