Antidepressant

Anybody using them? Went to my primary dr last week complaining of sore throat etc. Expressed how I was hoping it wasn't the cancer coming back. His response was " you need antidepressant because you are obsessive about this returning" REALLY.? Ya think? I was pretty ticked for at the time. But now I'm wondering if maybe he his right. Maybe it would give me peace of mind? Just wanting to know others experience with them. Did they help?

Judy
Dx Dec 2010
Stage III

Comments

  • This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    They put my mom on them as
    They put my mom on them as well. It helped her outlook. She was on anti anxiety 30 min before any treatment as well as antidepressants.
  • funnygurl
    funnygurl Member Posts: 16
    antidepressants
    I was on an anti depressant when I went through cancer 9 years ago. I could not do estrogen replacement due to family history of breast cancer and had been controlling hot flashes with a couple of herbal medications for several years. When I was diagnosed and told I had to have surgery I realized I had to get off of them because one of them was a blood thinner. I told my dr I needed to get off my "snake oil" and did she have something else that had no estrogen in it for the symptoms of menopause. She offered me 2 drugs. One was a high blood pressure pill and the other an anti-depressant that had been found to inadvertantly control hot flashes. I told her I would try the anti-depressant. It was a very good thing. It controlled my symptoms of menopause and got me through my 2 surgeries and a permanent colostomy unscathed. I was on a low dose of Venlafaxin and it was the best idea I ever had. I am off of it now and able to live happily ever after.

    Your Dr is a jerk. Hontestly, if I could I would tell him that to his face! If he were in your positon he would be the worse weenie in the waiting room. I was once in a dental office having my teeth cleaned. One of the dentists was having a filling or some other very minor procedure done. You would have thought it was brain surgery. I finally yelled across the partition--relax grasshopper your dentist knows what she is doing! He was a good boy after that. I also have a friend who is a nurse. While rcovering from hip surgery she turned into a paranoid, demanding hypochondriac. She phoned me constantly to complain about everyone and everything while she was in the hospital. I also knew a doctor whose response to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis was to immediately commit suicide. Not exactly inspiring examples of professionals handling adversity well I think.

    I just happened to see your post because my friend was just told she has esophageal cancer and I was doing some research. I am a colorectal cancer survivor. However, in my experience cancer is cancer and it is scarey no matter what they call it.
  • ellamenno
    ellamenno Member Posts: 142 Member
    funnygurl said:

    antidepressants
    I was on an anti depressant when I went through cancer 9 years ago. I could not do estrogen replacement due to family history of breast cancer and had been controlling hot flashes with a couple of herbal medications for several years. When I was diagnosed and told I had to have surgery I realized I had to get off of them because one of them was a blood thinner. I told my dr I needed to get off my "snake oil" and did she have something else that had no estrogen in it for the symptoms of menopause. She offered me 2 drugs. One was a high blood pressure pill and the other an anti-depressant that had been found to inadvertantly control hot flashes. I told her I would try the anti-depressant. It was a very good thing. It controlled my symptoms of menopause and got me through my 2 surgeries and a permanent colostomy unscathed. I was on a low dose of Venlafaxin and it was the best idea I ever had. I am off of it now and able to live happily ever after.

    Your Dr is a jerk. Hontestly, if I could I would tell him that to his face! If he were in your positon he would be the worse weenie in the waiting room. I was once in a dental office having my teeth cleaned. One of the dentists was having a filling or some other very minor procedure done. You would have thought it was brain surgery. I finally yelled across the partition--relax grasshopper your dentist knows what she is doing! He was a good boy after that. I also have a friend who is a nurse. While rcovering from hip surgery she turned into a paranoid, demanding hypochondriac. She phoned me constantly to complain about everyone and everything while she was in the hospital. I also knew a doctor whose response to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis was to immediately commit suicide. Not exactly inspiring examples of professionals handling adversity well I think.

    I just happened to see your post because my friend was just told she has esophageal cancer and I was doing some research. I am a colorectal cancer survivor. However, in my experience cancer is cancer and it is scarey no matter what they call it.

    I agree with Sherri...
    Perhaps try a low-dose ativan (lorazepam). They will take the edge off and they are fast-acting. Sometimes all we need is a little break from the worries of cancer. Anti-depressants can be tricky to get on and a lot of times make you feel worse before they make you feel better.

    Peace, Laurie
  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    funnygurl said:

    antidepressants
    I was on an anti depressant when I went through cancer 9 years ago. I could not do estrogen replacement due to family history of breast cancer and had been controlling hot flashes with a couple of herbal medications for several years. When I was diagnosed and told I had to have surgery I realized I had to get off of them because one of them was a blood thinner. I told my dr I needed to get off my "snake oil" and did she have something else that had no estrogen in it for the symptoms of menopause. She offered me 2 drugs. One was a high blood pressure pill and the other an anti-depressant that had been found to inadvertantly control hot flashes. I told her I would try the anti-depressant. It was a very good thing. It controlled my symptoms of menopause and got me through my 2 surgeries and a permanent colostomy unscathed. I was on a low dose of Venlafaxin and it was the best idea I ever had. I am off of it now and able to live happily ever after.

    Your Dr is a jerk. Hontestly, if I could I would tell him that to his face! If he were in your positon he would be the worse weenie in the waiting room. I was once in a dental office having my teeth cleaned. One of the dentists was having a filling or some other very minor procedure done. You would have thought it was brain surgery. I finally yelled across the partition--relax grasshopper your dentist knows what she is doing! He was a good boy after that. I also have a friend who is a nurse. While rcovering from hip surgery she turned into a paranoid, demanding hypochondriac. She phoned me constantly to complain about everyone and everything while she was in the hospital. I also knew a doctor whose response to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis was to immediately commit suicide. Not exactly inspiring examples of professionals handling adversity well I think.

    I just happened to see your post because my friend was just told she has esophageal cancer and I was doing some research. I am a colorectal cancer survivor. However, in my experience cancer is cancer and it is scarey no matter what they call it.

    I told him
    After his comment I said well my onc dr said well I've done all that can be done if it resurfaces they in nothing more to done other than make you comfortable.. Oh then added your chances are very slim of survival. What the heck? So I know my feelings are justified, so I think I'll give it a try. If there was a pill to make me forget this whole thing I'd buy a dozen. I shouldn't make it sound so bad I guess, I have had a good life before and after treatment. But every once in awhile I get freaked out when I'm not feeling up to par.

    Thanks for the input
    And yes he is a jerk!
    Judy
  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    ellamenno said:

    I agree with Sherri...
    Perhaps try a low-dose ativan (lorazepam). They will take the edge off and they are fast-acting. Sometimes all we need is a little break from the worries of cancer. Anti-depressants can be tricky to get on and a lot of times make you feel worse before they make you feel better.

    Peace, Laurie

    Zoloft
    Is what he gave me. I need to research it. I have xanx, I have taken them but only a couple times. The last thing I need to to take something that can't just be stopped. Don't want to deal with withdraw for sure

    Thanks
    Judy
  • stephikindred
    stephikindred Member Posts: 140
    Paxil
    My mom is on a low dose of Paxil which I think is more anti anxiety than anti depressant but it really helps her. She sleeps better and worries much less.
  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Ativan?
    I'll check into it ..thanks
  • tmcjay
    tmcjay Member Posts: 35
    Antidepressants
    HI Judy,
    Just want to clarify that lorazepam {valuim} is not an antidepressant but rather a sedative. It is helpful to treat anxiety but here in Canada you have to fight for them as they are addictive and docs are reluctant to prescribe it long term. Antidepressants are not addictive and are prescribed long term. The one I take is Cipralex which is especially geared towards treating anxiety, and yes they do help. They don't start working right away and if you have severe side effects then you are on the wrong one and should switch to another type. There are many different ones out there that your doctor will have knowledge of. I also take lorazepam occasionally and they do help alot when the anxiety is overwhelming even with the Cipralex, but each time I have my prescription refilled I have to argue my case to the doc. My view is.... I have stage 3 esophagus cancer, kidney cancer and you're worried about me getting addicted to lorzepam when I take less than prescribed. Give me a break. ....and they refill them. Hope this helps.
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    tmcjay said:

    Antidepressants
    HI Judy,
    Just want to clarify that lorazepam {valuim} is not an antidepressant but rather a sedative. It is helpful to treat anxiety but here in Canada you have to fight for them as they are addictive and docs are reluctant to prescribe it long term. Antidepressants are not addictive and are prescribed long term. The one I take is Cipralex which is especially geared towards treating anxiety, and yes they do help. They don't start working right away and if you have severe side effects then you are on the wrong one and should switch to another type. There are many different ones out there that your doctor will have knowledge of. I also take lorazepam occasionally and they do help alot when the anxiety is overwhelming even with the Cipralex, but each time I have my prescription refilled I have to argue my case to the doc. My view is.... I have stage 3 esophagus cancer, kidney cancer and you're worried about me getting addicted to lorzepam when I take less than prescribed. Give me a break. ....and they refill them. Hope this helps.

    on with with depression
    I can't move on after my cancer of the vocals....my life went under and I'm moving on physically, mentally, the doc finally has tried helping me on Lorazpan and Citalopram, it's wierd life can be wonderful and a second later the rug is pulled and my life means nothing, I lost my voice most of it, and can't breath real good, but I'm trying to work a few days...my bod just gives out...let everyone know how this works..there continuing B-12 every 2 weeks, which does give me a boost of energy. Thanks, Take Care. Dennis, CANCER SUCKS
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365
    tmcjay said:

    Antidepressants
    HI Judy,
    Just want to clarify that lorazepam {valuim} is not an antidepressant but rather a sedative. It is helpful to treat anxiety but here in Canada you have to fight for them as they are addictive and docs are reluctant to prescribe it long term. Antidepressants are not addictive and are prescribed long term. The one I take is Cipralex which is especially geared towards treating anxiety, and yes they do help. They don't start working right away and if you have severe side effects then you are on the wrong one and should switch to another type. There are many different ones out there that your doctor will have knowledge of. I also take lorazepam occasionally and they do help alot when the anxiety is overwhelming even with the Cipralex, but each time I have my prescription refilled I have to argue my case to the doc. My view is.... I have stage 3 esophagus cancer, kidney cancer and you're worried about me getting addicted to lorzepam when I take less than prescribed. Give me a break. ....and they refill them. Hope this helps.

    Lorazepam
    Yes, Lorazepam is a sedative (and a great one at that!!) As stated by tmcjay, it is very effective for anxiety and to help you get to sleep, if that's been an issue. I've been taking it fairly regularly since Lee passed, and it is a godsend!!

    I think for depression, something more along the lines of an antidepressant would be in order, as stated, Cipralex, or the equivalent. How could an EC survivor not be depressed??? Lee was offered antidepressants, but he didn't feel that he needed to add yet another drug to his regime.

    Your doctor does not sound very sympathetic, and I would tell him so!! I've always wondered why some doctors seem to think that it's just that easy to move on. I've been fighting my doctor on a regular basis about why I need a sedative. He thinks I need to get more exercise!! Really? Ok, well, it's quite likely that I do indeed need more exercise, but that's not going to make my EC nightmares go away.

    Take care, and be well
    Chantal
    wife of Lee ivb
    deceased Nov 8, 2011
  • tmcjay
    tmcjay Member Posts: 35
    Daisylin said:

    Lorazepam
    Yes, Lorazepam is a sedative (and a great one at that!!) As stated by tmcjay, it is very effective for anxiety and to help you get to sleep, if that's been an issue. I've been taking it fairly regularly since Lee passed, and it is a godsend!!

    I think for depression, something more along the lines of an antidepressant would be in order, as stated, Cipralex, or the equivalent. How could an EC survivor not be depressed??? Lee was offered antidepressants, but he didn't feel that he needed to add yet another drug to his regime.

    Your doctor does not sound very sympathetic, and I would tell him so!! I've always wondered why some doctors seem to think that it's just that easy to move on. I've been fighting my doctor on a regular basis about why I need a sedative. He thinks I need to get more exercise!! Really? Ok, well, it's quite likely that I do indeed need more exercise, but that's not going to make my EC nightmares go away.

    Take care, and be well
    Chantal
    wife of Lee ivb
    deceased Nov 8, 2011

    Hi Chantal
    Nice to hear from you. You were helpful to my daughter on this site many months ago . I live outside of London so had all of my treatment there. My daughter Alex and I were very sad for you when your husband Lee passed, Alex followed your posts although she rarely posted herself. I have only been posting for the last couple of months,but I was always rooting for Lee and now I hope that you are doing as well as can be expected. I became a widow when I was 24 years old and to be honest it is not something you ever get over but rather something you learn to live with. I am so sorry for your loss.
  • tmcjay
    tmcjay Member Posts: 35
    Daisylin said:

    Lorazepam
    Yes, Lorazepam is a sedative (and a great one at that!!) As stated by tmcjay, it is very effective for anxiety and to help you get to sleep, if that's been an issue. I've been taking it fairly regularly since Lee passed, and it is a godsend!!

    I think for depression, something more along the lines of an antidepressant would be in order, as stated, Cipralex, or the equivalent. How could an EC survivor not be depressed??? Lee was offered antidepressants, but he didn't feel that he needed to add yet another drug to his regime.

    Your doctor does not sound very sympathetic, and I would tell him so!! I've always wondered why some doctors seem to think that it's just that easy to move on. I've been fighting my doctor on a regular basis about why I need a sedative. He thinks I need to get more exercise!! Really? Ok, well, it's quite likely that I do indeed need more exercise, but that's not going to make my EC nightmares go away.

    Take care, and be well
    Chantal
    wife of Lee ivb
    deceased Nov 8, 2011

    Hi Chantal
    Nice to hear from you. You were helpful to my daughter on this site many months ago . I live outside of London so had all of my treatment there. My daughter Alex and I were very sad for you when your husband Lee passed, Alex followed your posts although she rarely posted herself. I have only been posting for the last couple of months,but I was always rooting for Lee and now I hope that you are doing as well as can be expected. I became a widow when I was 24 years old and to be honest it is not something you ever get over but rather something you learn to live with. I am so sorry for your loss.