Need help for Friend's Depression

freespirit3
freespirit3 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My friend's been on Zoloft for the last few years. She was recently diagnosed with bc, had a mastectomy, and is currently in chemo. Now the Zoloft isn't working even with increasing the dosage. She's going to see her doctor in a couple of weeks, but is trying to find out what other bc survivors have been using. Anyone successfully using any other SSRI? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • mssue
    mssue Member Posts: 242
    #2
    Depression is a terrible thing to deal with-You said your friend has been on zoloft for about two years and with increased dosage it doesn't seem to be working hummm...You didn't say if Your friend was in menopause or not.If she wasn't before the treatments, sometimes,depending on what chemical combination being used, It could actually be throwing her hormone levels way off,thus increasing the depression.With everything else she's going through it's hard not to be depressed.Knowing that she's got a friend like You,that cares probably helps to brighten her days and lifts her spirits.

    Her physican may need to look a little closer at her particular situation,maybe change her medication-and/or get her into to a support group.Would she come to this site?She would certainly be welcome.

    Don't forget about other programs out there,like Look Good Feel Better and such. Sometimes when we focus on other things , help others ,share experiences,talk and laugh instead of crying ,It helps bring a sense of well being and balance to our lives.

    My Prayers are with You,for Your support and kind heart-And Your friend,that her inner light comes back bright .

    They started me off onone kind of anti-depressant,now they have me on an old drug called Elavil.I have to take it at night-It makes me real drowsy-I do sleep through the night though-It also makes you a little sluggish in the mornings.Once I'm up for about an hour I'm good the rest of the day.So far my script is up to 100 mg.

    Hoping and Praying for You both.
    Love Always
    Sue
  • hillbillycat
    hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
    #3
    mssue said:

    Depression is a terrible thing to deal with-You said your friend has been on zoloft for about two years and with increased dosage it doesn't seem to be working hummm...You didn't say if Your friend was in menopause or not.If she wasn't before the treatments, sometimes,depending on what chemical combination being used, It could actually be throwing her hormone levels way off,thus increasing the depression.With everything else she's going through it's hard not to be depressed.Knowing that she's got a friend like You,that cares probably helps to brighten her days and lifts her spirits.

    Her physican may need to look a little closer at her particular situation,maybe change her medication-and/or get her into to a support group.Would she come to this site?She would certainly be welcome.

    Don't forget about other programs out there,like Look Good Feel Better and such. Sometimes when we focus on other things , help others ,share experiences,talk and laugh instead of crying ,It helps bring a sense of well being and balance to our lives.

    My Prayers are with You,for Your support and kind heart-And Your friend,that her inner light comes back bright .

    They started me off onone kind of anti-depressant,now they have me on an old drug called Elavil.I have to take it at night-It makes me real drowsy-I do sleep through the night though-It also makes you a little sluggish in the mornings.Once I'm up for about an hour I'm good the rest of the day.So far my script is up to 100 mg.

    Hoping and Praying for You both.
    Love Always
    Sue

    Hi Free spirit,
    I agree with mssue, I think it might have alot to do with hormones. I am 43, finished my chemo a year ago this Feb...At first I stopped my periods and then out of the blue I have a period. You can imagine what this can do to the hormone balance...I get so anxious or have periods of crying so it is hard. Since I have a history of depression and made (friends) with anti-depressants...haha ,,I have and am always looking for other ways to relax or for example a motivating book...to read. Simply put, I pray and take a day at a time.As far as depressants ...NO depressant has ever completely worked for me but I am still able to function .Your friend...How bad is her depression? I wish she would write me I could talk all day about the curse of depression.....Shirl
  • DJC
    DJC Member Posts: 52
    #4
    Free Spirit:

    I, too, was prescribed Zoloft when I became depressed as a result of being diagnosed and having to go through surgery and treatment. After a year or so, the beneficial effect(s) of the Zoloft seemed to wane. I asked to be prescribed another SSRI and was given Lexapro (10 mgs. daily) to try. My Internist stated (along with the literature I was given) that 10 mgs. of this medication translates to about 150 mgs. of Zoloft. Boy, what a difference this medication has made in my day to day mindset. I no longer dwell on my health situation and as an extra benefit I no longer become anxious in certain situations that used to give me pause. I feel like a whole new person. May I suggest that your friend give this medication a try - along with trying to pursue activities that give her body, mind and soul comfort. My Best to You and Your Friend, Donna
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #5
    Hi,
    My Mom has had bc since 1993 but didn't go into a depression until 2002 when she had a masectomy. Unfortunately I missed the signs of depression back then and she just about turned into a zombie for about 14 months. We tried so many meds but it wasn't until we found effexor that she came out of it. She actually had one good year until we learned the cancer went to her bones. Know she has trouble taking the effexor and has many transfusions. I'm watching her fall into another depression and I don't know what to do. It is like loosing her again.

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