Depression

[colleflower13]

I struggle on and off with depression. I have heard that not only is it a symptom of MS but it is also a side effect of the medication (I am on Avonex). I am trying to avoid anti-depressants. Does anyone have a similar problem?

[CasinoKathy]

Welcome to MSWorld!

Yes, you are right in that both the disease itself can bring on depression, plus the meds we take to control it do too!

We just can't win, can we!?

I know how you feel- I haven't taken anything to help me get thru the bad times either. I look in the mirror and practice smiling- because sometimes I think I forgot how!

Also I tell myself how much worse others have it and I should try to live my life as best I can--even though I may not be able to do the things I once could. This is not easy I know. I have a very supportive hubby, he is my rock!!

I guess the decision is yours to make- to treat it or not.
How bad is it? How often do you feel down, and how long does it last?

Just know that you have friends here that often go thru the same things as you do. Come here often for a pick me up and some friendly chatter! Kathy

[owlnona]

Yes it is both a symptom & a result of meds. I've been on Rebif for 10yrs now, & 4yrs ago after urging from my neuro I went on antidepressants. It has made ahuge difference in my life.
But it is something you need to decide for yourself.
Keep us posted God Bless Nona Judy

[garrysgirl]

I spent many years struggling with depression and trying to find a med that would work. I'm finally on something that is helping and hope that my MS meds don't make things worse. I don't ever want to go back to the person whose favorite past time was sleeping!

[justacowgirl]

It's not easy to face depression. I had it for years and never knew what was wrong. I have been on anti depressants longer than I have been on my DMD.

I am absolutely NOT someone who takes drugs when most docs throw them at you. But, taking the right anti depressant made a huge difference in my life.

Most GP's do not understand the options for antidepressants. I encourage you to find the right doctor to diagnose your depression and discuss it with him. I go to a psychiatric doc and he is a wonder. And yes, it was tough to think about going to a shrink!! Hey, I ain't cahraaaaaazy.

God Bless.

Justacowgirl

[hunterd]

for years i was grumpy and had terrible mood swings. i finally read somewhere about the different signs of depression. yep, they were there i am now on an antidepresant and what a difference!!! do what you will, just my 2 cents. good luck.

dave

[bammaw]

Went through two big depressions years back and didn't seek help. This time (depression this year) I wasn't going to suffer or make my family have to deal with me depression and so my family dr put me on Celexa (generic form). It helped a whole lot. She told me having chronic disease issues and also some of my other life issues, etc can lead to depression and that with time I could probably correct it with diet and exercise. BUT she said it would take a while and recommended a short regimen of an antidepressant. It's been six months and I see her next month and will ask to go off it for awhile and see if I'm "over the hump". I'd rather not be on another medication but I have to say, it was very very helpful and it was so nice to be my old self.

Hope this is helpful.

[epona]

Wellbutrin

I resisted anti-depressants for years. I didn't want to get fat
So, when I started getting treated for my migraines, what did they give me? Amytriptalin (sp?). Tri-cyclic anti-depressant. It made me numb and fat. I was so upset! Besides, it didn't work too well on the migraines.

Gave up for a few years and was finally convinced this summer to try Wellbutrin. What a difference! Besides, it doesn't make me fat!

I always said there was no point in taking a pill to make me happier when it would make me fatter, then make me depressed again because I was fat.

I am on the lowest dose of the Wellbutrin and I don't sleep 13 hours a day anymore and I don't wake up aching and bruised feeling all over my body.

It was worth it to me and now I look back and wonder why I fought so hard.

[Des]

I am trying to avoid anti-depressants.

Why are you trying to avoid ad's? They don't change you or make you feel giggly and happy all the time. They level your moods and help you get through life.

Yes, depression is a symptom of MS, and serious depression can be a side effect of some of the MS meds.

I take an ad and see a psychiatrist. He is someone I can say anything to, even things I don't want to dump on my family. As another post said, it really is best to get meds from mental health specialists because they know more about the meds and their side effects, and how long to try one med before switching to another one.

[CocoH]

for years i was grumpy and had terrible mood swings. i finally read somewhere about the different signs of depression. yep, they were there i am now on an antidepresant and what a difference!!! do what you will, just my 2 cents. good luck.

dave

Thanks for sharing, Dave. I have recently wondered if I'm having a bit of depression. I don't feel "sad" but am grumpy A LOT and have some pretty nice mood swings to go with it.

For the OP, I think it's worth thinking about. This is a great place to get feedback from people who have similiar issues.