Anyone use antidepressants?

[CasinoKathy]

Been struggling to get by without using meds, but I think I have to finally admit I need help. My moods have been terrible lately- ups really high, and the down times really low.

I want to feel happy again, if possible. Just wanted to know what others use and if they had any side affects from them, mainly weight gain. I haven't checked any out yet. Am thinking of calling my neuro tomorrow and see if he will prescribe something for me. Now that I have made this decision to get help, I don't want to wait till sometime later in Sept. when I see him after my next MRI. I need some DRUGS!! (ha-ha) and need them NOW!!

[JerryD]

I take an anti-depressant called Celexa or citalopram. It hasn't given me any side effects. i also use 5000iu's of vitamin D daily. And I take LDN, low dose naltrexone. I think there is some connection between the body's endorphin production and this combination. Good luck

[Seasha]

Hey Casino~ I understand about not wanting to take drugs. I am the same way, but when it came right down to it, I realized I needed an antidepressant. I also take Celexa (citalopram) - 10 mg dosage and it's enough to keep the edge off. Plus no side effect & no weight gain whatsoever!

It takes about 3 weeks to be able to notice a difference. Here's the catch tho..... after my first year on it, I decided that I was feeling so good that I didn't need it anymore and went off it cold turkey. That was a bad idea!!! So, back on again. This happened to me twice in the many years now that I've been on it. Off again, on again.....you think I'd learn my lesson! Now it's something I take faithfully every morning. I need it and love it!

If you can get ldn, that may be a great idea too. My neuro won't prescribe it, but I've heard of a lot of other docs who will. Think that may be on my horizon.

How is you vit. D3 level? When mine got to a level that was adequate, my mood was also enhanced!

Sending hugs your way and hope things work out for you. It is possible to be happy again!!!

[mommyto3angels]

I take cymbalta its a anti depresant and its supposed to help with nerve pain as welll

[Ga dancer]

I just started Elavil for neuropathy pain in my feet. It has helped the pain some and when I fall asleep I really sleep.

I am feeling groggy in the morning though. I take Provigil in the morning, but it is not working very well.

The way I see it - I am taking downers at night and uppers in the morning, and feel bad all the time. I wish there was something that would help the pain but not make me so drugged in the morning.

[hunterd]

I take both Wellbutrin(100 mg) twice a day and I take 10 mg of Lexapro once daily. I have no side effects but I also think that it may be time for something a little stronger. I hope this helps.

[Redwings]

My moods have been terrible lately- ups really high, and the down times really low.

I thought this was obvious, but at the time I posted, no one had picked up on it.

Kathy, it might just be the way you described your moods, but extreme highs and lows are suggestive of bipolar disorder.

In bipolar disorder, an unopposed antidepressant (an antidepressant without a mood-stabilizing med) is generally contraindicated because it can trigger or worsen manic episodes. Even if you don’t think your “up” feelings are manias, an antidepressant could turn them into manic episodes and you could find out about it in a really unpleasant way.

Because of the possibility of bipolar disorder, it’s a bad idea to just call your neuro or GP and ask for an antidepressant. The smartest thing is for you to be evaluated by a psychiatrist who can properly diagnose your mood disorder – whatever it is – and prescribe an appropriate medication. Or you could just let your neuro prescribe for you based on a phone message and take your chances…

[GandalfRA]

Lexapro. No side effects and no weight gain.

Works great.

[Sara Angela]

I picked up on the lows and high as well. I thought the same thing about bi-polar.

For depression I take Bupropian. It has helped with depression and fatigue.

Sara

[Tapdancer]

Do those of you who take Lexapro or Wellbutrin have success taking the generic form? I tried switching from brand name wellbutrin to generic years ago, but it did not work as well. someone suggested that if you start with generic, this is no problem. I am starting again with the generic and hoping this works. Big difference in co-pay.

[twisterred]

Wellbutrin Generic, Bupropion

The generic of Wellbutrin, Bupropion has worked just as well for me as the name brand.
Good luck figuring out what works for you.
Bi-polar and MS is a bit more common than the general population, so if those type of meds help, definitely use them.

[1dayitwillNd]

I've been mildly depressed since being dx a year and a half ago but I've tried to trudge along because I figure this is how you're supposed to feel. But I've also noticed that I've become somewhat more anti social as well. I don't feel sadness per se, but I feel 'apathy'. Not sure if that would qualify for medication though. Not sure I'd want to be medicated with something that would be allegedly hazardous to the cardiovascular system - ala tricyclic antidepressants.

For those who have taken SSRI's or DRI's...how much of a change in a typical day to day attitude would you say you have? On a scale from 0-5 (0 being sad/apathetic...5 being energetic/feeling of well being). Thanks.

[GandalfRA]

5 But I force myself to do everything I have to during daytime (work and social). At night time I won't go out 99% of the time and Sundays I just won't leave the house.

[lemstar]

Someone else already mentioned Cymbalta, also used for pain in MS. It is an NSRI. I agree with Redwings about seeing a psychiatrist to oversee the use of these meds, and to help make adjustments as needed. Good luck.

[CasinoKathy]

Thanks

Thanks to all for your info! My ups and downs are because I get digusted dealing with not being able to do anything because of my bad balance. No, I am not bipolar and I do not need to see a psychiatrist. All I need is to get rid of this ---- disease! Or at least get some balance back so I can maybe do afew things- like standing in 1 spot for more that 30 seconds. Does that sound unreasonable?

Am I angry? You bet I am, with good reason! Seeing others going about their busy days, walking, doing things, going places makes me sad. Just saying---- this disease SUCKS!! It keeps taking and taking