Guest guest Posted September 4, 2000 Report Share Posted September 4, 2000 With all the pros of antidepressants being stated, I thought I should mention a few of the cons. I think it's important to remember that antidepressants are prescription drugs, for a reason. They are NOT risk free, and all have possible side effects. The SSRI's can cause nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, tinnitus, and many other minor problems. They are well known for their sexual side effects, including decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, ejaculation failure and impotence. They also have some more serious risks, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, etc, and in the case of Prozac even death has been recorded. Info on Zoloft states that it is heavily metabolized by the liver and may cause altered liver function and dose reductions are often required with cirrhosis. Wellbutruin (Zyban), an aminodetone class antidepressant, has also been associated with seizures. Amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic antidepressant, has also been associated with cardiovascular disorders, peripheral neuropathy, altered platelets, and altered liver function tests. And some of these do have mild side effects when discontinued. Headaches, dizziness, and irritability can occur with the discontinuation of Prozac, and amitriptyline requires gradual dose reduction to avoid problems when discontinuing. Also, most of these have not been studied in those with chronic illnesses. You can look up any of these medication at http://www.rxlist.com. Click onto the generic name on the left, and look under precautions, warnings, and the section on adverse events. (Precautions and warnings is the more serious stuff.) I only mentioned a very few of the possible side effects and risks. Something else to consider is how much experience your GI has with these medications. The SSRI's are all fairly new, and he may not know much more than what the drug salesman has told him. It seems like often the doctors are prescribing the same medication to everyone, regardless of the type of depressive symptoms that a person is exhibiting, yet a good psychiatrist would consider the symptoms and prescribe the appropriate drug. NOT a 'one for all' approach. (Maybe this is why so many have to try several before lucking into the right one?) I am not saying that a person should look at all these possible side effects and issues and decide to refuse an antidepressant, just that you should be aware of them, and consider carefully before adding one more drug for your body to deal with. Most people will NOT have a problem with any of these drugs. But I would look it up and read everything on it before I swallowed one! And I wouldn't take one if I didn't need it. One more thing - while I suspect that most all of us have at least some minor depression simply because we have this chronic disease, and all the feelings and quality of life issues that go with it, not everyone who goes on treatment has depression, at least not bad enough to need an antidepressant. Just like all the side effects of the antidepressants, which only occur in some people, depression as a side effect of treatment only occurs in some, not all. Just like we often only hear all the negative physical side effects on these lists, the people who are getting along fine mentally may not need these groups as much as the ones having problems. So we shouldn't assume that everyone will need an antidepressant, even though many will benefit from one. ===== Claudine claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2000 Report Share Posted September 4, 2000 With all the pros of antidepressants being stated, I thought I should mention a few of the cons. I think it's important to remember that antidepressants are prescription drugs, for a reason. They are NOT risk free, and all have possible side effects. The SSRI's can cause nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, tinnitus, and many other minor problems. They are well known for their sexual side effects, including decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, ejaculation failure and impotence. They also have some more serious risks, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, etc, and in the case of Prozac even death has been recorded. Info on Zoloft states that it is heavily metabolized by the liver and may cause altered liver function and dose reductions are often required with cirrhosis. Wellbutruin (Zyban), an aminodetone class antidepressant, has also been associated with seizures. Amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic antidepressant, has also been associated with cardiovascular disorders, peripheral neuropathy, altered platelets, and altered liver function tests. And some of these do have mild side effects when discontinued. Headaches, dizziness, and irritability can occur with the discontinuation of Prozac, and amitriptyline requires gradual dose reduction to avoid problems when discontinuing. Also, most of these have not been studied in those with chronic illnesses. You can look up any of these medication at http://www.rxlist.com. Click onto the generic name on the left, and look under precautions, warnings, and the section on adverse events. (Precautions and warnings is the more serious stuff.) I only mentioned a very few of the possible side effects and risks. Something else to consider is how much experience your GI has with these medications. The SSRI's are all fairly new, and he may not know much more than what the drug salesman has told him. It seems like often the doctors are prescribing the same medication to everyone, regardless of the type of depressive symptoms that a person is exhibiting, yet a good psychiatrist would consider the symptoms and prescribe the appropriate drug. NOT a 'one for all' approach. (Maybe this is why so many have to try several before lucking into the right one?) I am not saying that a person should look at all these possible side effects and issues and decide to refuse an antidepressant, just that you should be aware of them, and consider carefully before adding one more drug for your body to deal with. Most people will NOT have a problem with any of these drugs. But I would look it up and read everything on it before I swallowed one! And I wouldn't take one if I didn't need it. One more thing - while I suspect that most all of us have at least some minor depression simply because we have this chronic disease, and all the feelings and quality of life issues that go with it, not everyone who goes on treatment has depression, at least not bad enough to need an antidepressant. Just like all the side effects of the antidepressants, which only occur in some people, depression as a side effect of treatment only occurs in some, not all. Just like we often only hear all the negative physical side effects on these lists, the people who are getting along fine mentally may not need these groups as much as the ones having problems. So we shouldn't assume that everyone will need an antidepressant, even though many will benefit from one. ===== Claudine claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2000 Report Share Posted September 4, 2000 With all the pros of antidepressants being stated, I thought I should mention a few of the cons. I think it's important to remember that antidepressants are prescription drugs, for a reason. They are NOT risk free, and all have possible side effects. The SSRI's can cause nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, tinnitus, and many other minor problems. They are well known for their sexual side effects, including decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, ejaculation failure and impotence. They also have some more serious risks, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, etc, and in the case of Prozac even death has been recorded. Info on Zoloft states that it is heavily metabolized by the liver and may cause altered liver function and dose reductions are often required with cirrhosis. Wellbutruin (Zyban), an aminodetone class antidepressant, has also been associated with seizures. Amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic antidepressant, has also been associated with cardiovascular disorders, peripheral neuropathy, altered platelets, and altered liver function tests. And some of these do have mild side effects when discontinued. Headaches, dizziness, and irritability can occur with the discontinuation of Prozac, and amitriptyline requires gradual dose reduction to avoid problems when discontinuing. Also, most of these have not been studied in those with chronic illnesses. You can look up any of these medication at http://www.rxlist.com. Click onto the generic name on the left, and look under precautions, warnings, and the section on adverse events. (Precautions and warnings is the more serious stuff.) I only mentioned a very few of the possible side effects and risks. Something else to consider is how much experience your GI has with these medications. The SSRI's are all fairly new, and he may not know much more than what the drug salesman has told him. It seems like often the doctors are prescribing the same medication to everyone, regardless of the type of depressive symptoms that a person is exhibiting, yet a good psychiatrist would consider the symptoms and prescribe the appropriate drug. NOT a 'one for all' approach. (Maybe this is why so many have to try several before lucking into the right one?) I am not saying that a person should look at all these possible side effects and issues and decide to refuse an antidepressant, just that you should be aware of them, and consider carefully before adding one more drug for your body to deal with. Most people will NOT have a problem with any of these drugs. But I would look it up and read everything on it before I swallowed one! And I wouldn't take one if I didn't need it. One more thing - while I suspect that most all of us have at least some minor depression simply because we have this chronic disease, and all the feelings and quality of life issues that go with it, not everyone who goes on treatment has depression, at least not bad enough to need an antidepressant. Just like all the side effects of the antidepressants, which only occur in some people, depression as a side effect of treatment only occurs in some, not all. Just like we often only hear all the negative physical side effects on these lists, the people who are getting along fine mentally may not need these groups as much as the ones having problems. So we shouldn't assume that everyone will need an antidepressant, even though many will benefit from one. ===== Claudine claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2000 Report Share Posted September 4, 2000 With all the pros of antidepressants being stated, I thought I should mention a few of the cons. I think it's important to remember that antidepressants are prescription drugs, for a reason. They are NOT risk free, and all have possible side effects. The SSRI's can cause nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, anxiety, tinnitus, and many other minor problems. They are well known for their sexual side effects, including decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, ejaculation failure and impotence. They also have some more serious risks, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, etc, and in the case of Prozac even death has been recorded. Info on Zoloft states that it is heavily metabolized by the liver and may cause altered liver function and dose reductions are often required with cirrhosis. Wellbutruin (Zyban), an aminodetone class antidepressant, has also been associated with seizures. Amitriptyline (Elavil), a tricyclic antidepressant, has also been associated with cardiovascular disorders, peripheral neuropathy, altered platelets, and altered liver function tests. And some of these do have mild side effects when discontinued. Headaches, dizziness, and irritability can occur with the discontinuation of Prozac, and amitriptyline requires gradual dose reduction to avoid problems when discontinuing. Also, most of these have not been studied in those with chronic illnesses. You can look up any of these medication at http://www.rxlist.com. Click onto the generic name on the left, and look under precautions, warnings, and the section on adverse events. (Precautions and warnings is the more serious stuff.) I only mentioned a very few of the possible side effects and risks. Something else to consider is how much experience your GI has with these medications. The SSRI's are all fairly new, and he may not know much more than what the drug salesman has told him. It seems like often the doctors are prescribing the same medication to everyone, regardless of the type of depressive symptoms that a person is exhibiting, yet a good psychiatrist would consider the symptoms and prescribe the appropriate drug. NOT a 'one for all' approach. (Maybe this is why so many have to try several before lucking into the right one?) I am not saying that a person should look at all these possible side effects and issues and decide to refuse an antidepressant, just that you should be aware of them, and consider carefully before adding one more drug for your body to deal with. Most people will NOT have a problem with any of these drugs. But I would look it up and read everything on it before I swallowed one! And I wouldn't take one if I didn't need it. One more thing - while I suspect that most all of us have at least some minor depression simply because we have this chronic disease, and all the feelings and quality of life issues that go with it, not everyone who goes on treatment has depression, at least not bad enough to need an antidepressant. Just like all the side effects of the antidepressants, which only occur in some people, depression as a side effect of treatment only occurs in some, not all. Just like we often only hear all the negative physical side effects on these lists, the people who are getting along fine mentally may not need these groups as much as the ones having problems. So we shouldn't assume that everyone will need an antidepressant, even though many will benefit from one. ===== Claudine claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2000 Report Share Posted September 5, 2000 Claudine, Thanks for the information. You have a lot of great points. I am still not sure what I am going to do. I am hoping an answer will appear to me during one of my sleepless nights! HA! LOL! Staying positive, TWO more days. Lora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2000 Report Share Posted September 5, 2000 Claudine, Thanks for the information. You have a lot of great points. I am still not sure what I am going to do. I am hoping an answer will appear to me during one of my sleepless nights! HA! LOL! Staying positive, TWO more days. Lora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2000 Report Share Posted September 5, 2000 Dear Lora, I was not saying DON'T take them, just to make an informed decision. My sister and my 16 year old stepson are on antidepressants and they were lifesavers for both. (Especially for my stepson who lives with us. He doesn't realize I was ready to kill him before he got on them!! LOL ). Claudine --- Lorad8@... wrote: > Claudine, > Thanks for the information. You have a lot of great > points. I am still not > sure what I am going to do. I am hoping an answer > will appear to me during > one of my sleepless nights! HA! LOL! > Staying positive, TWO more days. > Lora > ===== claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2000 Report Share Posted September 5, 2000 Dear Lora, I was not saying DON'T take them, just to make an informed decision. My sister and my 16 year old stepson are on antidepressants and they were lifesavers for both. (Especially for my stepson who lives with us. He doesn't realize I was ready to kill him before he got on them!! LOL ). Claudine --- Lorad8@... wrote: > Claudine, > Thanks for the information. You have a lot of great > points. I am still not > sure what I am going to do. I am hoping an answer > will appear to me during > one of my sleepless nights! HA! LOL! > Staying positive, TWO more days. > Lora > ===== claudinecrews@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 I had to laugh when I read your " ,my mood swings have ended,no one it tip toeing around me any more,things seem to be better " Me too.<br>I started Paxil and elavil last month and it is nice not to be so edge all the time. and I now leave my hubbys head on his sholders ( you know what I mean) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2002 Report Share Posted January 31, 2002 I had to laugh when I read your " ,my mood swings have ended,no one it tip toeing around me any more,things seem to be better " Me too.<br>I started Paxil and elavil last month and it is nice not to be so edge all the time. and I now leave my hubbys head on his sholders ( you know what I mean) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2002 Report Share Posted March 6, 2002 I take Paxil in the am and 10 mg of Elvial at night. The combination is working for me.( at least Im not a bear to be around everyday) lol I was just started on Vistral and phenergan for side effects of Peg. It seems to be working too. I do have some shaking from the elvial but the Doc. said that should go away. My Doc also uses xanax and prozac with a few other patients. He says that what to use depends upon a persons symtoms. Paxil works better with anxiety and agressiveness. and prozac works bettter with depression. ( at least that is what he told me) I am sure that these drugs all have different effects on different people. I did read somewhere that Elavil can elavate Liver levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2002 Report Share Posted March 6, 2002 I take Paxil in the am and 10 mg of Elvial at night. The combination is working for me.( at least Im not a bear to be around everyday) lol I was just started on Vistral and phenergan for side effects of Peg. It seems to be working too. I do have some shaking from the elvial but the Doc. said that should go away. My Doc also uses xanax and prozac with a few other patients. He says that what to use depends upon a persons symtoms. Paxil works better with anxiety and agressiveness. and prozac works bettter with depression. ( at least that is what he told me) I am sure that these drugs all have different effects on different people. I did read somewhere that Elavil can elavate Liver levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 My rheumy has put me on Fluoxetin 20 mg once a day and 1/2 Trazodone 100 mg at bedtime. No painkillers, since Celebrex has become ineffective. Any comments on this sort of pain management? Jacinta A.S. Portugal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Jacinta, How is it working for you? Anti-depressants do help with pain, but I wouldn't think that it would be enough for AS. It seems like the rheumatologist should be treating the AS disease as well. I take Remeron, which is also an anti-depressant, but that by itself definitely wouldn't do it for me. Regards, Janet in SF, CA, USA ReA since 1973; diagnosed 1997 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 In a message dated 7/31/2003 10:09:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, voices@... writes: > Fluoxetin is generic Prozac Adrienne cannot take Fluoxetin for pain. It doesn't work for her. She must have the name brand Prozac. Her neurologist told us apparently there is just enough minimal difference in the two, that her chronic pain patients require the name brand. Our insurance doesn't like that... so we must pay 50% of the prescription costs on that drug. I hope the generic works better for others. K Adrienne's Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Hi, Jacinta, Fluoxetin is generic Prozac. Combined with 50 mg of Trazodone at night, this should help you sleep better. Many people have mentioned that getting better rest at night really goes a long way toward helping with the pain. Dianne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Thx everybody. One thing about taking 50 mg Trazodone is that it makes me so sleepy in the morning! But I do sleep deeply, so it is working. As for lessening the pain it is a bit early to say that. Since I have to rise up and shine, besides thinking and acting fast: I have two teenagers at home, one of them with hyperactivity, six cats and a german shepherd dog, all of them to feed and take care of, I guess I'll reduce it to 25 mg an see what happens. Any ideas on newsgroups with people whose parents are old and dying? I need to share some thoughts about my mother. Have a bright day! Jacinta ------------------------------------------------- Post message: Unsubscribe email: -unsubscribe You can set your subscription to digest (one email a day) by going to / Your contribution to RISG.ORG is tax deductible. Credit Card or PayPal http://www.risg.org/contributions.htm You're Not Alone! http://www.risg.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2003 Report Share Posted August 3, 2003 Jacinte, have you tried a search on groups? I know I have seen such support groups around on death, dying and parents. Sorry I can't be more helpful. You might also try your local United Way to see if there are services available. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 In a message dated 8/4/2004 2:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, psita@... writes: Be wary of antidepressants On this one, I have to agree with Terry. I tried Paxel at my request. I shouldn't have done that and quit taking them before things got too out of hand. I found they made me MORE depressed rather than less so. I think it just depends on how your body chemistry responds to whatever drug you are taking. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 In a message dated 8/4/2004 2:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, psita@... writes: Be wary of antidepressants On this one, I have to agree with Terry. I tried Paxel at my request. I shouldn't have done that and quit taking them before things got too out of hand. I found they made me MORE depressed rather than less so. I think it just depends on how your body chemistry responds to whatever drug you are taking. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 In a message dated 8/4/2004 2:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, psita@... writes: Be wary of antidepressants On this one, I have to agree with Terry. I tried Paxel at my request. I shouldn't have done that and quit taking them before things got too out of hand. I found they made me MORE depressed rather than less so. I think it just depends on how your body chemistry responds to whatever drug you are taking. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 In a message dated 8/4/2004 2:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, psita@... writes: Be wary of antidepressants On this one, I have to agree with Terry. I tried Paxel at my request. I shouldn't have done that and quit taking them before things got too out of hand. I found they made me MORE depressed rather than less so. I think it just depends on how your body chemistry responds to whatever drug you are taking. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I have been on both Paxil and Lexapro and for me Lexapro was the right choice! My sister is also on Lexapro and it works for her! However, neither Prozac or Lexapro worked for my dad, who is now happy on Wellbutrin and my mother is on Amitryptilyne...so, I guess it is a personal choice. Good luck! Frimer <aharonbenjamin@...> wrote: B " H Hi my name is and I am considering starting an antidepressant drug. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is Lexarpo the best option or are there other options? How serious are the side effects? Thanks. " Tracht Gut vet zein gut " think good, it will be good (the Tzemach Tzedeck) Frimer 905 763 3915 http://www.moshiach.ca redemption_time/ http://www.chabad.info/ http://www.yiddishkeit.org/ --------------------------------- FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 Did you gain weight or feel hungrier on Lexapro or Paxil?? Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I have gained weight while on effexor and wating to try lexapro Re: Antidepressants Did you gain weight or feel hungrier on Lexapro or Paxil?? Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.