Help! Need some help with Anti-Depressents!

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:06 pm

Hello it has been a while, but I need help ASAP.

Been through a tough couple of months that has resulted in a massive decline in my mental health recently. I put off seeking support for as long as possible. However I eventually decided to bit the bullet and seek support from my Doctor. I saw her yesterday and she wants to put me back onto the Anti-Depressents, however due to my history she has established that there are a lot she can't put me on, SSRI'S & SSNI's, sedative ones and ones that increase the risk of OD'ing in the first few weeks of taking them that I cannot take. She essentially said she didn't know of any she could put me on until she speaks to my old GI, who is currently away till the new year.

I'm seeing her again next week as she is setting up a mental health support network for me and for her to check how things have been. However this is unlikley to be up and running until after christmas now.

So; the question is, can anyone think of/suggest any AD's that might be ok for me to use- I will bring them up with my GP when I see her.

Thanks,

Katy/Naty x

Sharaine · Post by **Sharaine** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:25 pm

HI Katy,

Good for you, recognizing your need for professional intervention. That is half the battle there!

Unfortunately, I don't know what antidepressant to recommend. I know people who take citalopram (Celexa) who also have MC. BUT, I don't know where citalopram would fit in with your can and cannots.

I would venture Tex or Mary Beth would have suggestions for you.

Good luck!

Here's a hug for you. :bigbighug:

Sharaine

Post by **tex** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:09 pm

Hi Katy,

I'm hoping that someone who knows more about antidepressants can offer some suggestions, because I'm not aware of any that would be completely safe. Wellbutrin, (bupropion), comes to mind, because it is claimed to have fewer side effects than virtually all of the other options, but it's still an SNRI.

In the meantime, you might try increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. There has been at least one pilot study that showed therapeutic benefits for omega-3 fatty acids for treating childhood depression, and it is known that low blood levels of omega-3 can lead to increased rates of depression.

I would think that not all SSRIs or SNRIs would necessarily cause problems, just because some of them do, but I'm just guessing, of course. I hope you can find something that will work safely for you.

Tex

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:37 pm

Hi Katy,
While I want to emphasize that only you and your doctors can finally decide what is best for you, I will tell you that my GI doc wanted me off of Celexa, an SSRI. Since the fall, I have been taking Wellbutrin for anxiety and doing well; no apparent GI issues with it.

nancyl · Post by **nancyl** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:08 pm

Hi Katy,
I don't know much about this and so sorry you are having this tough time. I can tell you that Tex is right about the Omega's. My granddaughter is a clinical social worker. When she was doing her clinical she worked for a doctor at one of the best mental health hospitals in the Boston area. He always recommended fish oil. My daughter, who has suffered from depression is taking 3 fish oil caps a day along with 5 HTP. It has helped more than the highest dose of Zoloft.

Nancy

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:27 pm

Katy,

Friends have also had good experiences with Omega-3s. Also, this is a good occasion to triple-check for "rogue gluten" in your diet. I recently read an article describing a young man who came off 3 medications, for 2 different diagnoses (including depression), when a wise doctor figured out his gluten sensitivity. (The previous doctor, of course, wanted to add additional medications.)

If there's something sneaking in through 'hidden ingredients' - or an additional intolerance? - then getting on top of that will really help. I'm not suggesting this instead of the right Rx - hopefully it gives the right Rx a chance to do its job...

Hoping these rough months are behind you, and wishing you joyful holidays and great good health,

xox/Sara

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:20 pm

Hey everyone;

I have a lot to reply to here, so firstly thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to me.

Tex/Nancy/Sara- So more vitamins are the way forward... I need to check what are in my current ones first though. I have been a bit lax with all health issues recently. Also in terms of intolerances, I am aware that I am intolerant to oats so far... which was a big blow, am a huge fan of the oatie cookies at work! But I;d rather not eat them than be sick! Thing is though a lot of depression and Colitis issues seem to overlap which always confuses me, never know which symptom is caused by what. I am currently contemplating asking to be reffered back to the GI about food intolerance and the such like as i seem to be loosing weight, but i'm not sure if that is just me being 'forgetful' at the moment.

Sharine and Suze- I completly understand where you are coming from with the ability of some MC people and the taking of SSRI's and SNRI's. However, my MC was actually triggered by the taking of Zoloft, which was proved by the normans the day after I stopped taking the pills. Believe me, if it hadn't been those that had caused my colitis I would be in the GP's right now (well tomorrow) telling them that I have heard of people with MC being ok with taking them and can we at least try. ATM however I am avoiding them at all costs.

Once again thank you for all the advice and I am really sorry if any of the above makes no sense (it is 2:20am... nope, not sure why I am still up to be honest!)

Naty x

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:44 pm

Katy my sweet, get some rest!

I truly believe that the depression and the 'gut' issues are directly related, in many cases. Sounds like you have the misfortune of being just such a "double whammy" yourself.

This is a tough time of year for diet restriction (for everyone!) - plus you are surrounded by temptation at work. You already know from hanging around here that a hard-core elimination of gluten and dairy have a good shot at helping... Wish I could bring you some 'meat cupcakes' and remind you to get plenty of sleep!

Meantime... keep us posted, and be well, and hang in there,

Sara

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:56 am

Morning Katy,

So sorry to hear about your issues and the only thing I can do for you is pray for some relief. You are in my prayers and please do rest.

Love, Maggie

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 7:32 am

Naty/Katy,

You really are between a rock and a hard place. Is there any way you could manage a vigorous exercise program? By that I mean at least one hour of brisk walking a day for 5 (preferably 7) days a week? And possibly weight training too. Studies have shown that serious exercise can be just as effective as medications in the management of depression. I know it's difficult to initiate something like this when you are already down and depressed, but the benefits can be truly remarkable. I have exercised even through my worst MC flares, and I swear it keeps me sane by relieving anxiety and depression. Additionally, meditation (also known as the relaxation response) can be helpful, too. If you can find a copy of Dr. Benson's original book, "The Relaxation Response" or his brand new book, "Relaxation Revolution", there is guidance on how to do it.

Hoping things are brighter soon.

Hugs,

Polly

harvest_table · Post by **harvest_table** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:38 pm

Katy,

In addition to omega 3's, exercise, and diet control if you are not taking a D3 supplement I would recommend it and see if it helps your mental health. It won't hurt.

I'm taking 2000 a day now and will increase for the winter months.

Thinking about you.

Love,

Joanna

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:56 pm

Hi Naty,

So sorry to read that you're having a rough time.

I'm also a proponent of natural remedies, so I agree with Polly's advise. When going through hard times, my savior has always been to get physically moving. There are times when I have felt too exhausted and depressed to even want to lift a finger, much less get up and move, but invariably, if I pushed myself to get going, I felt better.

Another thing that has always helped me, is to get out into nature; a park or country side are preferable, but just getting out of the house can be enough. Watching the sky, birds, trees, green grass, etc. always has a way of cheering me up and minimizing my distress.

Sending you lots of positive thoughts, and wishing that you find your way back to feeling good real soon.

Love and hugs,
Kari

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:45 pm

Gah, I went into town to buy some omega 3 and all the other suggestions... and forgot.

erm, in terms of gluten free, I am slowly heading in that direction, very slowly!

Sara- I went to bed about 5 seconds after i posted the last message on here- it was a genuine case of I lost track of time and thought it was about midnight!

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:15 pm

Dearest Katy,

I totally get how hard GF can be, but let us know how we can help you 'accelerate' in that direction. It's a lot safer than meds, and in the long run actually easier... once you get past the rough patches. So many neuro-psych symptoms seem to respond to GF, even in non-celiac patients (depression, anxiety, and more)... It's no walk in the park, but so much easier than MC. And eventually, gluten sensitivity will 'break' the efficacy of many medications, even if you're fortunate enough to find one that doesn't exacerbate the MC.

I see what Polly means... rock/hard place. But maybe the rock isn't so bad

Love,
Sara

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 12:22 pm

Ok- main question is, how did you go GF? Did you all just go straight to it? or did you pick a specific date before you GF? (I may be planning a last Gluten christmas, as it is too short notice to get my mother to pay attention to my new dietry needs). Did you research it before you went? how did you research it? did you withdraw from gluten completley or gradually?