1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Anyone else on anti deps?

Posted , 4 users are following.

susan87203
susan87203

Hi all

I've reluctantly started Zoloft (SSRI anti depressant), being encouraged to do so by my GP due to the depression of diagnosis and the possibility I also have fibromyalgia.

(Pain isn't just limited to joints and fatigue is crippling) ie: I've slept 18 hours of the last 24 and still so very tired.

I'm having awful start up side effects which I understand will pass and understand there will be no benefit until 4-8 weeks, if at all.

I've tried Lexapro a while back with no real success.

Has anyone had any improvement at any level with ADs? I really hate mucking around with my brain chemistry.

Susan

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • linda82701_USA
    linda82701_USA susan87203

    Posted

    Hello, Susan,

    I am on Effexor XR. A very low dose. Seems to help. Wishing you well. I've been diagnosed since January, 2015. I also have severe degenerative disc disease in my spine. Things will improve. Have had flares and still struggle with fatigue. Many ups and downs with prednisone. Have had almost all the side effects. Am also now on metformin for diabetes 2. I realize from reading this forum that we are on a journey of ups and downs but there is light at the end of the tunnel!! The people on here are so very helpful. Fondly, Linda

  • slm222
    slm222 susan87203

    Posted

    I have friends with Fibromyalgia and other auto immune diseases that take AD's and they said they seem to help a little bit. Like with RA meds, they had to find the right AD to help them, so don't give up. If the Zoloft doesn't help, try another SSRI. 

    I also get depressed with the constant fatigue and inflammation and pain, but I haven't taken anything for it. I try to work out when I can and push myself out for walks. The fatigue is what depresses me. Having no energy all of the time really gets me down. And my work doesn't get it. 

    Hope you can find what you need. AD's are not at all uncommon for people with auto immune diseases. And remember, you always have this forum to talk. There's always someone here to listen when you need an understanding ear! 

  • susan87203
    susan87203

    Posted

    Thanks both. Linda, I'm on Metformin also for Diabetes type Ii. Add in cholesterol meds, very high triglyceride meds, pain relief and now the Zoloft anti dep I feel like I'm rattling with pills- and hate it!

    On an upside the start up side effects from the Zoloft are improving, however, much to my dismay I went to get my prescription (doc had given me a starter pack); and Zoloft is out of stock Australia wide for 8-12 months!! So I've been given the generic sertraline. I'm mega peed off!! My daughter is in med research and advocates against generics- and I'm just starting to sit easier with the Zoloft brand and whammied!!!!

    Very frustrated here.

    Effexor? I tried but it made me want to climb the walls!! Everyone reacts differently it seems. Is anyone else on a generic of Zoloft?

    Blessings. Susan

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.