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Anyone with RA on anti depressants or anxiety meds?

Posted , 5 users are following.

tony1965
tony1965

Just wondering and wanting to know if they help.

I've been on anti depressants for half of my adult life. Off and on. Currently on Effexor and plan on staying on it rest of my life. It's the only drug that has done anything for me.

Started at 37.5 and am staying there.

I've been prescribed anxiety drugs but that was years ago. I feelnlike they would probably help mood during flares?

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure tony1965

    Posted

    Yes many dr prescribe it to help mood. Very helpful.
  • barbara58180
    barbara58180 tony1965

    Posted

    Oh, yeah! Well, I think I read that nearly 50% of patients with RA have depression, and gee, no wonder. Our life is so fun! Lots of pain, loads of uncertainty, beber knowing how you'll feel--and maybe more importantly, they are beginning to link depression with inflamation--so it's not our foult.

    I take Lexapro, but when things are really bad, or am really sick (ra or bronchitis or pneumonia, or whatebve)r), I get very down. So , yes. For some people it's stress and anziety other's it's depression. If you Rheum can't help you enough go find a bice Phychiatrist if you can. They are hard to find (nice ones), but keep trying.

    No one know how hard this is.

    All the best,

    Barbara

    • tony1965
      tony1965 barbara58180

      Posted

      Last rheumatologist was too far away from work and home. Most require a referral from a GP. Seeing GP Tuesday, getting referral to a closer and hopefully good rheumatologist.

      Transferred to this GP for yearly physical and convenience. She got records from old rheumatologist and GP.

      Last summer was the worst flare I'd experienced up to that time. From 1&10 it was a six. 2 back to back flares within the past 2 weeks.I've had 2 major flares, a 7 and 8.5.

      I could barely move after doing yard work yesterday. Here it is 3 pm and just know feeling well enough to do a little yard work.

      Psychiatrists are out for me but thanks.

      My stress and anxiety is from other people. It's a long story and I'd hare to bore you with it.

      Current GP has prescribed anxiety meds and asked if I needed a script last time I saw her. I declined. I'll talk to her about them Tuesday

    • Gloria814
      Gloria814 tony1965

      Posted

        I think with your new GP approval of the current Effexor that you should continue with that and perhaps add an anxiety med as needed.   You hve mentioned your family situation and it sure sounds like you need that type medication for now.   I have read that depressioin is quite common in patients with RA--and we can all understand why..    I was debating asking about a med for depression but will wait til my RA meds get straightened out before adding something else

        Good luck with your appt Tuesday

    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 tony1965

      Posted

      Actually, the only reason I mentioned a psychiatrist, is that I live in the US and they do most of the depression and qanxiety meds here.

      I do know how crapy people can bem especially regarding our unbearable pain-- that they don't get at all.

      Take care, do what you have to.

       

    • tony1965
      tony1965 barbara58180

      Posted

      I've found a good DO, she'll prescribe to people that need it. The dope heads and dealers have made it hard on the truly suffering.

      I'm also in the US, neat Dallas Ft Worth. She's less than 3 miles from my home.

      It's kinda weird. Anxiety drugs help me sleep but also give me energy???

  • sherry29159
    sherry29159 tony1965

    Posted

    I am sure they do. Unfortunately there are no antidepressants I can take as they all interfere with the various drugs I take. I just have to be depressed and deal with it.
    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 sherry29159

      Posted

      mine interfere with my sleep, but otherwise I probably would have killed myself by now.
    • tony1965
      tony1965 barbara58180

      Posted

      Tramadol is only a mild painkiller but if she'd not called it in, I may not be here. I don't think I could have lived with another 48 hours of pain.

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 barbara58180

      Posted

      I don't think I would ever kill myself. But any antidepressants are dangerous or lessen effects if I take them with my cancer or RA drugs so I would probably die if I took antidepressants. Can't win. So its a matter of not being able to take them. I am trying some cognitive behaviour therapy right now but not impressed.

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