anyone taking anti-depressant for crohn's, ulcerative colitis, or IBS?
Sun, June 20, 2010 8:40 AM
I suffer from crohn's and ulcerative colitis. I am unable to take any meds-Humira, Cimzia, Remicade because of MS symptoms and unable to take Lialda, 6MP, and a couple of other oral meds because it gives me worse diarhea and unbelievable nausea. After my last colonoscopy and endoscopy that I just had three days ago everything looked normal but for two months I had flare ups every other day. Now my GI thinks I possibly also have IBS, He's going to call me with the results of the biopsies and may also want to treat me with anti depressants to calm everything down. I am a very anxious, sensitive person who holds everything in. I have two beautiful children and a very supportive husband. I teach First Grade and usually have severe flare ups in September and June. People may say don't let things bother you but I cannot help the way I'm made. Has anyone had any luck with these drugs? Please let me know.
Thanks,
ngc
ngc249Joined Dec 19, 2008
Wed, September 15, 2010 12:33 PM
Reply posted for ngc249.
Yes, I take anti-depressants. I should have started taking them long before I did. I also use counseling, massage and my personal favorite: Reflexology. Being attacked by your own body <autoimmune conditions> sucks. flare ups in june and september when you are a schoolteacher?... Stress makes you sicker!. I would recommend stress management, meditation, counseling. taking a class like " Living with Chronic Conditions".
Joined Sep 15, 2010
Tue, August 31, 2010 4:46 PM
Reply posted for ngc249.
I've had crohn's disease for almost 6 years and I went on Lexapro about 3 months after I was diagnosed. I had a nervous breakdown in the doctor's office because I was so depressed that this was a "lifelong" disease and she put me on a very low dose of Lexapro. It helped tremendously. At the time I was in college to become a teacher and I could barely make it through the day with my anxiety.... the worst feeling was the "why did this happen to me?" and the "no one understands!".... so the lexapro did wonders. I was able to go off Lexapro for awhile once I had my symptoms under control, but I went back on it a couple of times and have been on it now for about a year. I am currently on a dose of 20 mg daily, and I know it helps me. I teach 5th grade and it really helps me to keep my focus on my job and the students rather than freaking out about every little thing and having terrible anxiety like I would be without it. Also, I do see a therapist every 2 weeks, and that is honestly the best decision I've ever made for myself. It really helps to talk to someone about the disease and just everyday anxieties that stem from the disease. (And work-related stress!) If you ever need a recommendation of an anti-anxiety pill, I'd say lexapro!
From one teacher to another, hope this helps!
Joined Aug 14, 2010
Thu, August 26, 2010 5:59 PM
Reply posted for ngc249.
Try Lexapro in liquid form. I tried all of the others(paxil, cymbalta, etc.) but they did not absorb in the colon so they essentially did not work. Just monitor for side effects- like increased diahrea.
ocdqJoined Aug 26, 2010
Fri, July 09, 2010 12:00 AM
Reply posted for ngc249.
Have they given you anything yet? I've been on anti-depressants a few times throughout my life and have just come to realize I'm better just staying on them. I know a lot of doctors like to use nortryptaline, but if you're bipolar you can't always use it, so you might want to consult with a psychiatrist. I've been on Paxil a few times, but didn't like the side effects. Tried Cymbalta, didn't work for me either. I'm on Wellbutrin now and it seems okay. I also use Xanax when I need it. My depression is a separate issue from my IBD--if you are just having depression because of dealing w/ IBD it should be an easier fix for you! That's good news!
Good luck. Let me know what's going on.
Joined Jun 23, 2010
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