good med for MS associated IRRITABILITY?

[Ufrustrated2]

hey folks,

for those with irritability associated with MS, what med(s) help you to get in a bit better mood so you can be around people?

i was on cymbalta but felt it had run its course or maybe my system just got too used to it.

recently tried effexor, but it made me NOT comfortable, i.e., more anxious. so i stopped it.

i see my psych soon to see what other med(s) may help.

[Sparkysarah]

I echo Dennis's post and think that Amitriptyline is very helpful all round. It helps me sleep for 8 hours with undisturbed sleep and this is a gift having previously had terrible sleep earlier in the year. I also seem to feel very calm most of the time..except when my teenagers start fighting and that pushes my button!

It probably also helps to get some exercie and fresh air and do you live anywhere near some of those Icelandic warm pools...I have always fancied visiting to come and see them and all the sights.  It is on my wish list so one day who knows....

Cheers for now

Sarah

PS Sorry to be ignorant but what does CSF stand for ....I wd like to know about the invaders swimming around in my head. I am guessing it is to do with the lesions????

[Ufrustrated2]

>>The best med for irritability is to stay away from VA doctors. :) LOL

how true!!! all these soldiers coming home are in for a rude awakening to a new battleground, the VA.

i think, my irritability, the kind i'm speaking about here, is related to the bizarre fatigue with MS and my mood issues that happen after upsetting the area in my spine that is degenerated, has pinched nerves and has a MS lesion there too.

i thought irritability was common in MS?, no?

our brains our swimming in an inflamed CSF, yes?

thanks folks, and Dennis - i know you understand LOL

[Sailorsong]

The best med for irritability is to stay away from VA doctors. :) LOL

Actually while my shrink blames my irritability on PTSD I find a good dose of chocolate helps with my mood ( usually a full box worth of Chocolate pudding does it). I have also found that I am less irritable since I was put on Amitriptyline. That may simply be because I do sleep better while taking it. I good nights sleep does wonders for your mood.

Dennis

[essdipity]

Gosh, I've never thought of irritability and MS. I just have a grouchy day now and then, and when I realize it I try not to inflict myself on others. Luckily my dog doesn't seem to mind :-)

However, MS is certainly associated with depression, even with primary depression. That's a mood disorder, as is anxiety, which often but not always accompanies depression. Yet I virtually never read of anxiety as a primary symptom of MS, nor have I heard of irritability in this context.

That doesn't mean it ain't so. I hope others can shed light on this.

ess