A Good Anti-Depressant for after Cancer

[Tybear]

Hi Everyone. I am seriously contemplating asking my Dr for a prescription for an anti-depressant and I am wondering what some of you ladies are on, how your feeling and the biggie... any weight gain? I refuse to go on any pill that will make me gain weight, as I am still carrying the 30lbs I put on with chemo. I am in councelling, and am just at the point now where my moods are affecting my daily life and most importantly, my relationship with my 3yr old little boy. My son Tyson is all that I have, and I find myself losing control and yelling (no, screaming) at him over the littlest things. I know this isn't me, and I can sense that he gets frightened of me, which then makes me cry. It needs to stop, and I know that it's time for meds. Alot of women on the hystersisters site talked about Wellbutrin... anyone have any positive expierences with it? Thanks for your replies.

[BevInMD]

I am taking a very low dose of Celexa (Citalopram) 10mg. I find it works very well at taking the edge off. I have not had any side effects from it. In fact I am finally starting to lose the weight that I gained from the steroids I took duting the first go round of chemo.

[Thuney]

Ativan just knocks the edge off.

[Mishelle]

When I had complications from my hysterectomy the psychiatrist put me on Cymbalta, unfortunately at the time there was no generic and the cost was too much. It worked really well for the depression and for ptsd (post traumatic stress disorder) I was then given amitriptilline which also worked well for depression. There are many kinds of antidepressants and the different kinds work differently. I hope this helps some. Good luck and God bless. Erika

[gah_70]

After my second session of chemo, it felt like my emotions hit a brick wall.  The slightest thing would set me off, and I experienced feelings I'd never felt before...pure desperation.  I had to ask my doctor for something...otherwise I hate to think what might have happened.  He gave me Lexipro, and said it is a common anti-depressant for cancer patients.  I'd had some problems in the past and had taken Welbutrin, but it didn't work for me.  But, I think I was on too low of a dose...plus everyone reacts differently to each antidepressant.  So far, I have done pretty well on the Lexipro although it took about a month to get into my system.  One thing about Welbutrin though...sometimes it is prescribed to help with weight loss, so maybe that's something to take into consideration.

Gail :)

[suzsen]

My mom had good success with Welbutrin when depression set in about 6 months after chemo ended.  Good luck, I hope the drs can help you because your little boy needs his REAL momma back!

[blondebrain]

My sister did well on Wellbutrin. I used to take Prozac, but nothing now. I also took Celexa in the past. It really depends on your own brain chemistry. You may have to experiment. I'm glad you want to address it though, rather than continuing to scream at your child. Kudos to you. I'm rooting for you and praying for you. I hope you find the right solution.