I have really bad anxiety and depression as part of my lymes. I was wondering if anyone has taken any ssri with abx
Thanks
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Greetings Taytsa...
Sorry to hear you are wired up and bummed out. But do know it is VERY common with Lyme. You are not alone.
I am not a doctor... but may I suggest....
Get help for the depression and anxiety ASAP. Yes, many are treated with both meds... for Lyme and for symptoms caused by it.
Treating both ways should bring some relief.
Good luck!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
BTW- The Ravens are kicking PA butt right now.
Posted by norcal (Member # 29829) on :
Yes ,I use an ssri with good results. While not currently on abx ,have been in the past with no trouble. Necessary for me.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Depression and anxiety can be from severe magnesium deficiency that often occurs with lyme. I had a terrible reaction to many different antidepressants I tried years ago but with magnesium and fish oil - and liver support, my mood is very stable.
You might first address the nutrients and see if that helps. I wish I had known about all these things first. --------------
Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008)
Note his statement about the need for vitamin D with magnesium. That would be D3, not D2. -
Posted by fatherguido (Member # 25266) on :
Used it with mixed results.
BTW - The Ravens lost Tincup!!!
Posted by renny1985 (Member # 25222) on :
Have you considered seeing a lyme literate psychiatrist? or maybe even neurologist?
I think treating the symptoms is sometimes necessary as they can be unbearable. This goes for physical and psychological symptoms.
If you live somewhere where you have access to a LLMD psychiatrist that might be a good place to start. I am sure others on this board know more.. but I believe there is one in NY and one in PA.
Posted by Taytsa (Member # 30097) on :
Steelers won
Keebler, are magnesium supplements ok to take with doxy?
I have been seeing a therapist, didn't think about a lyme literate psychiatrsit...that might be worth it...the anxiety is the worst symptom for me, makes me feeling like I'm losing my mind....does anyone know of any in the pa or nj area?
Thanks again
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Many lymies have problems with SSRI's. In the presence of brain inflammation the ingredients used to produce serotonin are diverted to an alternative pathway which produces a neurotoxin called quinolinic acid. The Buhner Healing Lyme book suggests using the supplement resveratrol( Japanese knotweed source) to block this pathway.
By using the Japanese knotweed hubby was able to take l-trytophan and 5HTP for sleep and eventually replenished his levels of serotonin. Now he just uses melatonin and some passionflower tincture for sleep.
l-theanine or SAM-e might work better than SSRI's. Hubby has always done well on both of those supplements.
Bea Seibert
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
quote:If you live somewhere where you have access to a LLMD psychiatrist that might be a good place to start. I am sure others on this board know more.. but I believe there is one in NY and one in PA. [/QB]
There is a well known one in Tampa, Florida.
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
quote:Originally posted by Hambone:
quote:If you live somewhere where you have access to a LLMD psychiatrist that might be a good place to start. I am sure others on this board know more.. but I believe there is one in NY and one in PA.
There is a well known one in Naples, Florida. [/QB]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Q: are magnesium supplements ok to take with doxy?
Absolutely - but not WITH, as in at the same time. Same with Calcium. Both are needed but should not be taken within hours of Rx.
Basic guidelines. This can get tricky when both Rx and some supplements need food but small meals can be helpful then. Separate out by a couple or few hours in both directions - or give an equal block of "clock-face" time to:
Rx
Supplements
Probiotics -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Topic: How to find an ILADS-educated lyme literate (LL) professionals in these areas:
Naturopathic doctor (ND); Acupuncturist (L. Ac.), a doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), or a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay.), certified herbalists or nutritionists, . . .
. . . Holistic MDs, and also Doctors of Osteopath (DO) and Doctors of Chiropractic (DC), etc.
�� Includes many professional links, articles and books on complementary / integrative methods - & RIFE links -- all by LL authors.
Also included are basic links explaining the principles of herbal medicine.
BODY WORK considerations (geared to lyme patients) are discussed; with links. -
Posted by laurie sm (Member # 14584) on :
I have a wonderful LL psychiatrist on LI New York. He helped me with my awful anxiety. L
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
New Mechanism of Action Behind Nutritional Mood Enhancers - By Chris D. Meletis, ND
Excerpt:
Inflammation�s Emerging Role
Scientists are beginning to realize that the mechanism behind treating depression is more complex than they first thought. In fact, they are now discovering that there might be an inflammatory cause behind depression . . . .
. . . Turmeric root is bitter in taste and warming in action. It strongly reduces inflammation and mucus in all parts of the body, protects the liver, lungs and intestines . . . .
� . . . If you have bile duct obstruction, gall stones, or stomach ulcers: due to mucin-reducing effects, do not use the concentrated extract (curcumin) or oil in high doses. Use turmeric as a spice freely. . . .
. . . full article at link above.
From �The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook� (Tilltoson, et.al.)
A recently published study investigated the effects of curcumin, a constituent of the botanical turmeric, on changes in cognition and memory caused by stress. . . .
In this new study, researchers investigated the effect of curcumin supplementation on stress-induced learning defects in mice. . . .
The results of the study showed that curcumin reversed memory deficits in a dose dependent manner, meaning increasing dosages of curcumin provided increasingly improved memory in the mice.
In addition, curcumin reversed the stress-induced increase in the levels of serum corticosterone, the primary hormone secreted during the stress response.
The researchers also found that the effectiveness of curcumin was similar to the effects of a tri-cyclic antidepressant.
. . . inhibited changes due to corticosterone-induced toxicity including preserving nerve cell connections, and inhibiting the corticosterone-induced activation of the enzyme calcium/calmodulin kinase II and stimulated glutamate receptor expression, which play a role in neurotransmitter secretion and certain kinds of memory and learning.
The researchers concluded, �Thus, curcumin may be an effective therapeutic for learning and memory disturbances as was seen within these stress models, and
its neuroprotective effect was mediated in part by normalizing the corticosterone response, resulting in down-regulating of the phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin kinase II and glutamate receptor levels.� -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Lyme also attacks the entire endocrine system and that adrenal crash causes anxiety and depression. I'd say this is the most important thing to consider after magnesium and fish oil: Adrenal Support.
Note from link above, though, that Turmeric (or the strong Turmeric Extract called Curcumin) can be a multi pronged approach for brain, liver, mood, adrenal stress, etc. ----------
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements
ADRENAL SUPPORT also included here. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- It would be helpful to find a LL Ph.D. (psychologist or counselor who usually talks it out) or a LL MD (psychiatrist who is more of an Rx prescriber). Sometimes, a psychiatrist will also counsel but many do not.
Lyme tosses a boatload of stuff at us. WIth toxins from infection and all the changes from lyme, it's very hard to know which way is up (oh, and add to that the frequent dizziness involved). So, ask your local support group for the options in your area.
Your LLMD should also be made aware of ALL your symptoms and most LLMDs can suggest a counselor or psychiatrist who is LL.
Deliberations of a psychiatrist who evaluates and possibly diagnoses Lyme and other tick-borne diseases of the mind, sharing case histories . . . . -
Posted by Remember to Smile (Member # 25481) on :
Taytsa, Look into herbal St John's Wort capsules and L-Tyrosine for depression. Better results than pharma Rxs without dangerous side effects.
I agree Magnesium supplements will help, too. I like Magnesium Serene berry flavor powder from Source Naturals.
If you're already on a Rx SSRI, you can't take St John's Wort. Also, it can make you more sun-sensitive, so it's more commonly used fall to spring, not in summer if you're outdoors often.
New-onset anxiety can be a symptom of babesiosis.
There's a well-known Dr B in NJ who's a LL neuro-psychiatrist. He has a good reputation with patients.
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
In my case the SSRI Paxil was a miracle drug for me. It is like Prozac, but more calming without obvious sedation. Within 2 weeks, I felt normal for the first time in my life. No anxiety, no depression, no panic, no OCD. I'm still on it, about 15 years now. I'm retired now, but was able to pretty much breeze through many days at a very stressful job.
I know now that Lyme and co. were the cause of my psych issues all along, going back to childhood. (Had my first panic attack with tachycardia at age 5). However, until I have rid my brain and body of these spirochetes, it's Paxil for me.
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
quote:Originally posted by onbam: There is an association with white matter lesions, which we are already susceptible to.
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