kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
In my opinion, they are needed if you are so depressed, for so long, you can't muster a positive thought.
My daughter would not be here today without them.
It's totally up to you. The adjustment period can throw you into a flare, so you may feel worse at first. Also, finding the right one for you may mean coming up and coming down one prescription to another.
Don't feel bad if you need them. This disease affects every system of the body. It's like suddenly becoming diabetic.
Take care Kelly
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
I think they give me a FAR GREATER quality of life, and I do not feel inferior or inadequate for taking them.
Your question is one that each person has to resolve in his own mind . I will say that it is better for a depressed person to TREAT the depression if the depression is having a negative effect on those who live with him , or work with him.
Often , people who refuse to treat depression do not take into account the drain that their emotions can be to their families . That is not fair .
clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
Might experiment a little with 5 htp and L theonine. 5 htp has a calming effect on me, and can help increase serotonin, based on information from my practitioner. It does help with sleep. I had to start with smaller amounts than suggested, and slowly increase.
But it might not be enough. Hopefully, as the infection goes down, so will the need for anti-depressants.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Read as much as you can about Lyme and depression or neuropsychiatric effects.
I started antidepressants 2 years ago, and it made a big difference to me, in more ways that just alleviating depression.
FWIW, I didn't think I was all that depressed, having previously experienced a major depression years before upon the break-up of my marriage.
To my surprise, my brain functioned better. To say you are treating depression only is way too simplistic IMO.
I have hung my hat on something Robert Bransfield has said:
"Combined treatment which addresses both the mental and somatic components of the illness
significantly improves the overall prognosis. This is supported by clinical observation and
laboratory research showing antidepressant treatment improves immunocompetence. It has been
demonstrated in vitro that antidepressants which act on the serotonin 1A receptor (most antidepres�sants) increase natural killer cell activity. In
addition, there are undoubtedly other indirect effects on the immune system through other neural
or neuroendurocrine and autonomic pathways. To state this more concisely - antidepressants can
result in antibiotic effects, and antibiotics can have antidepressant effects."
Posts: 90 | From New Jersey | Registered: Nov 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Kay, zoloft has really helped me; kept my quick-temper under control!
had something else first; bad news ... kept me like energy battery rabbit; i couldn' relax at ll; had to be doing something!
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
Because there seems to be a relationship between PTSD and Chronic Illness....creating a self replicating cycle.
Some form of anti depressant/anxiety medication may be in order to retard or break the cycle.
I have had antidepressants in the past but these never addressed and exacerbated the times when I was anxious...
BI-polar and or Manic/depressant behavior is consistant with many of us with lyme....
So
After experimentation I found Lexapro to adequately address both my ups and downs...
Paxil was another but I was afraid of the known withdrawal pains so came off it quickly.
IT has been written that baby sized doses of any of the psychotropic meds should be used and measured carefully...
Example when I was given Prozak and Wellbutrin...and my symptoms switched to the manic side...I had Panic attacks...I NEVER EVER had those previously.
A note of caution with supplemental/herbal remedies... Because of the inconsistancy of quality and dosage delivered....these supplementals or herbs could be more detrimental then beneficial.
Be your own judge.
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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