Good Evening All,

I am a 30 year old guy from Vancouver Canada. Ive been dealing with this ridiculous disease for over 5 years now. Now, I would say I am mostly in remission, other than 24/7 fatigue and severe depression. I have tried a handful of antidepressants throughout the years, most made me feel worse or aggravated my physical health with side effects.

I am wary of trying Antidepressants again, but I cannot live with this level of depression anymore, it is effecting my home life, my work life, and holding me back. My Doctor prescribed me Wellbutrin. I want to follow his direction, but I just cant seem to make myself start it. I think I am worried of making my self worse again.

Has anyone had success with Antidepressants at all? I guess I am just looking for some support, Ive been stuck in my head and havent been able to make the best decisions lately. Any feedback would be lovely. Thank you very much and have a good Saturday night

Welcome. I am sending prayers and support.

Hi there. I'm a 32 year old female from new Zealand. Almost 5 years ago I fell pregnant with my third and last child. About 8 weeks in I started suffering from hyperventilation syndrome and anxiety. The doctors kept saying it would go away on its own once baby came. Then my baby was born with a rare skin condition that was a huge shock as even the specialists hadn't seen it before. It was a very trying time and stepped my anxiety up another notch. Within her first year, we also planned a wedding. After the wedding, everything came to a head and I spiraled into depression. I lost friends, confidence and stayed at home more often than not. Eventually I saw the GP and she put me on antidepressants and I started cognitive behavior therapy. It really helped. I am still on the antidepressants now (venlafaxine) and suspect I will be for some time because whenever I try to come off them my breathing issues and anxiety come back.
There never seems to be a good time to concentrate and focus on ME! My mum has had stage 4 melanoma and as I ssid I have 3 children - I don't exactly come first lol.

Anyway, I've found they help me. I was kind of ashamed at first I guess but now I just own it. My body couldn't cope so it jittered out. If I need a pill yo help my brain like I do with my IBD, then so be it.

Mental health is a huge thing that people can really underestimate. Take care of yourself x

skittle said:

Mental health is a huge thing that people can really underestimate. Take care of yourself x

Thank you very much for sharing. I am sorry to hear about all the awful troubles, I give my support and wish things get better for you and yours.

I think I will swallow my pride and try antidepressants once again. Cheers

mackraslo said:

Thank you very much for sharing. I am sorry to hear about all the awful troubles, I give my support and wish things get better for you and yours.

I think I will swallow my pride and try antidepressants once again. Cheers

Thanks. But you know, I think that's just life - There's always something to deal with. All of my experiences have made me a better person I think. And to truly appreciate the little things. Done get me wrong, it sucks these things happen to us, and they are often devastating. But each experience is a learning opportunity. I'm trying to view my recent diagnosis woth ibd the same. It sucks. Big time. But for some strange reason it has happened to me, so I need to embrace the lesson in my journey. Not sure what it is yet, but I'm sure one day I'll look back and reflect on what I've learnt!

All the best x

Hi Mackraslo:

I'm 56 and first started antidepressants as a treatment for the chronic migraines I got after the birth of my third child. I'm now on both Celexa and Wellbutrin to cope with the anxiety of an abusive ex-husband. They work really well together and without them I would be anxious about even dumb things (think dirty dishes in the sink kind of dumb). I also see an excellent psychiatrist who has helped me become a stronger and more self-aware person.

It's really difficult to cope with a chronic illness like crohn's, and we need all the help we can get.

Oh, I hear you all! Take the anti-depressants. We need all the help we can get. They can be tweaked if you have unwanted reactions.

Good luck!

Agree

I've had chronic depression since I was 16 and have been on a handful of different medications - Zoloft, Effexor, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Abilify, Lithium, etc. The only one that ever worked for me long-term is Wellbutrin SR. I am still on it and would not consider taking anything else.

MissLeopard83 said:

I've had chronic depression since I was 16 and have been on a handful of different medications - Zoloft, Effexor, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Abilify, Lithium, etc. The only one that ever worked for me long-term is Wellbutrin SR. I am still on it and would not consider taking anything else.

Thank you so much for sharing! I guess the fear of getting worse, or getting horrible side effects, is getting in the way of trying to get better! If that makes sense. I will overcome myself and try the Wellbutrin tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed that it helps out. I have read several studies that it has helped with crohns symptoms, plus a lot of people like yourself who say it has helped, so I shouldnt be worried.

Thanks again,

Wish you the best

Welcome to the forum. Depression and anxiety are common in Crohn's patients. We're dealing with a chronic condition that is physically challenging and affects our personal life. It's easy to become a hermit when you're flaring. I hope the antidepressant works, and it may even help with your fatigue. I find that I feel better when I get enough sleep, and get moderate exercise. I like to go for long walks, and enjoy some sunshine too. Take care of yourself.

Tuff said:

Welcome to the forum. Depression and anxiety are common in Crohn's patients. We're dealing with a chronic condition that is physically challenging and affects our personal life. It's easy to become a hermit when you're flaring. I hope the antidepressant works, and it may even help with your fatigue. I find that I feel better when I get enough sleep, and get moderate exercise. I like to go for long walks, and enjoy some sunshine too. Take care of yourself.

I agree %100. Thank you for the support Tuff.

mackraslo said:

Ive been stuck in my head and havent been able to make the best decisions lately.

What would you say were your bad decisions. I just realized that I have depression and anxiety probably have had it for at least the last year but nobody picked it up even me. But I have been a bit slow lately as well cause of the lack of nutrients absorbed should of been on nutrional drinks as well i guess.

I had bad anxiety too which probably made me skip my meds or get off them entirely just wondering what you would say wre your bad decisions.

Ozboz said:

What would you say were your bad decisions. I just realized that I have depression and anxiety probably have had it for at least the last year but nobody picked it up even me. But I have been a bit slow lately as well cause of the lack of nutrients absorbed should of been on nutrional drinks as well i guess.

I had bad anxiety too which probably made me skip my meds or get off them entirely just wondering what you would say wre your bad decisions.

Bad decisions being smoking cigarettes again when I am stressed out and depressed. Ive been tryign to quit off and on all year. I know smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things to do, in general and for crohn's disease, but some days I am at the end of my rope.

Other bad decisions would be eating foods that are comforting at the time, but will leave me in pain and nausea the next days. It seems when my depression is bad, my motivation goes out the window, and I end up being careless in my daily routines and then have to deal with the consequences.

Hope that makes sense, I just woke up haha.

mackraslo said:

Bad decisions being smoking cigarettes again when I am stressed out and depressed. Ive been tryign to quit off and on all year. I know smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things to do, in general and for crohn's disease, but some days I am at the end of my rope.

Other bad decisions would be eating foods that are comforting at the time, but will leave me in pain and nausea the next days. It seems when my depression is bad, my motivation goes out the window, and I end up being careless in my daily routines and then have to deal with the consequences.

Hope that makes sense, I just woke up haha.

My son tried the e cigarettes. It stopped him from smoking shortly afterwards.

Hey Mike,

I took that stuff before a long time ago to help me quit smoking. It didn't really do much for me. I don't recall having any bad side effects though either. It is the only antidepressant that didn't give me any significant trouble actually. It has been around quite a while. If it gives you side effects you just ween off of it. I know one guy that it helped quite a bit. So that's all I know about it. Hope it helps you. Depression sucks!

Regarding the smoking. I noticed that I had more energy, a better attitude in general and less body pain after quitting.

cmack

Did you bite the bullet and add the new tablets to the "Pill Soup"? Are you ok?

Yeah I think I was depressed for a while and no one ever picked up on it even me I stopped taking meds and forgot all about how they actually helped and my anxiety was bad as well and I had anxiety towards meds as well after didn't want to rale them and had anxiety towards procedures as well oh well you live and learn.

OZ,

You are a nice guy. Always trying to help others through your own experiences. For that I commend you! Good on you my friend!

cmack

mackraslo said:

Thank you so much for sharing! I guess the fear of getting worse, or getting horrible side effects, is getting in the way of trying to get better! If that makes sense. I will overcome myself and try the Wellbutrin tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed that it helps out. I have read several studies that it has helped with crohns symptoms, plus a lot of people like yourself who say it has helped, so I shouldnt be worried.

Thanks again,

It should not worsen fatigue, either. Out of all the antidepressants I tried, this is the only one that actually gave me more energy. It's different than SSRIs like Zoloft or Lexapro. It also does not promote weight gain, which was great for me because I have Polycystic Ovaries and Zoloft made me balloon up. The only thing I would caution you on is that, very rarely, it can cause seizures and it cannot be mixed with certain types of medications such as cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) as they can lower the seizure threshold. I always double check on drug interactions before starting something.

MissLeopard83,

I'm glad you mentioned those side effects. I knew a lot of people taking this drug for smoking cessation, I was one of them. Nobody I knew of had a seizure fortunately.
Most people were totally fine and had no ill effect. Definitely make sure you follow ALL the recommendations and warnings when the drug is prescribed. If in doubt call the pharmacy and talk to your Pharmacist.

Very important stuff and again, thank you Miss.


Your teammate,

cmack

cmack said:

MissLeopard83,

I'm glad you mentioned those side effects. I knew a lot of people taking this drug for smoking cessation, I was one of them. Nobody I knew of had a seizure fortunately.
Most people were totally fine and had no ill effect. Definitely make sure you follow ALL the recommendations and warnings when the drug is prescribed. If in doubt call the pharmacy and talk to your Pharmacist.

Very important stuff and again, thank you Miss.


Your teammate,

cmack

My psychiatrist used to warn me constantly about the possibility of seizures. I get my refills from my PCP now since I've been on it for so long, but I still remember to check before I start a medication. Some medications are necessary - like Ativan for anxiety (which I also take), but you shouldn't start them without talking to your doctor about the risks and benefits associated.

I take "Mothers little helper" Valium

Hypocrohniac said:

Did you bite the bullet and add the new tablets to the "Pill Soup"? Are you ok?

Hey, yeah I am OK.

I did bite the bullet and I took my first dose of the Wellbutrin today. It was an interesting day, some ups and some downs, but I think I feel positive about trying this for a while.

I definitely feel a bit more energy, I was able to get out and see my family today, Today is Family day in BC, Canada. I was a bit moody/grumpy for a while, but that went away, and ive been pretty productive this afternoon.

Now I am relaxing and cooking dinner. So far so good, no weird side effects other than slight dizzyness, but that should go away.

Thanks for all the support and follow up

Glad you are okay

I take Trazodone which also helps me sleep at night, that's when I take them. I also keep myself busy and distracted with anything and that helps me.

Right on bud. It takes a few weeks to know if it helps. Usually.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Chris

Just took my Amitriptyline,

I may get confusing. Look out for weird behavior. LOL. Usually I'm fine and it settles in slowly. as long as there is some food in my belly. This drug takes my back pain away at night when I need it most. We all need a good nights sleep right? For those of you who don't know, it is an old school antidepressant. In low doses it just makes you sleepy and reduces pain. In higher doses it was so bad people fell asleep at the desk. They mothballed it for depression due to the sleepiness. Sure helps other things though.