<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
I wrote recently on behalf of my sister-in-law who has CD and who has just
lost a
loved one to ask about your experiences with medications for short-term use
that
may help her cope during this difficult time. Thanks to all for your
support.
Here is the second and last summary:
--------------------------------------------
I use Effexor. It is an anti-depressant but also an anti-anxiety RX.
For me it has no side effects that I can see and I almost positive it is
fast acting
(if my memory serves me well) Also, my doctor said it does not cause weight
gain,
like some other anti-depressants. I know a side effect of nortriptline is
severe craving for
sweets and at least a 10-lb. weight gain.
--------------------------------------------
Zoloft worked fairly well for me after my daughter died. I also took Ativan
briefly to help relieve some anxiety, but that's not an anti-depressant.
--------------------------------------------
You should be aware of an important article in today's NY Times (Tues Feb
27) about how a
mix of medicines can be lethal....particularly in relation to
serotonin-enhancing
anti-depressants often taken in combination with other drugs that also raise
serotonin levels.
Check out www. NYTimes Science section column by Jane Brody, "Personal
Health"
--------------------------------------------
A bereavement support group can also be very, very important. Grief
is experienced very differently by different people and can go on for a
long, long time.
It can be isolating (even with others around) and daunting. Also, oddly
enough,
helping other people actively (I do Hospice work) often can be helpful in
ways that are hard to explain.
--------------------------------------------
Physical activity is enormously important...even if one is limited
physically.
But any physical activity..particularly in the presence of others really
helps.
--------------------------------------------
Reading, talking about and sharing one's experience of grief...and listening
to others can help to.
There are always times when nothing seems to help...and one even learns to
somehow wade through them.
--------------------------------------------
My Internist got me on Cymbalta. You can take it once
a day 30 mg, or once a day 60 mg, or once a day 90 mg, or once a day 120
mg, so it has a lot of choices. It is supposed to also take away some
of the physical pain that comes with depression. I am satisfied with
it. I take 90 mg a day. It IS GF. I have had the doctor contact the
manufacturer, plus it is on a GF drug list that I found somewhere. I am
doing fine with it.
--------------------------------------------
Sorry for any loss, my sister just lost her only son & she was on two
antidepressants
& had some problems with them, that was right before she went GF/CF.
She is now taking a B12 everyday - VERY IMPORTANT
She also takes something to sleep at night.
--------------------------------------------
I have CD also and am very sensitive. I started zoloft (actually, the
generic - sertraline)
in January ... first time I have tried an anti-depressant or anything other
than a sleeping pill.
Both the brand name and generic are gluten-free.
The literature and her doc will say it takes about 3 weeks, but honestly, I
felt it within
3 or 4 hours of taking my first dose. I am STILL having daily diarrhea,
though, and may have
to try something different. I heard from another person on the list that
they had diarrhea
for 2 months on the zoloft but then it went away - come back any time the
dose is changed.
If she doesn't have the diarrhea, I would highly recommend the zoloft.
--------------------------------------------
All medications have to be gluten free, just as her food does.
You can check with the web site: www.glutenfreedrugs.com
If the drug is not on this web site, then you will have to call the company
to see
if it is gluten free. Her doctor should check on the drug before he writes
the
prescription and then put DAW on it so the pharmacist cannot switch to
generic.
--------------------------------------------
I've seen good success with Zoloft and Celexa (one or the other, of course.)
Also, many celiacs
and many people who suffer depression have compromised thyroid function, so
it might be wise
to do a thorough check of various thyroid indicators. Be sure the doctor
knows if there is any
family history or personal history of bipolar disorder or manic behavior
because some
anti-depressants can trigger scary problems there. If there is such a family
history or any
indicators, they might want to prescribe a different medication.
--------------------------------------------
Exercise is proven very effective in moderating depression. Getting outside
daily is helpful.
Keeping a regular schedule and especially a regular sleep schedule helps
mediate depression.
The National Sleep Foundation has a web site (and there are others) that
outline good sleep hygiene.
A good multi-vitamin can support overall health which is another way to
mediate depression.
(I found that two flavors of a powder EnerC or some similar name are GF. Put
it into water,
stir, and drink. It works for my GF son who has trouble swallowing pills.)
Mindfulness meditation and walking meditation is helpful for depression and
grief.
There are Web sites and many yoga centers, medical centers, and YMCA
facilities offer
classes for people in various states of physical health.
--------------------------------------------
I took Paxil a couple of times. It worked well for me. Both times I
took it for less than a year and it helps you to re-train your brain.
Unless you have been diagnosed with a chemical imbalance, short term
use is the way to go with anti-depressants.
I had tried two or three before so unfortunately it can be a long
process if you don't react well to the first one you try.
--------------------------------------------
Because of depression, I have been on various medications for several years.
The two that I have found work the best are the ones that I'm on now.
A generic for Wellbutrin SR is Budeprion SR. The usual dose is about
200-300 milligrams.
I take 100 mg in the morning.
I also take Impramine HCL. I take a 25 mg tablet in the evening.
I have had the same doctor for many years. He is a psychiatrist who
understands medications
and I have medication management appointments about every 2, 3, or 6 months.
A person doesn't have to take the recommended amount if it's too much.
--------------------------------------------
When my daughter died suddenly, I did try several anti-depressants without
much success.
Finally, a doc gave me a RX for Atarax, an antihistimine that has a
component for anxiety as well.
It was really subtle, but I found it really helped w/o feeling "bombed".
Many say the only way out of grief is though it, so as you said - any med
should be temporary.
--------------------------------------------
I take generic versions of prozac, wellbutrin and trazadone without
any gluten reactions.
--------------------------------------------
I take Lexapro with no problem. I started out with 10mg and now take 20mg
with no problem.
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