Antidepressants

mackraslo

mackraslo

Joined
Apr 11, 2015
Messages
54
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 :)
 
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
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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 :)
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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!
 
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. :)
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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, :) :)
 
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. :ghug:
 
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. :ghug:
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I agree %100. Thank you for the support Tuff. :sun:
 
mackraslo said:
Ive been stuck in my head and havent been able to make the best decisions lately.
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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.
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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. :D
 
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. :D
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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!
 
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.
 
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, :) :)
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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
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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. :)
 
Hypocrohniac said:
Did you bite the bullet and add the new tablets to the "Pill Soup"? Are you ok?
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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 :)
 
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.
 
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.
 
Mike

I always watched the bicycle couriers when I went to Vancouver while riding the bus as a kid. Man you guys are serious riders. I rode motocross bikes and did crazy things. You guys,and gals are very good at what you do. I myself was amazed, as was my brother who did some crazy riding too.
 
Hey Mike. Glad youre feeling positive about taking the meds. It's always a tough decision because any meds, while they can help the symptoms, can also come with a whole set of new ones huh!

I hope you had a good day :)
 
Hello Mike, I don't know wheher you still readthis, but I've just posted a thread concerning Wellbutrin. Has it helped you at all?
 
I live in BC as well.

I've been on and off antidepressants. The journey to getting diagnosed was a pretty tramatic journey that left me having to take them. Doctors at one point thought telling a young kid, hey, this will make you magically healed was something appropriate to say. Or that it's all in your head so these will help your brain not make up fake pains.

I've never been on antidepressants for a substantial amount of time but I'll take them when other resources fail.

We have to be kinder to ourselves and seek help when needed. Just as I have had to learn that it is okay to take medication to treat pain.
 
vickyvw said:
Hello Mike, I don't know wheher you still readthis, but I've just posted a thread concerning Wellbutrin. Has it helped you at all?
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Hey there, Sorry ive been busy and havent had the time lately to catch up with messages.

I am no longer on Wellbutrin, but it was helping me very much with crohns symptoms. But, unfortuneatly I developed some bad side effect, possibly an interaction with another med I am on, so I had to come off of it.

I can tell you that while I was on Wellbutrin, my stomach felt better, my stools were much better, and I had an increase in energy. But it wasnt a magical cure-all, though it did help out.

Hope this helps you! All the best!

-Mike
 
mackraslo said:
Hey there, Sorry ive been busy and havent had the time lately to catch up with messages.

I am no longer on Wellbutrin, but it was helping me very much with crohns symptoms. But, unfortuneatly I developed some bad side effect, possibly an interaction with another med I am on, so I had to come off of it.

I can tell you that while I was on Wellbutrin, my stomach felt better, my stools were much better, and I had an increase in energy. But it wasnt a magical cure-all, though it did help out.

Hope this helps you! All the best!

-Mike
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I don't know if you are aware of the gut-brain connection, but the gut makes 90% of the serotonin. It stands to reason that if your gut is out of whack, your brain will be, too, and vice versa (the brain is the computer, so when the computer "crashes", so does everything else). I actually had to go up on my antidepressant recently due to stress at home and the workplace and was switched over from Wellbutrin SR to Wellbutrin XL by my PCP. My former psychiatrist never told me that SR was only for 12 hour dosing, so I would take it at night and wonder why I would start feeling a little "off" mid-day. The XL lasts much longer and doesn't give me the same feeling, but it's apparently not enough for what I'm going thru. I'm, unfortunately, having to use my Ativan more often until I see a new psychiatrist next month. My PCP gave me Seroquel XR to help with my mood swings, but that made me feel like a zombie!
 
I've had Crohn's for a few years and I've been diagnosed with severe depression since I was a kid, you might want to look into anti depressants like cymbalta which have a side effect of sometimes helping pain. It's what I'm on and it's pretty good.
 
So sorry to hear about your situation. Depression and anxiety are common nowadays, most of the people are suffering from this kind of issue. Generally neurotic personality, experience such feelings as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness. I know being depressed can make you feel helpless. You can't completely rely on any antidepressants, because it completely doesn't work for anyone. You also have to work on yourself for your health improvement. I think you need a proper consultation also, you may check here once martine-voyance.com/. Consultation helps people to overcome with their depression. There you can share everything without hesitation. May be it can be helpful to you.
 
mackraslo said:
Has anyone had success with Antidepressants at all?
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Not me. :frown:

Made things worse if anything. And I have a family member who is addicted to them, which recently broke up her marriage. But they do help some people.

I had anxiety and depression. But I didn't want to take medication for it, due to side effects.

I started doing guided meditations and yoga which helped. I joined a weekly meditation group which helped the practice considerably.

I also saw a herbalist and got an adaptogen liquid tonic from her. There are five different adaptogen herbs in it, and they help to banish the anxiety and depression without any side effects.

Everyone is different.

If you are suicidal, them yes anti-depressants are probably the best course.

But mild to moderate depression can often be treated naturally.

Even a change of diet can help.

People low in Vitamin D and Zinc (for me it was Essential Fatty Acids) can also have depression. Best to get a blood test done and see what you are deficient in.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/colu...ional-deficiencies-that-may-cause-depression/

Hope you perk up soon.
 
MaryCherub,
I'm happy for you that your natural way of treating depression is working for you but you are right when you say everyone is different. Not everyone that is depressed has a vitamin deficiency and I'm sure most people here having crohns would already know that info as most have frequent bloodraws. And having a chronic illness and the uncertainty for the future would give most anxiety and possibly depression too.
For you to say antidepressants are "ok" if you are suicidal and for mild/moderate depression "can often be treated naturally" is just wrong. You are entitled to your opinion but as I read your words they sound very judgmental. And for so many people struggling emotionally there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking antidepressants. To let depression linger without treatment could actually lead to suicidal thoughts.
 
Jelly loves Peanut butter said:
For you to say antidepressants are "ok" if you are suicidal and for mild/moderate depression "can often be treated naturally" is just wrong.
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Surely I can post my own personal experiences without being told I am wrong !!!!

My doctor told me (and I agree) that mild to moderate depression can often be dealt with in other ways.........That does not necessary mean it should be though. Each person is an individual case.

I do think that anti-depressants are over prescribed. When often simpler measures can work. But often you are not even given that option. As a lot of doctors don't ask about diet, or drinking habits or reasons for feeling depressed, or nutritional deficiencies. Lucky I now have a doctor who does. In the past I didn't.

For me (natural methods) were the right way, as anti-depressants I took years ago were the wrong thing for me, and made things much worse because of their side effects.

If you think I am being judgemental (which I am not being), well that is you being judgemental of me.

You know - just because you disagree with me - does NOT make me wrong. It just means we have a different approach to things.

The question was who has had experience with anti-depressants and I answered truthfully according to my own personal experiences.

I am sure the OP wanted a cross-section of answers.

Or am I only allowed to answer if I had a positive experience

???
 
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I think we should keep an open mind. Trying different methods often leads to success and that's the aim. Nobody is wrong, we just need to try till something helps. Agreed?
 
cmack said:
I think we should keep an open mind. Trying different methods often leads to success and that's the aim. Nobody is wrong, we just need to try till something helps. Agreed?
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Well I agree wholeheartedly with that yes.

I have suffered with depression of varying degrees for the past 38 years.

But it is only in the past five years, that I have really managed to overcome it. And that was with the aid of dietary changes, supplements and herbal medication.

Therefore, it is extremely annoying and demeaning to have my own experiences dealt such a "you are wrong" comment.

If you take anti-depressants and they work for you, then that is excellent news and none of my business.

However, the OP asked for experiences, and I shared mine and that of my family with this type of pharmaceutical medication.

Worrying though, I have noticed on these types of forums, that if you go against the status-quo of things, someone comes along and tells you, that you are wrong. Makes me wonder..........why?

I am not wrong. I just have a different opinion to other people.

This difference of opinion stems from my own experiences of depression, doctors, anti-depressants and other methods, over the past 38 years.

Thank you for your understanding and comment. Much appreciated.

:heart:
 
The vast majority (99.5%) of people on this forum have a very open mind and tend not to criticize others. We sometimes care so much that we disagree, usually only out of care for others. This is a very supportive place and that will never change. We welcome you Mary, feel free to be yourself. :)
 
cmack said:
feel free to be yourself. :)
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I plan to be myself. Freely.

And share my positive and negative experiences truthfully.

Even if that means going against the status-quo of the crowd.

And if people attack me in such a condescending manner (like Jelly loves Peanut butter did above).....then I will always stand up for myself in return.

Thank you
 
I've been on antidepressants - actually 2 for lots of years and am doing just fine with them. It takes awhile for you to get the right one that works. The problem is it takes awhile for them to take effect and if that's the wrong one, you have to start over with a new medication. What I would do - actually did - is go to a psychiatrist, tell him/her your situation. Then, take his recommendations to your GI dr. Maybe you can work it out that way.
 
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. :D
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Cigarettes are so hard to kick, I was "fortunate" enough to get bronchitis over 30 years ago. I still crave it when way stressed. Knowing this was going to be so hard to kick helped weirdly. Cliche gum did help also playing with a rubic's cube helped. The whole playing with something with my hands was so important since I was up to two packs a day.
 
I'm far from the best example of someone who deligently took antidepressants as prescribed by doctors but to be honest it never worked. Ive been on and off them since I was 14. (Now 24, also in Vancouver) my problem with them is perhaps I never was on a high enough dose but all it took was for one thing to go wrong and I would be out for business. The one I was prescribed is suppose to help you sleep as well but if anything it made me more awake. I recall countless nights where I would not be able to sleep because of it. The bags under my eye showed no mercy.

Might just take you awhile to find one that works for you but it's worth it if feel better from it. You may have better luck than I ever did.

Perhaps find an activity to help occupy your mind if you want an alternative to antidepressants. Floating is great. I have a friend who really got into martial arts so all she thinks about there is whooping some ass. She tells me all the time she never lets the CD cross her mind during her sessions and it works.

I'm still trying to find my distractive techniques. I've done all those chronic pain programs... for a while I was really into writing and music. Still am but it's become harder to really love it when it requires me to strum using my weak wrists and type. I love listening to music. I make a to do list as well of things that may seem silly or strange to do and make a point to do it. I put on my to do list once that I wanted to eat s'mores and sit out by the pool. Strange combination but it sure made me feel silly and happy at the same time. Do strange things so long as it's law abiding and voila, you laugh at yourself.

Let me know if you uncover some hidden technique. 😆 Always here if you need to vent. Love this platform for the very reason people actually get you here.


mackraslo said:
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 :)
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MizzSarah said:
I'm far from the best example of someone who deligently took antidepressants as prescribed by doctors but to be honest it never worked. Ive been on and off them since I was 14. (Now 24, also in Vancouver) my problem with them is perhaps I never was on a high enough dose but all it took was for one thing to go wrong and I would be out for business. The one I was prescribed is suppose to help you sleep as well but if anything it made me more awake. I recall countless nights where I would not be able to sleep because of it. The bags under my eye showed no mercy.

Might just take you awhile to find one that works for you but it's worth it if feel better from it. You may have better luck than I ever did.

Perhaps find an activity to help occupy your mind if you want an alternative to antidepressants. Floating is great. I have a friend who really got into martial arts so all she thinks about there is whooping some ass. She tells me all the time she never lets the CD cross her mind during her sessions and it works.

I'm still trying to find my distractive techniques. I've done all those chronic pain programs... for a while I was really into writing and music. Still am but it's become harder to really love it when it requires me to strum using my weak wrists and type. I love listening to music. I make a to do list as well of things that may seem silly or strange to do and make a point to do it. I put on my to do list once that I wanted to eat s'mores and sit out by the pool. Strange combination but it sure made me feel silly and happy at the same time. Do strange things so long as it's law abiding and voila, you laugh at yourself.

Let me know if you uncover some hidden technique. 😆 Always here if you need to vent. Love this platform for the very reason people actually get you here.
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Hey MizzSarah,

Nice to meet another local Vancourite on here :)

I appreciate your response very much. I can relate to the unsuccessful medication experience, I too have been on and off antidepressants over the years, and have yet to find one that has more benefit than negative side effects. I find myself torn between wanting to treat myself naturally, with diet, supplements, and exercise, and being treated with doctor prescribed medications. The thing is, I have been watching my diet closely, and I found an exercise routine that has made an amazing impact on my mood (cycling/biking) and I supplement with a few vitamins to help my body out, but I still feel like I am broken/tired/worn out. I feel like trying medications may help me out still, but another part of me thinks they may make me worse.

haha siiiiiiiigh, life sure is complicated sometimes. Or moreso one can be stuck in believing their life is too complicated. Perhaps I just need to continue on surviving and hoping for the best. :) Since biking has helping me so much, i often dream of leaving off on an extended bicycle tour across the globe haha, maybe some day.
Distractive techniques sounds like a good idea, I used to be so involved in drawing and art, but over the past years ive lost all interest. I should pick up some art supplies and get back into it :)

I am currently at work :shifty:, so I must get back to it, but again, thank you for reaching out, much appreciated. Chat later, enjoy your night!,

-Mike
 
Hey I like art too, did some painting for awhile and pencil drawing.....yep not too good but fun. I soooo miss Karate, I am a second degree in Shito-Ryu Karate. It very depressing to not be able to do some of these things again. I know I have it way better then most of the other soldiers on the spinal cord unit at the VA but.....ya still sucks.

Tramadol is my med of choice right now for depression and helps me sleep at night. I am going to go back to the YMCA though and start hitting the gym again. Liking the rowing machine. Heard there is an assisted skiing program here so hoping to get into that which would be cool...wish me luck that they will approve me.
 
My Family Doc put me on Wellbutrin XR, 150 mg two weeks ago and I tolerated it well. Today at a follow up, my dose was doubled. It did take the edge off of my Prednisone mood swings, but I'm still feeling down as every week I seem to get another side effect. Last week my vision got messed up and goes blurry for 10 to 30 minutes. It's especially hard when I am out an about at the grocery. I can only see what is right in front of me. My new ophthalmologist said the Predisone is the likely cause of my cornea being warped and will likely resolve when I tapper off. I lucked out, his brother has Crohn's so he is sympathetic and knowledgeable to my situation.

Today I got joint pain to go along with my tingling feet.

I rejected Remicade 7 weeks ago and have been on Predisone and Imuran ever since. Every week I seem to be declining, getting weaker and more side effects. I am waiting to get approval for Humira and get off this crazy train. I know it's the only thing keeping me out of the hospital. When I rejected Remicade, my C-Protein-Reactive was 181, and it should be 8. This indicated major swelling. The nurse told me I set a record in the office. The Prednisone got me down to 41, so I still have a lot of swelling.

I try to stay positive, but too often my thoughts go dark and that is the worse thing I can do and the stress is so dangerous. I need the help of drugs. Now that the dose is doubled, I should be better off and get better on Humira as soon as it gets approved. I had to wait 6 weeks to get all the Remicade out. Now I'm waiting for insurance to approve and anxious for the cruel game of dealing with the side effects to diminish as I tapper down. Too weak to work, too tired to exercise, my doc said not to until I get out of this flare. My legs are weakening more every day. Today at the library, I barely made it up the stairs. Next time I will use the elevator.

I checked out some motivational books and a audio program on meditation.

I saw a documentary about a Vietnam prisoner of war who after 2 years was a skeleton of a man and now he is back to normal. So that gives me long-term hope and Wellbutrin will help me day by day.

Good luck to everybody. We can't let this disease define us, we need to be strong and I have learned a deep humility that will always serve me well.
 
Last edited:
I’ve been on Wellbutrin (aka the Wells) SR for about 20 years. I’ve found the full dose of 300mg was what has worked best for me. I tried the XL once daily formulation but it gave me a headache at 300mgs - 150 was no problem. I’ve tried varying doses. I couldn’t function without, I become not right and depressed all the time. It’s part of the illness I think, very common for IBD patients.
 

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