Pentasa and depression?

[clarklinds]

I've been on Pentasa for almost a year, but I recently started psychotherapy. The lady wanted me to research if Pentasa can affect your mood. Has anyone had any experience and/or knowledge about Pentasa affecting your mood?

Thanks!

 

[David]

Psychiatric side effects have included anxiety (2% or greater), depression, lethargy, mild disorientation, emotional lability, and decreased libido.

Source.

It's possible, but very rare, and far from the first thing I would suspect. When I hear that someone with Crohn's disease is having mood problems, whether it be depression, anxiety, or whatever, the first two things that come to mind are:

1. That it would be understandable. Crohn's sucks. It can be scary and depressing.

2. That they should have their vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium levels tested. All three can affect mood and people with Crohn's disease are VERY commonly deficient in them.

I hope that helps a little

 

[clarklinds]

Thanks David. All of my levels are normal, so probably circumstantial

I did some research earlier and actually saw that exact site, but just wanted to hear about people's personal experiences. I appreciate the effort though!

 

[David]

Would you be interested in sharing those three numerical levels? Sometimes, "normal" isn't.

Regardless, I hope some people are able to provide you some personal experiences! I know how much that can help.

 

[clarklinds]

I don't recall off the top of my head.

Are the ranges of "normal" different in your experience?

 

[David]

There is a substantial amount of evidence that the, "low normal" numbers for those vitamins and minerals are way too low and people are actually deficient in them.

Low normal for B12 can be around 200pg/ml yet evidence suggests a reading above 400pg/ml is where you're not deficient.

Low normal for vitamin D can be around 29ng/ml yet we suggest making sure you're at least above 50 with 75+ being better.

And the magnesium serum test is just plain bad as serum levels can be normal but body stores can be negative.

 

[clarklinds]

Thanks. That is super helpful to know and I am definitely going to get re-checked!

 

[sawdust]

Hello clarklinds. I can't link Pentasa and mood for you, but I can tell you that I'm on Pentasa and can set my watch by depression symptoms before a flare hits. At least in my case, I don't think it's related to the Pentasa.

Shortly after I got diagnosed, I felt better and eventually stopped taking my Pentasa. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not advocating disobeying your GI's advice, but because it's maintenance medication, there's a four-time-a-day electric blue horse pill reminder that there's something wrong with you... there's something wrong with you... there's something wrong with you... If that doesn't affect your mood, then you're stronger than I.

Anyway, it was short-lived independence and started it again when I had my second major flare. I've been taking it for a long time now.

I think David's advice is very good. I was very low in D and low in B12 at one time and it was quite a turnaround when I got those back into favorable ranges. :hug:

 

[clarklinds]

Thanks sawdust. That's actually fairly accurate. I am opposed to medication as it is, and you are probably right, having that reminder four times a day is difficult. (I'm currently trying to put off taking Humira for as long as possible, don't need another reminder).