I have stage IV Adenocarcinoma (ALK). For the first 3 years I was without depression/anxiety. Although I had mental/emotional ups and downs, I was overall happy and had my sense of humor intake.
Six months ago on a trip to Yosemite I started with anxiety (when my wife was driving the mountain roads - HA HA a joke but true)and went to a psycologist and then a psychiatrist. It seemed the prosac I took for many years BC (no I am not that old yust a history professors joke) - before cancer was not working well.
A switched to Lexapro did not help because it made me incredibly dizzy. I passed out twice in public.
I then tried both clonazepram and mirtazapine. Both of these drugs caused me increased depression.
I was absolutly miserable and miserable to be a round(angry, irritable - snapping at everybody). I have tried very hard to "hold it together" with little success.
I am at my wits end. My wonderful wife avoids being around me by going out most of the day and I avoid her when she is home by being in the bedroom reading or watching TV. Finally, the one solution is to sleep a lot.
This is no longer a quality life which I have had for the three years before April 2012.
Any thoughts from Those who follow Cancer Grace will be deeply, very deeply appreciatd.
Reply # - October 30, 2012, 03:18 PM
Reply To: Meds for depression unsuccessful
Stan,
I'm sorry it's been such a struggle. I think, though, that your issue is really one for a professional psychiatrist more than for an oncologist, who can provide some basic management for depression but not real expertise, or for patients or caregivers who may have had an anecdotal good or bad experience with a single case.
Here are a couple of links to some content we've offered here from Dr. Harman, a specialist in symptom management, on the topic of depression, which may provide some reassurance that there are other options to consider:
http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2012/08/09/dr-harman-depressio…
http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2010/01/09/depression-in-cance/
But I think the most fruitful approach will be to see someone who really has a focus on managing depression.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - October 31, 2012, 03:45 PM
Reply To: Meds for depression unsuccessful
Stan, what I do know is that many times several if not many drugs of this type may need to be tried before the correct one is found and dosage adjusted for you. I'd do what Dr. West suggested, see a good psychiatrist to get the help you need. Wishing you the best. Take care, Judy