Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group anti-depressants to reduce AS symptoms?

My doctor and psychologist notice that whenever I'm having anxiety and stress, it's often correlated with a rise in my AS symptoms. I mentioned in a previous thread and some agreed with me that it's hard to tell which comes first, the AS flare or the anxiety.

In any case they suggested I try going on an anti-depressant to reduce anxiety, but mainly to see if the reduction in anxiety also reduces my AS symptoms.

Has anyone ever had success with this? Anti-depressants are no joke, I've avoided them in the past because of side effects, etc. Curious to know before I take the plunge.

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37M, mild AS and UC for 10 years, take blood thinners daily for blood clots and occasional celebrex for AS symptoms

Hey Didier Yes, 150 mgs amitriptyline ( elavil ) at bed allows me to sleep.It is potent for pain and depression.It is a Tricyclate anti-D.

Hi

I took Prozac for my depression and noticed my pain go down any one else experience this?

Didier-
Yes, pain brings on a sort of anguish.
A mild anti-d helps take abit of the edge off.

Yep! I took cymbalta for years for both pain and anxiety. Worked great! Now I'm in a period of remission, but I would definitely take it again if need be.

For me, humira helps not only my joint and GI issues, but also my depression.

For me, depression is one of my symptoms, I guess caused by the inflammation, so when I get rid of the inflammation, the depression gets better. Its not due to the pain, but more of a systemic thing.

Also, when my GI is flaring, that makes me feel anxious. This morning I started peppermint capsules and it almost immediately calmed my GI and me. Weird, but it really seems pretty amazing.

So for me, by treating my disease, that makes my depression or anxiety better.

I took Lexapro with Wellbutrin for a few years for depression and did not notice any pain relief. Eventually it stopped working for me and I switched to Cymbalta, which offered noticeable pain relief. I took it for about two years and the pain relief was great since I had nothing else at the time. I eventually felt I didnt need it any more and didnt like the side effect of constipation. I think its a good option if you are stressed/anxious/depressed. Just give it time to work because at first it can make you feel apathetic for a few weeks. You also have to taper off Cymbalta when ending it.

When I was first diagnosed with "fibromyalgia" about 25 years ago I was prescribed low dose amitriptyline at 5 mg. It lost its effect and went to 10 mg, then 20 mg the 30 gm. Then I threw it out.

Frankly, coffee and exercise makes me feel much better!

Tea makes me feel Awesome.....

Dear Didier,

The side effects are scary, some are suicidal and homicidal thoughts . I heard a lot of folks that take them feel numb to many things in life including their choices and relationships.I have a close friend that ended up in ICU after being on them for several years , they tried to take their own life. It also seems like when the people I know on AD have big trials they can not handle them well since they have not figured a way to cope with anxiety by talking with a friend ,praying, meditating, exercising, talking with counselor etc.