Depression caused by TLE

[Bunny]

Dear Friends,

I am doing pretty much with my current regimen ( TDF+LMV+EFV), my numbers also good.

But these days I am feeling depressive, feeling lonely hopelessness, vivid dreams as well as not concentrating on my work. These days I was very angry upon my family members. Some times I get panic attacks as well.

I consulted doctor and he supposed to switch/change my current regimen to costly one which I am not afford, in the mean while he prescribed to anti depressants and anti anxiety medicines.

1. Fluxetine 20 mg - 2 times
2. Alprazolam 0.5 mg  - one time evening

I have some questions to ask :-

1. Is it the only way to  change the current regimen to get rid of this depression caused by current regimen?
2. Above medicines (anti depressants ) are good for long time to continue?
3. Is any one have any experience like me here and how they overcome it?
4. I am almost 6 years passed with my current regimen and not get like this situation, why after long duration this depression attacked to me?
5. Is the antidepressants can help me?
Please can any one help me.
 

[Jim Allen]

Hiya

Sorry to hear about how you are feeling and hopefully things will be better soon

I'm on the mobile phone and will post a longer post later.

Point 4)

In short my own understanding is depression, rarely has one clear cause and HIV meds rarely cause it outright,  but they can and do for some popeople enhance moods and/or worsen an exciting depression.

Point 1)
It could be a needed step

Point 5)
Antidepressants can help and be a vital step in the process of getting well

Point 2)
Really a medical treatment question for a qualified doctor

I moved your thread to this section, do have a look at the welcome post on this section of the forum as well as it contains a lot of information about depression.

Take it easy and know that you are not alone in this.

Hugs

Jim

[Bunny]

Hiya

Sorry to hear about how you are feeling and hopefully things will be better soon

I'm on the mobile phone and will post a longer post later.

Take it easy and know that you are not alone in this.

Hugs

Jim

Thanks a lot for your time Jim, Waiting for your longer post.

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Again sorry to hear you are feeling like this, particularly to hear you are feeling  lonely hopelessness. Sounds like your not sure why you are feeling this way?
(Feel free not to answer that one)

Know that you are not alone and I am sure other members will chime in, plenty have posted in this section and, it might also help you to read back their threads as well.

The basics next to counseling that really can aid truly are exercise, adequate sleep, healthy diet, avoiding isolation and, as for the antidepressant well they are proven effective tools in the treatment of depression. https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=68981.msg

That said the meds are not a one stop shop if you ask me and the Prozac (Fluxetine) and the Xanax (Alprazolam) will take time to have effect and long term I think understanding better why your feeling depressed and, than learning/understanding how to prevent or manage this, is key to preventing it from happening again and recovery. That is just my opinion of course.

Perhaps you could also look into if any counselling is available or other forms of face to face support, if not even peer support can often help.

I am almost 6 years passed with my current regimen and not get like this situation, why after long duration this depression attacked to me?

Yeah odd one but as said before depression, and the feelings you mentioned rarely have one clear cause and HIV meds rarely cause it outright, but they can and do for some people enhance moods and/or worsen exciting depression or problems. Also depression can happen to people at any stage.

I consulted doctor and he supposed to switch/change my current regimen to costly one which I am not afford

Now I would not dismiss the idea of switching HIV meds either, however perhaps have another discussion with the doctor why they feel this is the cause and, explaining to them the challenge faced with switching to the suggested meds might be in order. Perhaps they might be open to considering other combinations that would work yet suit financially better.

Sorry that I could not be more help, but if you need us we are here for you and do feel welcome to keep us posted.

Jim

https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.hiv.html

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-depression
https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-exercise
https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-nutrition

[Bunny]

Thanks for your kind words Jim,

Let us see what my doctor another opinion and update you soon.
Here in our country limited option available to switch the medicine.
Again Thanks

[Bunny]

Visited My Doctor,

After accessing my issues, he recommended to visit counsellor, after two sessions now its look like calming my anxiety. Presently he suggested to stop 1.) Fluxetine 20 mg  continuing 2.) Alprazolam 0.5 mg  - one time evening.  Every thing going well now except feeling something something crawling on my scalp.

Thanks Jim.

[Jim Allen]

Great update and thanks for keeping us posted.

I'm  really glad to hear that the sessions have helped, and don't forget to look at the little changes you can make to routines as well, like taking the time for yourself to go for walks, eat well etc etc 

As the crawling feeling, with dropping the Fluxetine hopefully that will subside but if it does not do let the doc know.

Take care

Jim