Janice Kiecolt-Glaser: On Depression, Antidepressants, and the Immune System

Need Help

I am only 20 years old (soon 21) and I have struggled with severe depression and anxiety for years. As a result, I also have constant irrational thoughts, have trouble sleeping, and feel exhausted ALL the time. I also have chest pains and migraines, to where I can even feel like I am having a heart attack or stroke because it can all be so overwhelming. It has gotten so bad that I don't even feel I will live past 25 because even though I am not overweight, I stress myself out sooo much to where my heart and my head will pound so much that it feels like I am dying.

I can't go on like this, and I know I need to see a therapist and try meds before it is too late (though I am afraid it already is). I can't stand living like this anymore.

Antidepressants and autoimmune diseases

My husband is a family physician and recently prescribed lexapro for me. I am 40 and was in a terrible depression after a very traumatic event. Otherwise I had never been through depression that was debilitating or that I couldn't work through. ny thought was to take the medication temporarily to help as I worked through things. The exciting thing that happened is that my Sjogren's syndrome symptoms have improved dramatically. My dry eye is better. I sleep through the night instead of waking up 2 times to go to the bathroom. I have lots more energy and am needing less sleep than I did in all those years before the depression. I am also gluten intolerant..I have been able to cheat a little bit with mild effects. I can't believe it!! I have only been on the lexapro for about 5 weeks. I was taking 5 mg a day at first and after about 10 days or two weeks, I went to 2.5 mg every other night and then 5 mg on the other nights. I have no idea if this will last...but I certainly hope so.

immune system

i don't know what's wrong with my immune system,for i have a few flat warts on my face.i learned what cause this disease from internet.experts say some people are easy to get this disease when their immunity is lower.

a doctor prescribe for me, advising me to inject some medicines to improve my immune system. after i had done that, i found it unhelpful.my warts are still on my face.nothing changed.

i think the medicines are not helpful to our immune system as they said.maybe i should improve it by sports and good diet.

Proof Positive! Yes - they do boost Immune systems (mine!)

I'm the lucky one who had a very progressive Dr. from Emory U. She had heard that AD's can help AutoImmune issues so instead of subjecting me to a barrage of tests to isolate what kind of AI issues I had - we gave Prozac a try and I believe 200% it works to help strengthen my immune system by lowering inflamation. I have a very chubby face and I can see a huge difference in swelling there and in my wrists and fingers when I do and don't take Prozac and yes - I monitored salt & water just to make sure it was the meds. Maybe not all AD's work and I'm sure everyone is different in reactions. Read up on the treatment for MS and you'll see that AD's are one treatment option that helps lower the infamation at the nerve root level to try to stabalize damage. I have really arthritis (for the last 32 years) from being a competative gymnast in the days before good equipment and I do truely believe AD's do help lower infamation and boost the immune system and in my case also help manage the pain of damaged back nerves.

Anti Depression drugs and Immunity?

Nonsense.

As far as I know there is no reliable evidence of enhanced immune response in a direct cause and effect relationship as a result of administering drugs that are the subject of warnings and contraindications that extend for dozens of pages.

The data referred to in the article is speculative and anecdotal, precisely what one would expect from a media that is reliant for advertising revenue on the pronouncements of big pharma.

Modern pharmacology in treatment of depression

Modern pharmacology in treatment of depression

and borderlines: Antidepressants Valdoxan Agomelatine

Zoloft Koaksil Coaxil drug abuse Lerivon side effects

Tianeptine Coaxil Paroxetine Paxil Seroxat Amitriptyline

Elavil, Endep Venlafaxine Cymbalta Duloxetine Ixel

Milnacipran Lerivon Mianserin

http://home-psychiatrist.blogspot.com/

Depression and Your Immune System

The perceived link between depression and the immune system is an interesting one . . . one born out of less attention paid to healthy, daily routines including adequate sleep, good nutrition, moderate exercise and positive, social interaction for emotional support. Otherwise, the neglect of the above can only result in dis-ease, if you will. Add stress to the mix (ie. job loss, health insurance lapse, aging, loss of family or social withdrawal), the hopelessness, frustration, sadness and ubiquitous personal inertia require advocacy and intervention. Without anti-depressant medication to regulate seratonin uptake in the brain to achieve balance and restore well-being, the circular, downward spiral can be never-ending. Twenty-five years personal experience can attest to that. Thank God there exists better living through chemistry; no one has to suffer such debilitation, but rather, can move forward and live life to its fullest.

Chronic depression

I am 72 years old and as a Type II diabetic. I was diagnosed about eight years ago. I believe in my side of the treatment of diabetes i.e. taking my medication, working with my physician and care educators at the diabetic clinic I go to for 6 months A1C test and review of medicines. Also, I have been very conscientious about my weight control which is good; my meal planning and counting carbs and checking my blood sugars fairly regularly (almost!! twice daily. BUT, I also have chronic depression, on antidepressants, and a minimum use of Xanax for anxiety. Recently for some time now, I tire of the meal planning, desire sweets, really lack in exercise (I used to exercise regularly three times a week and I day hiked in the mountains at age 56 throught 60. I loved it! I think it's depression that holds me back. I probably over-concern myself to the point of feeling my health just is not good. No counseling now since we moved to a rural town in Kansas from Colorado about4 1/2 yrs ago. I have several good friends here,

there is a hospital here, some mental health care in Goodland, KS. Very hard to get fresh produce here except for garden sales in the Spring and Summer months. Thank goodness! I seem to have lost my desire to prepare food parly because my husband almost absolutely prefer potatoes, gravy eats twice a much as he should. Sometimes I really am not feeling hungry, but will go for breads, graham crackers, and something sugar free to excess. I'm just not certain what to do.

the dr is ripping off america

Alcoholism is not a Disease,History and science have shown us that the existence of the disease of alcoholism is pure speculation,Nevertheless, medical professionals and American culture lovingly embraced the disease concept and quickly applied it to every possible deviant behavior from alcohol abuse to compulsive lecturing. The disease concept was a panacea for many failing medical institutions adding billions to the industry and leading to a prompt evolution of pop-psychology. Research has shown that alcoholism is a choice, not a disease, and stripping alcohol abusers of their choice, by applying the disease concept, is a threat to the health of the individual. http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/447/1/Alcoholism-is-not-a-Disease/Page1.html

Excellent article

Since I began taking anti-depressant medication 17 years ago, I have not only enjoyed life for the first time but my overall health has improved dramatically. Yes, there are side effects from taking anti-depressant medication but the side effects seem to mostly very positive. The real problem is that too many peole with depression but without health insurance are nhot taking anti-depressant medication.