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ADT, depression and Wellbutrin
It’s not often that I get a chance to be on the forum anymore, but I thought my experience might be worthwhile to fellow prostate cancer warriors that are dealing with depression as a result of ADT.
Wellbutrin has been a game changer for me. After being on ADT for 6 months I started to develop moderate/serious depression. At 69 years of age, I had never dealt with depression, so I was an unfamiliar territory. I asked for pharmaceutical help from my oncologist and tried a number of things that did not work out. Finally, based on a family members experience with Wellbutrin, I asked for and received a prescription from my PCP. Not only am I no longer depressed, but I feel like I’ve got more energy, no brain fog and finally a desire and the focus needed again to get stuff done.
Please realize that I’m not giving medical advice; only sharing my experience. I hope that everyone that reads good luck on their journey with PCa.
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Hello,
I have not been on Wellbutrin, but I am having major depression and I gave no clue what to do about it. I was diagnosed at age 66 with G8 4+4 PC and went with radiation and Lupron my oncologist nor my urologist really told me what I would be in for. I have to admit that I was having erectile issues before diagnosis and have an implant, so getting an erection isn't the problem. The problem is I've been off Lupron for 15 months and still have absolutely no desire for anything. I miss the intimacy my wife and I shared before PC but it's just gone, we haven't been intimate for over 2 years because of this PC and I grieve over the fact that I'll never ever be the same again, I'm only 68 and simply damaged, but cancer free, a heartbreaking trade off.
Any comments are welcome.
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3 ReactionsThere’s so much familiar territory in your post that it would take me days to offer anything remotely helpful.
No one knows how Lupron will affect EVERY individual; you might be one of those unlucky few who have been thrown into a permanent funk.
Our desires and emotions are not just mental; they are mediated by certain chemicals produced in the brain - they are physical compounds that can be affected by stress, disease, malnutrition, etc. I am sure Lupron could be a culprit in this chemical imbalance.
Perhaps a consult with therapist/doctor who can write you an RX for Wellbutrin may very well be in order.
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2 ReactionsI had depression issues and they gave me trazadore and that helped me It is generic
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3 ReactionsGlad that worked for you. That is the best of my knowledge on SSRI. I tried a few different SSRIs and the side effects were more than I could handle, which is why I went the other way with Wellbutrin, which is a stimulant. Good luck on your journey.
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