On Lupron experiencing major depression and anxiety

Hey Stevieg,
I do support and encourage you in your fight on two serious fronts: PC and the nasty Lupron side effects.
I had 2-years of Lupron after my RALP and am now one year since last shot.
During Lupron I had a slow rolling depression that sneaked up on me. The summer after last shot was a real haze broken only by some high level activities that forced me out of my shell.
But gladly 9-months after last shot the depression started to subside. And now (the 1-year since last shot), the other bothersome side effects are very slowly ebbing away. Life is so much better.
I pray that your journey will become even 'less bad' than mine.
Hang in there. You're gonna win these battles.

Thanks for the positive feedback did you have radiation also ?

I hope you to continue to share details of your journey, be it a rant to help you vent, frustration over simply maintaining the status quo or good news on some forward progress. You may never know the impact your posts have, but others will read and benefit from them now and into the future. We are to have you here!
Bill

No rad's needed, thankfully.

I had 46 treatments ending last May plus the lupron now on 1000 mg zytiga with prednisone and Megace supposed to start testosterone injections possibly next month .inonly nap at night a hour and a half at a time this is crazy for sure

Same situation here but 3 years in. It’s tough, I hope you’re doing better.
Randy

I had the same experience from Lupron and just was generally miserable when I first started taking ADT. If you read my posts from last August you will see how bad things were.

My depression got so bad I started having suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of just refusing treatment. I did several things that were helpful. I'm putting down the cost (U.S.) since I know some of these things are expensive but most aren't.

1. Started exercising like crazy. Gym: $20 a month. Walking 3-5 miles: free. Bicycling: Free (if you already have a bike)

2. Joined a support group (free) and this forum (free). Have been attending support group meetings regularly. You can find a good list at Zero (https://zerocancer.org/help-and-support/find-support-group). Some are more focused on physical aspects of treatment, some on emotional/mental and some are balanced. I tried two before finding one I really liked.

3. Began seeing a therapist. $225 a session, my insurance paid $200. If you're on Medicare I think they pay about the same amount.

4. Started taking Wellbutrin prescribed by my GP at the advice of therapist: Cost: $5 a month (with insurance), $15 without using GoodRX or another discount coupon.

5. Volunteer work (free). Let's me help others and do something unrelated to prostate cancer.

I switched from Lupron to Orgovyx halfway through my treatment and things were better, but I don't know if that was due to the change in medication or because I was doing all these other things to feel better. I 100% get how you are feeling. These drugs affect everyone differently. For example, I never got hot flashes. Others never got depression.

Same here, hope you’re doing better. 3 years into the Lupron therapy, actually got an injection this morning.
Wishing you all the best.

Hi Stevieg,
Thanks for the added info. But I know you're over my head with the mix of treatments/medications you list. Or I'm just befuddled.
The Zytiga + prednisone seems to be mostly used when ADT (Lupron, etc) may lead to castrate resistant PC.
But why the Megace?? I'd sure need to ask my urologist oncologist for details and "why". It's normal use seems to be in breast cancer (no mention of our PC) and/or to enhance appetite and weight gain.
And next you see testosterone injections in your future.
Like I said, over my head. Why enhancing T during concerns of PC?
I, and maybe others, are/were just focused on Rad and Lupron side effects. Lots more seems to be going on here, my man!
Maybe we need some more info as to your progression with the PC.
Other treatments????
Current PSA status??
Other recent tests?
Metastatic (seems likely from your comments).
Lots of great experienced readers here to help.
We all need support.

I had my prostate removed in April of 21 was doing well until labs early 24 it returned in my lymph nodes started lupron and radiation March 24 finished radiation in May 25 moved out of state started new onocologist last month he’s made tbe changes . I was curious also about tbt T injections the way I understand it they are small doses to ez the side effects I’ll find out more in a couple weeks thanks for the input !!