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Depression and Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Eligard: What helps?

Posted by dgbauto @dgbauto, Nov 14, 2023

Has anyone felt lethargic and depressed from the Eligard shot. I received the 7.5 mg ( 30 day) about 2 1/2 weeks ago with another 22.5 coming at 30 days. I hate feeling like this, as if everything is an effort and a fight to stay motivated to start or do anything. Thanks

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samidh | @samidh | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @busterf "I finished 44 radiation treatments a year ago and have been on Eligard for about a..." + (show)
@busterf

I finished 44 radiation treatments a year ago and have been on Eligard for about a year and a half now. Depression, fatigue and a real lack of motivation have been a major problem for me in addition to numerous other side effects. This is compounded by the fact that I live alone on my farm in a very rural area where I’m isolated. Many days I don’t see another person. It’s been a struggle to keep my farming/ranching operation going because I’m the only full time employee. I do have some part time seasonal help. I work eight days a week.

I’ve found that socializing with family and friends has helped me. Listening to music also helps. Traveling and attending events rejuvenates me even though it’s difficult at times. In my younger years I competed in weightlifting for 27 years. This year, after a 20 year hiatus from competition, I competed again for the first time! I was able to break national and international records in my age group (I’m 63) and that has greatly inspired me! I’m now motivated to continue training and it’s carried over to other activities. It’s ironic, because my testosterone levels are at my lifetime lowest levels but I’m slowly gaining back some strength. Once I finish these Eligard treatments, I hope that all these negative side effects will gradually subside and life will be more enjoyable! I just had my last 4 month shot. Time will tell.

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"I was able to break national and international records in my age group (I’m 63) ". Very inspiring! Way to go!

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busterf | @busterf | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @dgbauto "Thank you, very inspiring, especially the weight lifting on top of the monumental task of running..." + (show)
@dgbauto

Thank you, very inspiring, especially the weight lifting on top of the monumental task of running a farm. I only have to take the Eligard for four mths total. Best of luck to you!!

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Thanks! I wish you all the best!

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ddun1953 | @ddun1953 | Nov 22, 2023

I had the surgery on Aug. 3rd. It has been fing hard but getting better now First BW said PSA ,0022, no spread and bones good. The peeing incessantly is awful but taking two pills. One called Minapine is for sadness and also for pee control. I don't really get to upset but have cried some but this mess we have been dealt is worth a few tears. The dinky is dead. Ok, 70 and 3 wives so enough sex. Try to stay positive and think you are up looking down not in the ground yet. Good Luck. I exercise 2 hours plus a day.

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john6stodolka | @john6stodolka | Nov 22, 2023
In reply to @wellness100 "Outdoor exercise if possible is the best." + (show)
@wellness100

Outdoor exercise if possible is the best.

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Your comments about weight lifting have inspired me, too. I'll start doing more of it immediately. Thank you!

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wellness100 | @wellness100 | Nov 22, 2023

I dont do weight. Must be some one else. However, it seems to make sense biologically.
It brings in more oxygen into the body, especially outdoor and in the early morning. It helps the normal cells
but not the malignant cells.
Building muscles takes away the nutrients from the cancer cells, presumably.
Being out door has the additional benefits of getting natural vitamin D. It is proved to increase the or help to maintain the level of T cells.
Although there is no scientific study that shows our immune system by itself can eliminate the caner cells, all the above helps to reduce the growth rate of the cancer. That helps the therapy to do its job.
I hope that helps. Dont mind me. I am just another layman trying to make some sense of the whole thing.

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