Antidepressants overlap the effects o biologics

Posted by Lorena Egas @lorena1egas, May 20, 2023

Have you find a problem when taking a ssri while on any biologic? Ive tried twice and get the opposite reaction. While the biologic clear my mind and keep me focus and without fatigue, when combined with an ssri I get confused, tense and asleep during the day (narcolepsy). I had to stop the ssri to return to normal. Before my autoinmune diagnosis, I never had bad reactions with ssri in general. Do you have problems with ssri while on biologics?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

I can share my experience with you~~I have been taking Cymbalta for probably 10 years, I'm guessing around 2013 or so. In 2019 I was finally diagnosed with GCA after losing sight in one eye and started. By October of that year, I was on 80 mg of steroids and the biologic Actemra.
Personally, I never noticed a thing. I will say I know I'm going to feel certain things from all the steroids, from the autoimmune disease as well as other chronic illnesses and meds....I wouldn't know what to blame if I felt a little something. I do rest if I'm super fatigued ..but all in all, I feel good. 💞

REPLY
@grammy82

I can share my experience with you~~I have been taking Cymbalta for probably 10 years, I'm guessing around 2013 or so. In 2019 I was finally diagnosed with GCA after losing sight in one eye and started. By October of that year, I was on 80 mg of steroids and the biologic Actemra.
Personally, I never noticed a thing. I will say I know I'm going to feel certain things from all the steroids, from the autoimmune disease as well as other chronic illnesses and meds....I wouldn't know what to blame if I felt a little something. I do rest if I'm super fatigued ..but all in all, I feel good. 💞

Jump to this post

@grammy82 thsnls for sharing. I am never fatigued while on the biologic and never depressed. Some months when having more intelectual work I have 4 days burnout before the next shot. Thats why I tried the psychiatric medication but narcolepsy is a very risky bad effect. The last time I tried just 50 mg bupropion the narcolepsy lasted more than 3 weeks and Ive got an accident and received surgery for my ankle. Its still mysterious that I got that everytime I tried to take an ssri. Its not just beign sleepy

REPLY

What biologic do you take and why? Do you think it is possible you do not need the antidepressant since you don't get depressed? Narcolepsy is a specific illness in itself, and could it be that is what you should be treated for? Are you satisfied with your doctor? Do you think a second opinion would help you? Try Googling Narcolepsy on the Mayo Clinic website and see if you can find some information that will help. 💞

REPLY

Thanks I dont have narcolepsy diagnostic. At Mayo Clinic they did the sleep study. My condition is still disease (juvenil arthritis) and I have a diagnosis of depression with GAD. Usually the autoinmunity has both cormobidities. There arent any mistakes in my diagnosis at Mayo Clinic where I have my doctors and follow ups since 2015. I am getting bad answers to ssris. Ill wait to my reumathologist to answer my message at the patient portal to guide me to understand my specific bad reaction to ssri. Maybe Its enough with the biologic treatment and they can choose to improve the antiinflamation treatment instead of adding psychiatric meds. Thanks

REPLY
@lorena1egas

Thanks I dont have narcolepsy diagnostic. At Mayo Clinic they did the sleep study. My condition is still disease (juvenil arthritis) and I have a diagnosis of depression with GAD. Usually the autoinmunity has both cormobidities. There arent any mistakes in my diagnosis at Mayo Clinic where I have my doctors and follow ups since 2015. I am getting bad answers to ssris. Ill wait to my reumathologist to answer my message at the patient portal to guide me to understand my specific bad reaction to ssri. Maybe Its enough with the biologic treatment and they can choose to improve the antiinflamation treatment instead of adding psychiatric meds. Thanks

Jump to this post

My apologies; I should have read your biography instead of jumping all over the board with questions. I know you couldn't be in better hands.
I'm so sorry I misunderstood completely, and I appreciate the information you gave me. I have much to learn, and am grateful for your kindness. My very best. 💞

REPLY
@grammy82

My apologies; I should have read your biography instead of jumping all over the board with questions. I know you couldn't be in better hands.
I'm so sorry I misunderstood completely, and I appreciate the information you gave me. I have much to learn, and am grateful for your kindness. My very best. 💞

Jump to this post

@grammy82 No need to apologize. Sharing here helps ourselves to find answers to our confusión and you are the only one that got interested. So, you helped me to put in order my thoughts. We all are learning from ourselves, our doctors and others. Thanks for caring and take time for me

REPLY

These issues are such stressful things...it gives me joy to 'hold another's hand' since it helped me so much. It continues to help me. Just knowing you aren't alone...that is how I feel and what gives me strength. I had a neighbor about ten years ago who was very ill and went to the Mayo Clinic; we live in Indiana. He had a rare disease that Mayo discovered. They recommended a doctor for him in Indiana and he also went back to Mayo every three months. It helps to talk and thank you!! Please keep in touch.💞

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.