Depression and Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Eligard: What helps?

I can't speak specifically to Eligard, but I've been getting Firmagon shots (also ADT) every month for 25 months now. After each shot, I feel pretty sick for a day or two, a bit like a flu or a strong reaction to a vaccine, but by day 3 I'm usually back to 80% of normal again (except for some swelling at the injection site).

The other thing, though, is that ADT messes with our hormones, so just like for women undergoing menopause, I get big mood swings the first week after a shot, and depression can be one of them. After a couple of years, the mood swings have become mild and rare, but a year or so ago I'd suddenly be depressed or even in tears for no good reason (until my partner reminded me that it was only 4 days since my shot).

Good luck, and I hope it also gets easier for you over time.

I definitely feel lethargic or what I call fatigued one year after radiation and starting Eligard. My explanation is that I feel like I constantly have the flu but know that I don't. I ran into a cancer researcher who is involved in studies using DNA to find why and where cancer is in the body. He explained to me that my fatigue, hot flashes and even depression are caused by side effects of treatments that had affected the brain (pituitary) and it will take a while, possibly even years, to let the brain figure out how to get back to normal - after stopping leuprolide. Since he made literally tens of millions selling his company to a large pharmaceutical corporation, I have to believe he knows something about this. Everything I read in these posts and others says hormonal therapy isn't fun but it is necessary. I have to agree.

Dear 'dgbauto', yes, the above gives a good sampling of the side effects of ADT. Mine are similar. Hot flashes reduced by Paroxetine, loss of energy helped by so B12 complex, and now - after 18 months of ADT - my mood has shifted considerably but helped by some minor psychological counseling.
And having the PC controlled now is worth it. And when (if) I get my last shot in March '24 I look forward to these slowly reducing.
Right now my only big worry is that all the things I do to improve/maintain my quality of life are making it a bit more difficult to more thoroughly enjoy my quality of life. Yeah, kind of screwy isn't it. So goes PC.
Stay on track killing the PC and invent your own best workarounds to the side effects.
Be strong and angry at the PC, not yourself.
GranPun

dgbauto @dgbauto: I've encountered side effects from both Eligard (Leuprolide) and Goserelin, including lethargy, fatigue, and hot flashes. Initially, the hot flashes were intense and frequent within the first day or two post-administration. Gradually, over a couple of weeks, they became more manageable. Effectively addressing depression is crucial, as one can reclaim a sense of control by reviving long-lost hobbies or passions as I have been able to do.

@samidh @grandpun @john6stodolka @northoftheborder, it's affirming to hear from others that androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) like Eligard affect you the same way, i.e., lethargy, mood swings, depression, etc.

I think what might additionally be helpful for @dgbauto and many others reading this discussion is to hear what you do about it. Is recognizing that it is the medication causing the effect enough for you to "push" through?

- How do you regain interest in the things you enjoy?
- How to you overcome the lethargy?
- What helps?

– How do you regain interest in the things you enjoy?
I've revisited my childhood, completing Enid Blyton's 'Fatty' and 'Famous Five' series. Rediscovering Harry Potter filled me with renewed wonder. I'm about to delve into Asterix and later, Tintin. Despite my croaking voice now, I've resumed recording my songs. Entertaining my grandchildren with verses from Macbeth and Julius Caesar has been a joy. Honestly, I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm finding more joy in life now than I did a year ago
– How do you overcome the lethargy?
I try to invent some pressing necessity to go out and take my 2-wheeler for a spin. And a long walk in the evening when my legs don't ache so much.
– What helps?
Savouring every moment of the day. When I struggle to sleep due to leg and back pain, I rely on Ibuprofen, along with a nightly 10mg dose of Melatonin. Besides my prescribed medications from the Oncologist, I avoid additional supplements. Despite the mental debate about meals (concerning my expanding waistline), I still take pleasure in enjoying them.

For me, I think it goes something like this:

I get distracted by my children and/or grandchildren which always helps.

This has been hard on my wife. I feel sorry for her that I've changed so much so I try to be more thoughtful of what will make her happy and that helps me feel better. (What a guy, huh!)

Good music helps me forget that I have cancer. Makes my mind wander a bit.

People watching is a perfect way to stop thinking about myself.

Sports on TV are great for me as I can sit while relaxed and get my mind involved in what others are doing, not thinking about what I'm doing.

Good TV shows also get my mind off it all for a bit but I can never fully forget what's going on in my body.

I'm religious and a church service or Mass is a wonderful distraction.

Exercise is helpful but many times it's the last thing my body feels like doing. (However, I personally don't find exercise the answer to getting rid of all of these side effects, anyway.) A good, daily walk is necessary, though.

For me, the constant hot flashes drive me nuts. I don't know how to stop them. Getting up every two hours at night with a hot flash isn't fun. Getting them all day long is awful. I've even tried to guess when they'll happen - I'm getting pretty good at it.

I'm in a support group for prostate cancer. Sometimes that can get a little tiresome when people tell their stories but overall I get new information every meeting, which is therapeutic.

The best thing I do to get away from leuprolide side effects is be with people. I'm gregarious and it comes naturally. I always feel better after a lunch, dinner or just casual meeting with someone.
I guess it reminds me that everyone has problems. When I'm with other people, I don't have time to pity myself.

It was very surprising for me to find that side effects from radiation can start six months to a year after treatments stop. This happened to me when I found I had radiation proctitis exactly six months after my last treatment. That just added more to the lethargy, muscle loss, depression and totally unexpected change in my lifestyle. I mention this as it's clear to me that once diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have it in some form forever. The best thing I can do is try to be distracted by the things I mentioned, or anything else that works, as this is my new way of life - like it or not.

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.

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!!

Outdoor exercise if possible is the best.