Antidepressants with CML meds?

Tanya - PLEASE wait and see.  Prophylactic antidepressants??!!??  If you are not on them now, do not start.  If you feel better because you have stopped the Gleevec, it is entirely possible the depression was caused by Gleevec and will not return or be present when on Sprycel.  That was my experience, so it is possible for it to be yours, also, correct?  Maybe?  Why not wait and see how you feel on Sprycel AFTER YOU START IT?  If the depression returns on Sprycel, by all means ask for help.  People do indeed take antidepressants while on TKI's; I will let those experienced in this reply.  In the meantime, if you are not taking antidepressants right now, just make a clean start with Sprycel and expect to feel better, not worse.  Some things take time, but here's what I noticed in the very first week off Gleevec and on Sprycel:  periorbital edema almost completely gone, facial edema ditto, zero nausea, zero malaise, zero diarrhea.  Not feeling lousy and looking much better helped lay the groundwork for mood lifting, although it took a few months and therapy.  But never again the near suicidal depression.  Depression on imatinib is rare, but it does happen.

I don't want to be a nag, nor do I want to set myself up as some kind of expert, but I kinda feel sorry for a tummy that has to manage "taking everything I can to feel better, painkillers [and] every vitamin under the sun" along with a new drug, Sprycel.  I think I might feel like shit, too.  Just a gentle suggestion here:  could you take a week off from EVERYTHING but Sprycel and see how it goes?  No diet changes either?  Just live and go about your business - try to fill your mind and your day with things you like.  Try it for a week?

Hi Tanya, I don’t know what your mental health was prior to being diagnosed with CML but I can give you a little bit of information on what I went thru in my life and why I went on an antidepressant. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 51 I was so depressed and anxious I could not function in a normal life. I had repetiitive anxious thoughts, cried all the time and wanted to stay in bed.  I had also been through several very traumatic events in my life at the time. Several months later I decided to go on Lexapro 30 mg . For me it was a life saver.  Depression and medications still have a stigma which is sad. Everyone has to decide for themselves what level their depression is. All this being said I would definitely wait for awhile to see if your mood will improve once on Sprycel. I also highly recommend  talk therapy because studies have shown the benefits.  It is always better not to take the medicine if you can do without it but if you can’t function then it’s ok to try it. I do not recommend mixing pain  killers and antidepressants.  When being diagnosed with CML last year I still remained on Lexapro at 10 mg. and have had no problems. It’s hard once you start the antidepressants to come off them but it certainly is possible always under Doctor supervision because you can not stop them abruptly, always should be tapered.  In my case when I tried, my depression worsened. Again if possible wait a few weeks to see how your mood does being on the Sprycel. Even when you start the antidepressant it will take a few weeks at least to kick in. Love and hugs Dawn

I second everything Dawn so helpfully added.  Have you had your vitamin D, B, and Magnesium levels tested and found you were deficient?  If not, they are a waste of money and stomach acid.  However, they would not hurt with Sprycel, although as I said, it's a lot for your stomach and liver and kidneys to manage.  Turmeric is controversial, but certainly would not make you feel lousy.  I would definitely drop the Ginseng and the MACA.  Why are you taking codeine?!!  (panadeine forte)  Do you have an alcohol recovery support group?

Your primary care doctor can order the tests, and I don't see any reason why not to - you want to be in the best nutritionally healthy condition you can be in order to help the Sprycel help you.  It will give you peace of mind (and save on buying out the pharmacy!)  Your onc might help here, as well.  I would stay away from the other stuff.  Sounds good on the AA.  Hang in there - things will get better!