Kristi Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Mom tells me that Dad is so irritable lately. He's had two chemotherapy treatments so far along with his regular radiation. I know he's tired and that might have something to with it to. Before cancer his days consisted of his easy chair and cable TV. Now, he's up at 5:00 am every week day and traveling 45 minutes each way to the hospital and on his chemo days doesn't get home until late afternoon. I can imagine he's pooped! He's already on and has been on an anti-depressant but I don't think it's working. I *think* it's Wellbutrin. Is there another drug they can request that might help him "go with the flow" alittle easier? My Dad isn't the type to bring up this conversation with his doctor so I thought I'd ask for opinions here. I think my Mom is just about ready to ring his neck. Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Lexapro worked very well for me. I think cancer and its treatment are known for bringing on depression and anxiety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Kristi - Is he on any steroids by any chance. Tom was on them while getting chemo and he was a real bear to deal with. I can certainly understand your mothers need to want to ring his neck. I've been there. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 I used zoloft (there is a generic for this, can't remember the name). I started out on Welbutrin, also. I don't know why, but at my first Onc appt., they switched me to zoloft. It did wonders for me. Also, I had a prescription for 1/2 mg. Ativan - 1 or 2 tablets every x (don't remember how often) as needed for anxiety. I think the irritability is related to the steroids given during chemo. Chemo and radiation (either/both) can be making him tired and this may get worse as he receives more treatments. My advice is to just let him sleep when he needs to and ignore his irritability as he really can't help it and, I'm sure, doesn't mean to say/do some of the things he is doing. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Kristi, Ditto on what everyone said. I was also grochy because I was terrified! I was already on an antidepressent, but the ONC also put me on ativan. She told me that it helps with the anxiety and some help with nausea. Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Decadron, a steroid mom was on, made her really amped up...is he taking decdron? Often antideepressents take some timme to take hold in ones system...so maybe give a little time on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Hi there. I was on decadron during chemotherapy as well. And yes, you sure do get irritable and grouchy, not much fun to be around at all. Getting off the decadron can be even worse. So if he is on decardon it is probably very much the culprit. Tell your mom that this too will pass. I found it best if people just left me alone during my grouchy period. Take care. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristi Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 Talked to Mom and yes, he's on Decadron so that explains it. She's going to talk to his primary care doctor next week about it. As always, thanks for the replies and great advice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrider1 Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Kristi, I took dexamethasone (generic decadron) while on chemo, I only took the steroid for two to three days after the chemo infusion and the two days of chemo pills. The roid rage is noticable in me in about two days. I also found out recently that the side effects I thought were due to the chemo came from the steroids. You might ask his Dr.s if he can take them for a shorter time (depending on his regime, mine was once every four weeks a 3 hour infusion and two days of pills) or at a lower dose. That also makes it not so hard to step down off of them when he no longer needs them. I found that the ativan (anti-anxiety pill) help tone the roid rage down some. The anti-depressants I took, were for major clinical depression from a couple of years before my cancer diagnosis, so I was off of those by that time, and decided that I did not want to go back on them unless absolutely necessary. Zoloft (setraline is the generic name) was my magic pill, it worked great. But I had to keep upping the dosage as my body built up a tolerance quite quickly (that doesn't happen with everyone). There are a whole slew of different types of anti-depressants that they can try if you don't think the one he is on is working. Hope that helps a little. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trawna Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 You may want to talk to your MD about an antidepressant such as lorazipam and/or venlaflaxine. My husband was unbelieveably grouchy (not without reason for sure!) until he was prescribed both the antidepressant and also the sleep aid, since he was not sleeping well either. He still complains about being tired, etc. but at least the massive depression has gone, and now that he is getting some sleep it is really helping him to deal on a daily basis. Thniking of you, and hoping for all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrider1 Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Trawna, is right, in that they both may help. Especially since, the lack of sleep (sleep deprivation) makes both anxiety and depression worse. It is a vicious circle of more anxiety, more depression, fed by lack of sleep, poor diet and exercise, etc. All of which are seen to a degree in all cancer patients. Here is some information on the drugs that trawna mentioned as well as on the steroid. Lorazepam (trade name Ativan) is a mood stabilizer much like xanax or valium. It acts on the brain and cental nervouse system and has a calming effect. It is used to treat anxiety and also to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for sleeping trouble (insomnia). It is not usually prescribed for depression as it is not an anti depressant, but is many times used in conjunction with an anti-depressant. (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6685-At ... tivan+Oral) Venlaflaxine (trade name Effexor) is an SNRI ( selective norepiniphrine re-uptake inhibitor.) anti-depressant. It works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-1836-Ef ... genumber=4) Dexamethesone (trade name decadron) is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions and is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome). (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6748-De ... adron+Oral) I listed the web site link to the page I used to look up the information in case you want to look it up for yourself. (and also cause I learned a long time ago, to always list your sources when possible.) I use several different on line medical and pharmacy sites but find WebMD to be the most comprehensive and up-to-date. Dawn (I hope it is okay to post all of this, if not, Katie or someone feel free to move or remove as you see fit) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 I was just awful on Decadron, I had to take it for four days during chemo (day of and three days after). I couldn't sleep with it, but it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and really helped with my breathing and coughing. I also take Ativan for calming and Hycodan cough syrup now and feel like my old self! If your dad has a bad cough, ask about Hycodan. No point suffering needlessly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristi Posted April 14, 2009 Author Share Posted April 14, 2009 Great info! Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 I was on Decadron daily during my radiation and after it. I couldn't stand myself so I am sure that my son and husband wanted to do more than wring my neck!!! It was awful!!! My PA told me that it can get so bad that some people have steroid-induced psychosis so please keep that in the back of your head if Dad gets too bad!! I tried Lexapro and the first night I took it, I could feel my heart beating inside my chest so hard I thought my shest was going to explode. Down the toilet those went!!! And of course, just having cancer and having to go through all of this is reason enough to be grouchy!! Good luck - let us know how Dad is doing!! Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kukla Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Glenn was a REAL BEAR for the first couple of months. He also took decadron. His PCP prescribed the generic version of zoloft, which is an SSRI. After about 4 weeks, he was back to being a sweetheart again. The last time he went for chemo, he was nice to the nurses and told them he was never better. Real progress. Good luck and god bless. You all have enough to handle, this does make it more difficult. Don't forget to take care of yourselves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy66 Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Can't remember who posted it but the fact that coming off decadron can make you even more irratible helps. My husband finished his on Tuesday and his energy plummeted and his irritability skyrocketed. Makes sense now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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