4 replies to this topic

[Terrasage]

Hi everyone,

I've done some googling but thought I would check in here to see if anyone has found that gleevec has affected how wellbutrin is working for them.  I've been on wellbutrin for several years now and started on Gleevec around 3/6/09.  In the last couple of months, it seems that my PMS symptoms are much, much worse and they seem to show up sooner.  I can hardly stand myself so you can imagine what my husband is living with.  I don't think that this is a result of CML-related anxiety, I am lucky enough to say overall, exclusive of PMS, I feel physically and mentally fine.  I don't obsess about the CML, I eat a healthy diet most of the time, stay active, etc.

I've read that gleevec may dilute the effects of medication since it is working so hard to push the bad blood cells out of my system quickly, or something like that.  If that is the case, will it make a difference if my dosage is increased?

Thank you--from both myself AND my poor husband! (I'm laughing - but not really).

TS

[VickiW]

Hi TS!

I have not been on any PMS drugs as I went through a very early menopause and was done long before the CML kicked in.  That said, I do remember very clearly saying to my Onc shortly after starting Gleevec, "Gee, I feel like I am going through menstral cycles all over again, cramping, bloating, mood swings and all!".  I was reminded that we are after all, a walking bag of hormones and chemical warfare is raging in our bodies and it doesn't take a whole lot for things to get thrown out of balance.  Once I recognized the cause and was able to accept I wasn't going crazy, I just learned to spot the swings for what they were and my poor hubby was able to stop ducking

[Terrasage]

Thank you V, for that reminder.  I think I read somewhere about other people having really angry feelings that they don't recall having experienced pre-CML/gleevec...egads, really don't want that to be a part of my "new normal"...

[DancingRain]

TS-

I had PMS prior to my hysterectomy in 2006, and was having only minor depression when I was diagnosed with CML in 2007. After starting on Gleevec, I had depression and anxiety and was started on Cymbalta. It has worked wonders for me. I have had various antidepressants stop working on me over the years (when I had PMS) and had to switch to something different. You may want to talk to your PCP or your counselor about switching to another medication. I added vitamin D3 over the winter when my depression worsen, now I feel much better.

Good luck! I remember those days well, and I am glad I am over it!! I had the horrible PMDD, so having surgery was a life saver for me and my family

Angie AKA DancingRain

[MJL]

Hi TS,

Fortunately I have not needed any antidepressants since starting  on Gleevec three weeks ago, although I have suffered from Anxiety for several years with occasional bouts of depression.  I tried several medications at first including Wellbutrin, it literally "put me over the edge"  I was a mess for the entire week as I tried to justify  my body adjusting to the drug. Finally when I could stand it no more my Doctor changed my medication and instantly I started to feel better.  I have spoken to other people who have had the same reaction to Wellbutrin.  I guess what I am saying is perhaps you should talk to your Doctor about trying a different medicine, not all medication works the same way for everyone, the addition of Gleevec might have changed how you now respond to Wellbutrin. Good luck.

MJL