12 replies to this topic

[Rey]

Hi everyone,

I am not new here, but I haven't been here for a couple of years. My history with CML is: I was diagnosed three years ago; I've been on 400mg mg Gleevec since then, everything seems goods with bloodwork; I experience limited side effects, mostly fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, brain fog. Mostly because to my job situation, I've been experiencing depression for several months now and my primary just prescribed Prozac. Has anyone here on Gleevec tried this combination? The information on the web that I can find only says that the Prozac may increase concentration of the Gleevec in the blood.

Thanks

Rick

[SunNsand]

Hi, I don't know about Prozac specifically, but I have been on a couple of other depression meds. I started on them a few yrs. before my diagnosis and my Onc has said it was ok. You've probably already used the Drug Interctions Checker http://www.drugs.com...teractions.html.

SunNsand

[kaufmanp]

Prior to being diagnosed with CML I had been on Prozac off and on over the years.  I wasn't on it when diagnosed but felt I needed to go back on it for depression/anxiety reasons.  My onc decided to have me try Wellbutrin instead due to the known Prozac interactions with Gleevec.  So far so good for me on the Wellbutrin.  YMMV.

PK

[Tedsey]

As a fellow person stuggling with depression, I can tell you that Prozac and Gleevec are NOT the best match.  I would suggest having a phsychiatrist evaluate your situation and prescibe accordingly.  If I may be so bold, I think it was very irresponsible for your doctor to prescribe Prozac without checking with a pharmacist, etc.  How many other patients does he have with CML?  Let me guess....just you.  My shrink did not want me on Prozac while on Gleevec (and since his biz is doling out SSRIs and such on a daily basis, I trust an expert over an internist, in this regaurd).  I have been taking 100mg Zoloft with much success.  Here is a link to a pretty good site about drugs: http://www.drugs.com...5-0-1321-0.html

Take care,

Tedsey

[Rey]

Thanks for the information. This is what I was afraid of. I have had the prozac for a week now but I have not used it out of fear of problems. I had suggested Zoloft, which I do know has some issues as well, but she prescribed Prozac. I guess that I will wait this out until I meet with my new cancer specialist next month. Thanks again.

[Tedsey]

The only downside I know of from Zoloft is that, in very rare instances, it can lower platelets (in anyone, not just people on TKIs--and only very slightly).  Otherwise, it appears to be compatible with both Gleevec and Sprycel (the 2 drugs I have been on).  I am so sorry you have to wait a whole month.  It usually takes a few weeks for the full effect of the SSRIs and such to kick in.  I wish you strength in handling anything that comes your way until you find the right drug.  Here for ya.

Best of luck,

Tedsey

[Rey]

Thanks Tedsey,

I am glad that I posted here before taking the Prozac. It's sitting at home now, unopened. I have good days and bad, the bad are usually a result of job stress and lack of sleep. Today's a good day. I can make it a month, I've been like this for a couple of years now, so one month is no big deal. I'm glad to hear that the Zoloft is working for you.

Sincerelt

Rey

[Susan61]

Hi Rick:  I have not used Prozac, but I was on Zoloft wth my Gleevec with no problems.  The thing with Zoloft was that it actually made me feel so numb mentally.  I could feel no emotions.  Zoloft prevents you from being able to even cry.  I had gone to family funerals, and was very calm with no tears.

Everyone must have thought I was a very uncaring person, but it was the medicaton.  All these medications do different things to different people.

Right now I am not on any antidepressants at all.  I finally decided I wanted to do it on my own.  So far so good.  ALways good to check before taking anything.  I have had doctors write a script for me, and not even consider the Gleevec or any of my other meds.  Then I would check it out myself.

Wishing you well to find what works for you.

Susan 61

[Rey]

Hi Susan,

Thanks for the info. I have used Zoloft and Prozac n the past, before CML hit. Of the two, Zoloft seemed to smooth me out the best. I understand what you mean about losing emotions, which I would not want in the long term, but would be nice for the short term (a few months maybe).

Sincerely

Rey

[SunNsand]

My medication doesn't affect my platelets so I'm grateful for that. The meds affect everyone differently, and I think it also depends on how deep your depression is. As for the lack of emotions, I still have plenty, I can still laugh and cry

[Susan61]

Hi Rey:  I think in your case I would go back on the Zoloft for a little while.  I know it takes a few weeks for you to feel the effect of it.  I also appreciate Tedsey's respons regarding Platelets.  When I was on the Zoloft,my platelet count dropped.  I never associated that with the Zoloft, and they stayed around 126 even after I stopped the Zoloft.  They never dropped into a dangerous level.  I just noticed the past few months that my Platelets came up somewhat.  I actually thought maybe something was wrong to see a increase again.  Its very hard to make these decisions.

I even thought of going back on the Zoloft due to some stress I have had.  I hope you can figure out which way to go.

Susan 61

[Rey]

Susan,

I know what you mean by stress. These would be stressful times even if we didn't have this condition. For myself, I am sure that I can wait a few weeks to consult with my new specialist. I hope you will get through the stress soon as well.

[Susan61]

HI: You are so right about stressful times even without CML.  My stress is not even related to the CML, its like you said job situations, finances.  That is my biggest problem.  My husband had cutbacks at work over a year ago, and nothing is changing.  We just keep plugging along to make ends meet.

When you see no light at the end of the tunnel with the economy is enough to make anyone depressed.

    We just have to keep going, and pray for the best.

Susan 61