Depression: MS? Genetic?Cope or meds
I've been told I need to at least try Prozac for probably 10 years (MS diagnosed for 30 years). I'm scared to go down the path of mental drugs but am really sick of No motivation And lack of mental focus, and decline in thinking, feeling, and past capabilities and the struggle with giving up so much of what I use to do. Have you taken Prozac? I've tried many different and have hated the 'flat line no emotion effects and always hated losing myself to lethargy and empty thinking. But maybe it will help and this time have a positive outcome. Will all this continue to deteriate as my MS continues on?I can be accepting of that if I have to.
Any thoughts of wisdom?
Hi
. Many people find Prozac helpful, especially for depression, but it is not your only option. Prozac has to build up in your system, and then, if you decide to stop, you have to taper off. Since to you are unsure and since your main issues seem to be mental focus, not depression, you might want to see a psychiatrist and talk with your neurologist to explore your options. Here is an article about cognitive function and MS that might interest you: https://multiplesclerosis.net/treatment/managing-your-concentration-loss-inablity-to-remember-things. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member) 
, I am so glad you brought this up in the forums. I think depression can be a serious part of MS that may go undiscussed all too frequently.
It sounds like you have tried other medications and didn't like the side effects. That can be a real issue when trying to find the right medication for depression. Much like medications used to treat MS, it can be a lot of trial and error, which can be downright exhausting.
Please keep in mind I am not a therapist or medical professional, but I don't believe any person should just have to live with depression and assume that "that's all there is".
A positive attitude can help, but if you are truly dealing with a serotonin imbalance or other chemical issue, it can only help so much.
I personally am a big proponent or talk therapy and medication (if needed). Having someone to talk to and work through your problems with (preferably a professional) can really help make sense of what's going on in your life.
Here's some basic information on treating depression -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/depression.
Also, depression is a well covered topic in this community, and I wanted to share a couple of articles on the topic that I thought you might find interesting.
Here's a recent one -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/emotional-changes. Here's a slightly older piece -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/dealing-depression-learning-unplug. And here's one more from one of our most prolific contributors -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/mental-health-depression.
I'm not trying to overwhelm you with information, but I wanted you to see that you are definitely not alone in feeling how you feel.
In the end, you have to decide what is the best treatment route for you. You know yourself better than anyone else does. And I think it's awesome that you have been open to trying medications, despite less-than-stellar past results.
I hope you get some helpful suggestions from other community members and please feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.I'm grateful for your insight and articles as well. It helps to know you all care to share and that's priceless to me.
I am so grateful for your quick response and empathy for a condition that I've been told is from ungratefulness and just in my head. Thanks so much for the information and I look forward to
Uplearning more and making the right decision. I saw a new neHi
. My apologies. I read your initial post, but I missed the headline, so I never saw the word "depression." From the post, I thought you were more concerned about other cognitive symptoms of MS, such as focus, memory retrieval and speed of thought. That is horrible that anyone would tell you your problems stem from ungratefulness or that they are "all in your head." Depression and other cognitive symptoms are very common in people with MS and should be addressed just like any other symptom. Depression can put a lot of stress on your body and stress can make your other MS symptoms worse. So it really is important to address it. Erin gave you some great links and advice above. I hope you read through them. There are many medications for depression that will not leave you feeling flat, but a psychiatrist might be better versed in them than a neurologist. It might also help lift your depression to learn some coping skills for other cognitive symptoms. Here is a wonderful article that discusses treatment for the underlying causes of cognition issues: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/treating-cognitive-dysfunction . You absolutely do not have to learn to simply live with your depression. Between therapy, medication and potential changes in your MS treatment, you have every reason to believe you can address it successfully. Please know we are here for you whenever you need support or a place to vent. No one here will tell you it's all in your head. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
Thanks so much for responding to me. Ii am so grateful for these articles and was wanting to print out to thoroughly read cuz I can't remember anything but my printer isn't working. Do you know how long I will be able to retrieve them? I wrote the address of yours down but want to see theirs as well.
Thanks for sharing with me Lori, I'm not Lori, but our articles should always be available on the website. If you ever need helping finding a specific one, just let us know! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net team Member.
