I’m seeing the Neurotologist tomorrow, and I’m assuming we’ll talk about medication. One of the side effects that scares me most is depression. I just don’t think I could cope with that on top of everything else.
So, what medications (aside from Topomax) tend to cause depression as a side effect?
Thanks, everyone.
Beta blockers can also worsen depression. I think often though it is an individual thing.
Sounds like you would be best trying an antidepressant first. That was my own thinking hence why I got the GP to prescribe nortriptyline as my first med. I think I need something else as well. I have been on nori for a year and it hasn’t made me depressed x
Have you not seen any benefits with just the antidepressant? I’m assuming not, since you said you think you need something else.
Thank you for the advice.
When I started taking it last September I was in the depths of a terrible relapse and basically bed bound with severe dizziness.
I gradually worked my way up to 35mg over several months and during that time my dizziness improved and I have been in a better place for the last 6 months or so than I was this time last year. That said, I am still dizzy/off balance 24/7 and in the last few months my symptom of fatigue has been worse than it has since the first year of having this.
I have tried a few other meds along with the nori in the last year but I have had to stop them due to side effects. Nori has been the only one I have tolerated so far. I should also say that nori has significantly improved my chronic neck pain so I would not want to stop taking it for that reason either x
To be fair, all antidepressants and a number of other drugs have black box warnings regarding depression and suicidal thoughts. Like any side effect, it’s hard to predict whether or not you will deal with it. My advice would be to keep an open mind and try not to discount any medications before talking to the doctor. Voice your concerns about the increase in depression during your appointment and let them work with you to find an acceptable choice. Good luck tomorrow!
Propanolol is one of the big ones for causing depression for some and some doctors advise aginst using it if a patient is already depressed as it makes things much worse. Ive been taking it and have had no problems at all. I think it’s just a case of try and see what happens.
Yes agree with Julia333, I tried another beta blocker Metoprolol, and was only on it for a few days cos it was making me feel more depressed than I already was!
Topamax was aweful for me, everythig else has been fine though
Topamax sent me into a black hole after a few days, but I’ve taken metoprolol for more than 2 years now and it didn’t have any negative mood effects. As others have said our reactions are all different and what causes issues for others might not have any impact on you. You wont know until you try 
Beta Blockers and Benzo’s are two culprits…typically, if we are taking smaller amounts the lesser side effects we would feel…
'Good luck!!
Kelley
Topamax seemed to make me really edgy and angry for some reason. I had to stop taking it because I was turning into a real :evil: _______ at home and at work. I’m on propranolol now and was concerned about it bringing me down but it’s improved things without any issues…