i need reassurance - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

bridget swann · 07-29-2004, 09:54 AM

I was on paxil,elmiron,orthtricylen and felt normal. for awhile i didnt take my meds bc i felt normal then i met a new guy and had sex. Now im in a flare and im depressed. i just started wellbutrin,yasmin, and back on elmiron. i will take exactly how im supposed to bc this suxs. just wondering if anyone is taking this anti depress and when does it kick in. Im so scared but i wont give up.

ICLori · 07-29-2004, 10:11 AM

Hi, Bridget, yes unfortunately many of us "flare" with IC after intercourse. I can no longer have intercourse because of this problem and pain during intercourse.

Elmiron takes several months to work, so you might be in some pain for awhile.

You will want to go to the doctor for sure, because you also might have a UTI. It is impossible for us IC'ers generally to distinguish between the two, so every time we get those feelings, we have to go to the doctor to rule out UTI.

And going to the doctor is a good thing for another reason - he can prescribe you Elavil or other medicine to keep you comfortable while the Elmiron is rebuilding your GAG layer in your bladder.

Let us know how the doctor visit went, hope you feel better soon!

Blessings, Lori

CareBear · 07-29-2004, 10:22 AM

Bridget,

The antidepressants usually can start to work with a few days to a couple of weeks. BUT, keep a close eye on your pain. This may not be the case for everyone, but I tried Wellbutrin and it was not a good thing for my IC. When I talked to my doc and told him the pain was worse, he thought about it and explained to me that unlike SSRI antidepressant which work to increase Seratonin levels in the brain, Wellbutrin works to increase Dopamine levels in the brain. Great, but Dopamine can also cause muscle contractions and pain. Unfortunately, our bladder is a muscle.

I'm not saying in your case it won't work, because EVERYONE with IC is so different and reacts to meds differently. I just wanted to give you a heads up. I have stuck with SSRI-type antidepressants and have been helped greatly.

Praying for a pain-free, good mental health day for you.

Cari

Babs RN · 07-29-2004, 11:15 AM

My husband and I have had to modify our sexual behavior because one sexual encounter can inflict a couple days of pain and as I found out after moving back to California an increase in urinary tract infections. Let's just say there are plenty more ways to skin the cat and to have a mutually satisfying outcome.

Hugs,
Barb

ALICE · 07-30-2004, 03:21 AM

I Have Had Success With Lexapro. I Tried Wellbutrin And My Ic Flared Badly, But Lexapro Has Been A Godsent. The Only Thing Is I Think I Gained Weight As A Result. Well Actually I Know I Gained Weight But I Am Not Sure Why, But Either Way, To Have The Pain Reduced Is Worth Anything!

lulu5 · 07-30-2004, 03:27 AM

I actually think my IC symptoms started with Wellbutrin

-I was using it to try to stop smoking (it is similar to Zyban), but I am feeling so much better now. I take Prozac (20mg) 2x a day and it has been a Godsend for my pain and my emotions. I hope you don't flare from the Wellbutrin, but there are a lot of other anti-depressants out there to try!! Good luck!

poetgirl · 07-31-2004, 05:44 PM

I take Elavil (and Elmiron and Ovcon-35) and for the most part, I'm fine. I was also taking Zoloft to manage anxiety, but I didn't have a good reaction to it (plus, it metabolizes weird with tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil) so now I'm tapering off it. However, the Elavil did wonders for me, in terms of reducing frequency/urgency and associated pain/burning.