Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI

06-15-2006, 12:04 AM

Is anyone here on an SSRI with depression or anxiety or whatever and have Fibromyalgia? Just curious...

Delynbetter · 06-15-2006, 06:27 AM

I had symptoms of fibromyalgia while on Paxil and while withdrawing. It's getting MUCH better.

nopxl · 06-15-2006, 08:52 AM

I have had symptoms of Fibromyalgia since stopping Paxil in 12/05. I have never had neurogenic pain before.

Tcg · 06-15-2006, 10:07 AM

I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for about 15 years. I have been off of Paxil for 7 months after 10 years off and on it.

desert song · 06-15-2006, 06:25 PM

I was diagnosed with depression/anxiety (secondary to overwhelming situational stresses) in 2001, followed shortly thereafter with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In my opinion the two disorders are inextricably linked together - part and parcel of the same pathophysiology. Much research backs this up now, and current studies all point to a 'dysregulation' of the HPA axis of our nervous systems ... involving the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands ... which initiates a whole cascade of imbalance of hormones, endocrine system, and neurotransmitters. I currently see a fibromyalgia specialist, pain psychologist, and psychiatrist, who all concur with this school of thought. Interestingly, there is much evidence that suggests this same underlying pathology is involved in MDD (major depressive disorder). Just coincidence? I don't know. Incidentally, I am active in a large fibromyalgia support group, and almost without exception, we all struggle with significant issues of physiological depression. It seems to be 'part' of the fibro package. Hope this isn't more information (or opinion) than you wanted!

06-15-2006, 10:11 PM

Are you kidding that's about just the opinion/info that I was looking for. But I didn't really want a leading question.

cinderella · 06-18-2006, 01:25 AM

My anxiety disorder was/is caused by my fibromyalgia, what frustrates me is that both my doctors say is fibro, my rheumie said it was related but an "expert" in the field of muscular pain said I didnt have enough tender points but all my other symptoms were fibro. Had a nap score blood test that was beyond normal levels and is indicative of fibro also.

06-18-2006, 01:38 AM

I've read that the trigger points don't matter in some cases for a diagnosis. I wonder if that depends on the doctor.

desert song · 06-18-2006, 11:48 AM

Whereas tender points have long been considered definitive diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, that is no longer necessarily the case. It can vary widely among affected individuals. Typically sufferers will demonstrate 'some' of the so-numbered '18' tender points on the body (not to be confused with trigger points, which is seen in myofascial pain), but by no means is it considered a hard and fast rule for diagnosis anymore. In fact my rheumatologist does not even officially perform that exam, aside from pressing on a few of the more common sites. It is based much more on history and the exclusion of other disease processes. I, myself, show a limited number of these tender points (as is the case with many others in my support group), but I have absolutely NO doubt that I suffer from fibromyalgia.

06-15-2006, 12:04 AM	#1
dimaki76 Posts: n/a	Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI Is anyone here on an SSRI with depression or anxiety or whatever and have Fibromyalgia? Just curious...

06-15-2006, 06:27 AM	#2
Delynbetter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 10,518	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI I had symptoms of fibromyalgia while on Paxil and while withdrawing. It's getting MUCH better. __________________ Diagnosed anxiety/panic disorder without agoraphobia 1989. Talk/music therapy. Major anxiety and mild depression in 2004 from situational stressors. Began Paxil CR 25mg, 10/04. Quit cold-turkey 5/5/05 as demanded by doctor. Found paxilprogress 5/17/05. Began Paxil CR 12.5mg 5/17/05. Weaned 4 1/2 months. During taper - anx/panic/depression, manic episodes, agoraphobia, suicidal ideation, many other physical symptoms. Paxil-free 10/2/05.

06-15-2006, 08:52 AM	#3
nopxl Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Edwardsville, Illinois Posts: 198	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI I have had symptoms of Fibromyalgia since stopping Paxil in 12/05. I have never had neurogenic pain before. __________________ Started Paxil in May 2002 (mild depression) Short taper in July 2003 (no problems, but... First Panic attack in 12/03) Started Paxil for panic in 12/03; 1/05 (failed d/c); 8/05 (went 3 months d/c after short taper and doc said I was relapsing); Started again in 11/05 Stopped CT on 12/21/05 (tachycardia); Started Ativan 1.5mg per day on 4/16/06; tapered off after 2 weeks use - severe depression, GI problems. "Never, never, never, never, give up" - Winston Churchill

06-15-2006, 10:07 AM	#4
Tcg Join Date: May 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 608	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for about 15 years. I have been off of Paxil for 7 months after 10 years off and on it.

06-15-2006, 06:25 PM	#5
desert song Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Mexico - Land of Enchantment! Posts: 13	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI I was diagnosed with depression/anxiety (secondary to overwhelming situational stresses) in 2001, followed shortly thereafter with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In my opinion the two disorders are inextricably linked together - part and parcel of the same pathophysiology. Much research backs this up now, and current studies all point to a 'dysregulation' of the HPA axis of our nervous systems ... involving the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands ... which initiates a whole cascade of imbalance of hormones, endocrine system, and neurotransmitters. I currently see a fibromyalgia specialist, pain psychologist, and psychiatrist, who all concur with this school of thought. Interestingly, there is much evidence that suggests this same underlying pathology is involved in MDD (major depressive disorder). Just coincidence? I don't know. Incidentally, I am active in a large fibromyalgia support group, and almost without exception, we all struggle with significant issues of physiological depression. It seems to be 'part' of the fibro package. Hope this isn't more information (or opinion) than you wanted! __________________ Desert Song Started Paxil 20 mg in Feb of 2002 for situational depression and diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Weaned from Paxil in March, 2005 over 1 month (much too quickly) with full complement of hellish symptoms. Anxiety and depression steadily worsening over past year, along with persistent GI difficulties and weight loss. Currently considering resuming antidepressant therapy.

06-15-2006, 10:11 PM	#6
dimaki76 Posts: n/a	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI Are you kidding that's about just the opinion/info that I was looking for. But I didn't really want a leading question.

06-18-2006, 01:25 AM	#7
cinderella Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Auckland New Zealand Posts: 804	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI My anxiety disorder was/is caused by my fibromyalgia, what frustrates me is that both my doctors say is fibro, my rheumie said it was related but an "expert" in the field of muscular pain said I didnt have enough tender points but all my other symptoms were fibro. Had a nap score blood test that was beyond normal levels and is indicative of fibro also. __________________ Panic/anxiety started Dec 03 Tried a few meds before starting Paxil Oct 04 (worked way up to 20mg) july 05 15mg aug 05 10 sept 05 5mg paxil free since oct 05 Lost 3kg in 5 months (72kg to 69kg) still waiting for the other 11kgs to go Still suffer morning anxiety, jittery during the day Paxil did help my anxiety/panic when nothing else did. March 06 Reflux, burning, more anxiety worsen. Put back another 1kg : ( (70kg) March 20 noticing hairloss scalp more visable March 23 (68kg)

06-18-2006, 01:38 AM	#8
dimaki76 Posts: n/a	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI I've read that the trigger points don't matter in some cases for a diagnosis. I wonder if that depends on the doctor.

06-18-2006, 11:48 AM	#9
desert song Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Mexico - Land of Enchantment! Posts: 13	Re: Fibromyalgia/Depression/SSRI Whereas tender points have long been considered definitive diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, that is no longer necessarily the case. It can vary widely among affected individuals. Typically sufferers will demonstrate 'some' of the so-numbered '18' tender points on the body (not to be confused with trigger points, which is seen in myofascial pain), but by no means is it considered a hard and fast rule for diagnosis anymore. In fact my rheumatologist does not even officially perform that exam, aside from pressing on a few of the more common sites. It is based much more on history and the exclusion of other disease processes. I, myself, show a limited number of these tender points (as is the case with many others in my support group), but I have absolutely NO doubt that I suffer from fibromyalgia. __________________ Desert Song Started Paxil 20 mg in Feb of 2002 for situational depression and diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Weaned from Paxil in March, 2005 over 1 month (much too quickly) with full complement of hellish symptoms. Anxiety and depression steadily worsening over past year, along with persistent GI difficulties and weight loss. Currently considering resuming antidepressant therapy.

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