The use of anti-depressants by young people with cancer is not
uncommon. Depression or feelings of sadness, disruption in your
eating or sleeping patterns, or having trouble coping with all that
is going on can occur anytime during or after your treatment.
Depression is caused by a lack of a chemical in your brain
called serotonin. Anti-depressant medication helps increase your
serotonin levels. You need to take these drugs for a few weeks
before you feel any change.
Commonly used anti-depressants:
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
Most common side effects:
- Drowsiness or agitation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache