I’m wondering if any one that had a AVM also take medications for depression? I have been fighting this for three years now. I use to be such a happy person but now Im really down.
I already take gabapentin 100mg twice a day and also 1/1/2 a day lisinopril 10mg for high blood pressure. I really didn’t want to take anything else but do you think I should? Let me know what you all think ok? Thanks you guys, I appreciate it. Sue
I have been prescribed Lexapro. Night and day with my personality. I went from sitting in the dark, sleeping all of the time, crying constantly, dwelling on all the negatives of my health to a ray of sunshine. I now open my blinds, don’t go back to sleep during the day, smile instead of cry, and dwell on the positives of the fact that I’m still alive to be here with my 6 year old daughter. I’m glad I finally gave in and took the medication…I feel like myself again. Keeping you in my prayers. 
~Crystal
Hi Sue. I did a search for you…
http://www.avmsurvivors.org/main/search/search?q=Depression
Lots of members on here deal with that issue!
I refused medications for depression. I think that it is natural for people to be sad if they have had an AVM. If you did not feel anything, it would be weird. I used to cry throughout the day for about two years. Maybe the body was detoxing, releasing anxiety. Exercise works, if you can manage it. I hear that diet helps, that every problem could be treated through the gut. Are you feeding yourself well? Take Care.
I feel you should do what helps you in life…if that means taking a couple of pills a day then so be it.
The best remedy is to be positive & have faith in God…thats what nearly dying taught me. Its just a shame i needed to be put in such a life threatining situation to see this in my life.
God bless
depression could be a side effect from gabapentin. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/gabapentin-side-effects.html
Thanks Crystal,
I think I will talk to my doctor about giving me something for my depression. I was hoping that I would grow out of it. Negative feelings, Anxiousness, Confusion, not to mention I have a 19yr and 16yr old boys to raise it really has been a experience.
Im glad that everything is better for you and your daughter, thank you for sharing.
Susan
I take Prozac 20mg. It just takes the edge off but I can still feel. I will also take Ativan if I am having trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep triggers my seizures (Keppra for seizures). Everyones journey is different; do what help to make you feel “normal”.
Barbara,
Thank you for the info, I don’t feel so alone now, I will talk to my doctor.
Sue
Maria,
I try to make myself aware of the negativity and replace it with positive thoughts but usually end up on the down side very quickly.
I do eat well, very aware of what foods I’m eating. Also ride my stationary bike, on occasion. Ha
Thanks,
Susan
Adrian,
I agree life is to short, we don’t really appreciate until we go through something like this.
I remind myself daily to stay positive and I also have faith in god. I guess its time to talk to my doctor about this. I was trying to convince myself that nothing has changed since I had my AVM removed.
Thanks,
Susan
I also felt like this but worse on Keppra. Thanks, Lisa
Stephanie,
I feel like I’m on a merry-go-round. Keppra made me feel horrible now using gabapentin.You mention you get seizers with lack of sleep. I usually fall a sleep ok but wake up around 3:00-3:30 then up the rest of the morning. Not sure if due to pain, so you take keppra huh? Do you feel fine on it? I use to feel so spaced out, does it do that to you?
Susan
I don’t feel spaced out or tired. I am a bundle of nervous energy. Then I crash. I try to listen when my brain/body tells me to rest. If I don’t I will have a seizure. My meds are still being adjusted so as they increase I expect more side effects.
My doctor has told me that it is a traumatic experience and it therefore has many problems. I must therefore make a traumatic therapy. He had also given me an antidepressant, but I did not tolerate it. I hope you will get better soon.
Susan, I’m on a tyroad med, high blood pressure med, anti-seizure med AND a anti-depression med…I don’t like being on all of it, but if I have a problem with depression, I’d rather take the med. Keep the Faith!
Keppra makes me feel spaced out for sure. I have found when I am eating well, sleeping enough and getting some exercise I feel better. It seems if I drop any one of those I fall apart and the depression is bad. Do you find that your appetite is effected? I don’t have a desire for food in general anymore so I eat because I have to…