Apnea and Depression

[TenmaNeko]

For those of you who were depressed before you started CPAP therapy, how has it changed the way you feel? Has it changed it at all? A little? A lot?

I've been feeling rather depressed/irritable/angry for a little while now (two recent deaths in the family did not help), and I've wondered if sleep apnea may have been contributing to it.

I'm reluctant to try anti-depressants again. When I was 17 I was put on Paxil for a while, and it was terrible. Felt blah and apathetic (more so than usual), had hot flashes, sexual side effects, etc. I'd really rather not go through that again.

[Sleepy Taz]

TenmaNeko,

There are many things that lead to depression and lack of sleep is a major contributor. For me, I always try to put a positive spin on everything including the death of loved ones in order to stay focused on that emotion. Two years ago I had a sister who died of a massive stroke and her doctor told me if she had used her cpap properly she may have avoided the stroke. She didn't suffer and has gone on to be with our parents which makes me happy for her. Many people can bring themselves out of depression by focusing of the positives. I know this will not work for all as there are some that are sick and need the help of a professional.

[Wulfman]

For those of you who were depressed before you started CPAP therapy, how has it changed the way you feel? Has it changed it at all? A little? A lot?

I've been feeling rather depressed/irritable/angry for a little while now (two recent deaths in the family did not help), and I've wondered if sleep apnea may have been contributing to it.

I'm reluctant to try anti-depressants again. When I was 17 I was put on Paxil for a while, and it was terrible. Felt blah and apathetic (more so than usual), had hot flashes, sexual side effects, etc. I'd really rather not go through that again.

More than likely.

I have a bunch of links to sources in this link from a previous discussion.

viewtopic/t42758/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33 ... on#p284911


Den

[RipVanWinkleWannabe]

For those of you who were depressed before you started CPAP therapy, how has it changed the way you feel? Has it changed it at all? A little? A lot?

I've been feeling rather depressed/irritable/angry for a little while now (two recent deaths in the family did not help), and I've wondered if sleep apnea may have been contributing to it.

I'm reluctant to try anti-depressants again. When I was 17 I was put on Paxil for a while, and it was terrible. Felt blah and apathetic (more so than usual), had hot flashes, sexual side effects, etc. I'd really rather not go through that again.

FYI...anti-depressants are much "cleaner" nowadays. Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft all had quite a few side effects. I'm currently on Cymbalta and it's excellent. Obviously, avoid medication if possible, but if you need it, the newer ones have much fewer side effects.

[jnk]

I have a bunch of links to sources in this link from a previous discussion.

viewtopic/t42758/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33 ... on#p284911

Thanks for pointing to that collection of links, Den. Good stuff!

[Muse-Inc]

Try these first before drugs: omega 3s esential fatty acids -- fish oil, molecularly distilled (no mercury or other contaminants) or eat a lot of wild salmon (not farmed) or if ya can't hack fish, try Neuromins. Give 'em a try for at least 2 wks.

Chocolate (bars at least 70% chocolate, semi-sweet or bittersweet) is a mood upper; 1 oz a day is all that's needed.

[computerguy2202]

CPAP has helped me a lot so far. I attempted suicide last year before CPAP and have been on Celexa and Cymbalta for over a year, but found having a good night sleep with CPAP has helped my overall mood. Yes I have a bad day here and there, but who doesn't. If you are depressed for a long period of time see your GP! Overall CPAP is a plus for me.