I have tried to explain to my G.P. and my oncologist how I feel...very anxious and depressed following my cancer. I know I should be very happy I am clear but I am constantly in a state of anxiety. I have been taking Xanax for some time but I think I need something stronger to relax my stomach. I was recently prescribed Seroxat. Please help me.
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Q: I have been prescribed Seroxat
Answers (2)
6/28/08 12:33pm
Hello J. Power,
It makes sense to me that people like yourself get depressed and anxious after having cancer, because cancer is a traumatic event! It doesn't mean that you are not happy about surviving, I think it means that you now have the time and energy to feel the full impact of this incredibly stressful exerperience. While you had cancer you had to fight it, now you've got the "time" to have the anxiety and depression because of it.
If you are not satisfied with the results of the medication you are taking, my recommendation is to see a Psychiatrist, because in general they are more up-to-date on these types of medications.
I would also strongly urge you to seek out other types of intervention. Acupunture and massage have been shown to be effective for easing depression after cancer. Abdominal breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) are incredibly powerful tools for easing anxiety. My colleague, Dr. Diana Walcutt has a great 20 minute visualization on our CD, Stress Less, that cancer survivors (among others) have told us is very helpful. Also, consider, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to help you with the anxiety and depression and to process the ordeal that you've been through.
I wish you the best, and please write back to us and share which route(s) you take and how they have worked for you.
Regards,
Dr. Jennifer Fee
6/30/08 9:56pm
JPower - Dr. Fee offered many great suggestions which I hope you will consider. Having worked closely with an oncologist and many of his patients over the past ten years I have an idea of how intense the anxiety can be. If you have just recently been prescribed the Seroxat be sure to give it time to work (typically 14 - 21 days for full effect) but don't hesitate to ask for a dosage increase. If you have been taking Xanax since before your cancer diagnosis and have not had an increase in dosage you may need one during this particularly stressful time. If you have not been involved in a support group or participated in some individual counseling with a provider who works with cancer patients, you may want to explore that. Many cancer survivors find that to be helpful. Hopefully your oncologist can refer you to someone who has such experience. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer check out the HealthCentral site. CancerCare also has a great site on many types of cancers and issues related to living with the disease.
Dr. Rick Wirtz
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