Fredonc.com

C a n c e r T r e a t m e n t S i d e E f f e c t s
What is it?
Clinical or major depression is a persistent feeling of sadness that
interferes with your ability to complete daily activities.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of depression include:
• Sad, irritable, or indifferent mood for most of the day, lasting more • Loss of pleasure and interest in most activities; tiredness Tips to Help
• Nervousness or sluggishness; difficulty concentrating• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness In addition to talking with a therapist or counselor, • Changes in eating and sleeping habits and/or taking medication for your depression, the • Frequent negative thoughts that may include death or suicide If you experience thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself or others, • Get enough sleep and exercise daily. Being
tell someone—a family member, friend, your doctor, or nurse— wel rested helps you mental y cope, while exer- cise increases the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins.
How is it diagnosed?
• Wake up and get up at the same time every
Depression is diagnosed based on your symptoms and how long • Participate in a cancer support group, which
How is it treated?
studies find can help with cancer-related depression. You can find one through your doc- Depression is very treatable with a combination of counseling and tor’s office or the local chapter of the American Medication: There are numerous drugs available for depression.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as medi-
Most take 3 to 6 weeks to begin working. Medications include: • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These include Pro-
• Talk about your cancer fears with your doctor.
zac® (fluoxetine), Zoloft® (sertraline), Paxil® (paroxetine), Lexapro® (escitalopram), and Celexa® (citalopram). They work by increasing Words to Know
levels of serotonin in your brain.
Depression: A sad or indifferent feeling that inter-
• Mixed reuptake inhibitors. These are Wellbutrin® and Zyban®
feres with your ability to complete your usual daily (bupropion) and Effexor® (venlafaxine). Bupropion tends to have very few side effects, while venlafaxine may include nausea, head- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI):
aches, and sexual side effects. Cymbalta® (duloxetine) is another The most common class of antidepressants. They work by increasing levels of serotonin.
• Tricyclic antidepressants. These include Elavil® (amitripty-
Serotonin: A brain chemical linked to depres-
line) and Tofranil® (imipramine). Common side effects include increased heart rate, blurred vision, drowsiness, sexual problems, dizziness, bladder problems, and dry mouth.
• Norepinephrine and 5-HT modulator. Remeron® (mirtazapine).
Side effects include weight gain and drowsiness.
• Oncology counseling or problem-oriented talk therapy. Coun-
seling designed to help patients and their families manage the problems and strong feelings associated with chronic illness.

Source: http://www.fredonc.com/pdfs/Depression.pdf