@A MyLupusTeam Member I am so sorry to hear what you are going through and I completely can relate. I'm not sure what your inflammation numbers are and/or how important it is for your particular case to stay on Prednisone, but I just took myself off of it (well, I asked for a low dose... went from 10mg, to 5mg, then to 2.5mg). I couldn't even tolerate the 2.5mg with my mental depression/anxiety. I tested myself by not taking it one day and I felt emotionally/mentally SO MUCH BETTER. So, if part of battling this is mental... we need our mental strength. I wonder if your doctor is willing to go lower on the Prednisone or to try alternatives. My new Rheumy wrote me a script for a med dose of Naproxen (Aleve) for inflammation/pain to replace the Prednisone. I am about to make the switch and I can update you. But, some people just cannot tolerate Prednisone. And if you are on an anti-depressant, then it is most likely going to enhance the mental illness (I'm not a doctor, but speaking from experience). ... Yes I agree on therapy, Vitamin D, Sleep, Counseling... Havent tried Omega-3s yet. Add in a B12 supplement if you haven't already too :)

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A MyLupus...

I take Cymbalta. Having a chronic illness is depressing. It helps a lot.

Definitely! I became very depressed and anxious when my symptoms started partially because I didn't know what was wrong with me and everyone around me was treating me like I was crazy or lazy, once I was diagnosed I think the prednisone and Benlysta really kicked my butt. I was already on Effexor XR but at a low dose but had to increase it to 300mg a day and I'm still not doing that well. I still cry a lot and I have anxiety attacks frequently. My prednisone was just dropped from 15mg to 10mg so hopefully that will help. But to answer you question head on... Yes yes yes lupus can cause depression in and of itself and the medications used to treat it do as well. Add in the stress of being diagnosed with a lifelong, painful, potentially fatal, chronic disease and there you have it.... I think therapy, omega-3s, vitamin D, sleep, and a good psychiatrist are essential from the moment of diagnosis.

And there is not one standard anti depressant or magic pill for anyone with depression with or without Lupus. Individual body chemistry, different support, etc... . Equals varying effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.

I think it's to be expected that living with a chronic painful disease with so many unknowns... Amongst 100 other reasons like no one truly understanding unless they have it.... Can make one depressed. Also the meds have bad side effects, you're tired all the time, can't do what you used to do, etc.