Does Sulfasalazine Cause Depression?

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Sir
I am taking saaz ds for Sero Negative Arthritis since 20 days.
My R.A and C.P.R is negative.
Uric acid is within normal range
ESR is 10.
I feel I am having below side effects of Sulfasalazine (SAAZ DS)
Can Sulfasalazine (saaz ds) cause depression and ocd and vision related problems
Please let me know
Can you suggest alternative medicine to SAAZ DS for Sero Negative Arthritis

Thank a lot in advance

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Saaz can be replaced by HCQ

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I assure you that SAAZ usually not causes depression. It may cause sensitivity to light, Diarrhea, tiredness and yellow discoloration of the skin, nail and saliva.
So my suggestion is that you can stop Saaz after. you can start either HCQ or Methotrexate on this place. These drugs are not causes depression.Discuss all about this your treating doctor before stopping and starting new medications. I would also suggest you to take a eye specialist opinion to check if you are not having any other vision related problem.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other follow up question is present.
thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Sir
Related to eye problem i was feeling glare to watch tv or pc and facing bright light and sunlight. Also slight headache
U already said it can cause sensitivity to light is this same
Eye specialist said no problem with eyes

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should discontinue SAAZ

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As I said, photosensitivity can not be diagnosed by doctor. If you are having glare and headache, avoid SAAZ and its effect will take some time to revert back, May be you should meet a psychiatrist also for depression.
It was pleasure talking to you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (21 hours later)

Without medication how to deal with sero negative arthritis.
Like exrecise yoga etc.
Iam 36 years old.
Also if medication is taken generally how long it must be taken.
Also all medicines taken long term hav side effects.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
swimming is best

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is very good question which you have asked.It is always better to do swimming and walking for muscles strengthening and joint movements. It should be remembered that doing very heavy workout can cause more damage so do notdo it.
But medicines has to be taken for long time,some time years.
For side effects, these medicines are meant for long time use so it is not having so much side effects, but if it is causing you trouble then you can switch to other medicines.
Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E