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What Causes Depression Inspite Of Being On Colestipol?
Question: Hello!
I had my gallbladder removed two years ago and did not "bounce back" as the surgeons said I would after removal. I went through a long period where I was not able to eat much without severe gastro-intestinal problems. These were relieved by taking the drug Colestipol , going on a gluten-free diet and using only olive oil and ghee as cooking oils. As a result, I have lost weight, am exercising again and feeling relatively healthy. The problem is, that I seem to be experiencing symptoms of depression and feel that they are not related to any psychological problems or nagging stresses. This has been the case ever since the surgery. Could the depression have anything to do with my use of cholestipol. I do not wish to go on anti-depressants.
Sincerely,
XXXXXX XXXXXXX
I had my gallbladder removed two years ago and did not "bounce back" as the surgeons said I would after removal. I went through a long period where I was not able to eat much without severe gastro-intestinal problems. These were relieved by taking the drug Colestipol , going on a gluten-free diet and using only olive oil and ghee as cooking oils. As a result, I have lost weight, am exercising again and feeling relatively healthy. The problem is, that I seem to be experiencing symptoms of depression and feel that they are not related to any psychological problems or nagging stresses. This has been the case ever since the surgery. Could the depression have anything to do with my use of cholestipol. I do not wish to go on anti-depressants.
Sincerely,
XXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
As per my opinion Colestipol is not causing these depressive symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
Colestipol is a drug which is a bile acid sequestrating agent and is use in cases of gall stones and following cholecystectomy. Over all the drug is safe to use but is associated with GIT (Gastrointestinal tract) upset as side effect. The drug is not associated with increased risk in depression and various studies have proved this. So as per my opinion it is not the drug which is causing aggravation of depressive symptoms.
Other possible cause for your symptoms could be due to chronic GIT upset which may be producing significant stress. Chronic illness with significant GIT problems may cause symptoms of depression even though there is no history of psychological stress or trauma.
Some times individuals may develop symptoms of depression without any reason and this is also called as endogenous depression. This is a relatively severe depression and usually individuals have family history of depression in such cases. I would advise you to visit your psychiatrist again for reevaluation.
There should be no fear in going on anti-depressants because they are safe drugs and are free of serious side effects. You can use them without any serious risk to health. Apart from this as you have symptoms in mild grade so in such case even by following change in life style would result in reduction of symptoms.
I would advise you to-
- Sleep at least 7 hours daily and exercise for at least 30-45 minutes daily.
- Have diets rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fats and refined carbs. This will increase serotonergic neurotransmission in brain and reduce depression.
- Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12 supplements and both are known to reduce symptoms of depression. Diets rich in flex seeds, walnuts, sardine fish etc are rich source of Omega fatty acids.
- Try relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation to keep yourself relaxed. These exercises will keep stress and anxiety away.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
As per my opinion Colestipol is not causing these depressive symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
Colestipol is a drug which is a bile acid sequestrating agent and is use in cases of gall stones and following cholecystectomy. Over all the drug is safe to use but is associated with GIT (Gastrointestinal tract) upset as side effect. The drug is not associated with increased risk in depression and various studies have proved this. So as per my opinion it is not the drug which is causing aggravation of depressive symptoms.
Other possible cause for your symptoms could be due to chronic GIT upset which may be producing significant stress. Chronic illness with significant GIT problems may cause symptoms of depression even though there is no history of psychological stress or trauma.
Some times individuals may develop symptoms of depression without any reason and this is also called as endogenous depression. This is a relatively severe depression and usually individuals have family history of depression in such cases. I would advise you to visit your psychiatrist again for reevaluation.
There should be no fear in going on anti-depressants because they are safe drugs and are free of serious side effects. You can use them without any serious risk to health. Apart from this as you have symptoms in mild grade so in such case even by following change in life style would result in reduction of symptoms.
I would advise you to-
- Sleep at least 7 hours daily and exercise for at least 30-45 minutes daily.
- Have diets rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fats and refined carbs. This will increase serotonergic neurotransmission in brain and reduce depression.
- Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12 supplements and both are known to reduce symptoms of depression. Diets rich in flex seeds, walnuts, sardine fish etc are rich source of Omega fatty acids.
- Try relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation to keep yourself relaxed. These exercises will keep stress and anxiety away.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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