Taking hormones with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?

[Jake25]

If anyone else is on a mood stabilizer and antidepressants how could that affect taking testosterone for F to M? If you have already gone through this process and were prescribed these medications before your T treaments did your doctor tell you to go off them because it would interact badly, or are these compatible with T?

[Tiffanie]

Hi Jake

I am NOT a doctor ... but I can address this from experience (sort of).

If your doctor has you on any anti-depressant it is important to keep him updated on all other medications, including testosterone.  The chemicals in the brain can go haywire pretty easily (trust me).  If the doctor knows everything and he isn't concerned then you'll likely be alright ... but monitor yourself.  If you start feeling not quite right you have to let your doctor know right away.

I've been on anti-depressants for a while.  About 6 months into estrogen I had a near meltdown.  I doubt the estrogen played a direct role, but it likely had some impact.  My doctor changed my anti-depressant (Lexapro to Viibryd) and added Wellbutrin.  It took quite a while but I got back to normal (whatever normal is).

Any time you alter chemicals, hormones, or other aspects of you it could have an unforeseen psychological impact.

Did I sidestep the question well enough??

[Felix]

When I started T I was on antidepressants, and I don't remember but I was probably on ativan or valium as well, or maybe an antiepileptic (for anxiety). I'm currently on T with remeron and xanax. I take the mirtazapine 22.5 mg a day and .5 or 1 mg alprazolam once a week or so.

I don't know about you and your health, but going off of meds to add T sounds dangerous. For me personally going off of either hormones or antidepressants leads to disaster without a lot of planning. I would fall apart hard if major changes were made without careful adjustment and good reasons.

You need to be on board with medication details and you should be able to make any changes very slowly. If a prescriber seems to be too touchy or sudden about anything you should find another healthcare provider.

[Jake25]

When I started T I was on antidepressants, and I don't remember but I was probably on ativan or valium as well, or maybe an antiepileptic (for anxiety). I'm currently on T with remeron and xanax. I take the mirtazapine 22.5 mg a day and .5 or 1 mg alprazolam once a week or so.

I don't know about you and your health, but going off of meds to add T sounds dangerous. For me personally going off of either hormones or antidepressants leads to disaster without a lot of planning. I would fall apart hard if major changes were made without careful adjustment and good reasons.

You need to be on board with medication details and you should be able to make any changes very slowly. If a prescriber seems to be too touchy or sudden about anything you should find another healthcare provider.

So what you're saying is that you personally can take your medicines and T and be fine? Only it's not fine if you go off either?

[Felix]

So what you're saying is that you personally can take your medicines and T and be fine? Only it's not fine if you go off either?

I can take my medicines and T and be fine. Testosterone is just as important as my psych meds for me personally, and it serves much the same purpose. T makes me more stable and happy because it makes me feel whole and authentic.

[Jake25]

I can take my medicines and T and be fine. Testosterone is just as important as my psych meds for me personally, and it serves much the same purpose. T makes me more stable and happy because it makes me feel whole and authentic.

Thank you, that's good to know.