Eligard and Depression: What Users Say

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2019, had a 6-month Lupron shot in May followed by 45 radiation treatments ending in early September. Went on vacation and able to do 2-3 mile hikes over rough terrain with only a little fatigue. Went in for a second shot in early November and they changed me to Eligard. They said it was virtually the same product. Within 2 weeks, I developed intense pain in my hips that has not gone away. Can hardly walk to the mailbox any longer due to the pain. Dealing with mood swings, minor depression, trouble sleeping, and have gained 30 pounds. Due to go back next Wednesday for another 6-month Eligard shot. Not going to happen."

• pof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at 64 years old. My doctor said my best option for getting rid of the cancer was to have it removed. I went through the surgery in August 2014, but the cancer was not gone. I had 38 radiation treatments in 2015, and that kept my PSA low for two years. It went up to 1.0, and the doctor started giving me Eligard injections every 3 months beginning in 2018. I have severe depression with dark thoughts concerning my death eventually from this cancer. I also have weight gain and no sexual desires at all. I have no tolerance or patience, and it makes me very irritable. I must admit it works as it has kept my PSA below 1.0 for the last two years! I don't think I will take it much longer. My doctor is saying they are looking for a different treatment soon. I have no idea what that will be. It has taken all the joy of life out of me, and I am not interested in almost anything..."

• Jer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "I have had my second dose of Eligard 45 mg, 6 months apart. Radiology convinced me I should do this to prevent the recurrence of cancer. I had a Grade 4, contained to the prostate. Had 28 radiation treatments. My PSA now is at zero. I have told the doctors I 'will not' take any more hormone injections. My life has been ruined. I am turning 76, but I have been an active walker, biker, lifted weights, etc., all my life. Now I have intense bone pain all over my body, my muscles are half what they were, and I have hot flashes all day and night. I force myself to exercise, but life is now hell. I get depressed and emotional. Wish I had never taken the first injection. Not sure if my body will ever recover. The doctors need to educate their patients with proper data and let them make a choice."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "I must say if I only knew what this medication was going to do to me, I would have never taken it. At the age of 61, this medication has destroyed my life. After each injection, it caused deeper and deeper depression. What at one time brought joy to my life is gone. There is no sense of any type of sexuality at all. Nothing brings joy to one's life. After each shot, it just makes it worse. The hot flashes are so severe I will have to change my work shirt a couple of times a day. I will soak a shirt within minutes. One has to remember that the Eligard will get rid of all your hormones. We are not made to run that way and there is no support that will help you deal with that or tell you what to expect. You are no longer male but not female either."

• Wha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2022

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. Underwent surgery to have prostate removed, as well as lymph nodes and some cancer that was on his bladder. He started the Eligard injections every 3 to 4 months since. His PSA levels have remained at 1.0 until recently. A friend suggested he take a multivitamin of Quercetin, zinc, stinging nettle root, Vitamin C, and D3. He has been taking it for 3 weeks and just went back in for another injection. His PSA was 0, but yet they still gave him the injection. If his PSA is 0, why would he need another injection? He continues to suffer from all the same side effects of night sweats, frequent urination, mood swings, depression, and loss of memory. I want him to stop the shots, but wondering if anyone else has quit taking the shots with a PSA of 0."

• geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "Has helped reduce PSA from < 200 to .019 over 9 months of treatment. I've had 2 6mo shots. No problems with injections. Cannot differentiate which drug causes hot flashes, fatigue, and depression when receiving ADT. I'm receiving drugs and injections in my treatment. PSA number has steadily declined."