antidepressant medications and running?
Q.I'm starting counseling/treatment for depression and possible anxiety/anger issues, and may be prescribed antidepressant medication. I was on Elavil three times before--the first time in 1983/early 1984, then in 1987, and the last time in early 1990. Those episodes were so long ago I can't remember what effect the medication had on my running/training. My first meeting with my counselor is this afternoon, and so I have no idea whether or not he's an athlete. What side-effects should I be aware of for the newer medications (Prozac, and others)? Will taking antidepressant medication negatively affect my running? Although I'm an *age-group* Masters runner who has yet to break 29:00 for 5K, I'm moderately serious about my running and training, and want to make sure I'm fully aware of how the medication might affect me and my running performance.
A.I believe it was Alberto Salazar who had a very stellar career interrupted by depression. He went on to win the Comrades Marathon (a 50 miler) which he attributed to Prozac helping him deal with the inner demon while allowing him to resume training. There are probably several side effects of any antidepressant, but as far as Prozac goes they are not usually physical, i.e., would keep you from training. I've not familiar with interactions of antidepressants and anit anxiety medications, however a trip to the FDA website should reveal any significant problems. Then a trip to the drug manufacturer's site will list every all know complications, look for any noted interactions. Lastly, there is probably a newsgroup specifically for this question, and if it is up to standards of other medical treatment newsgroups, in short order they will manage to scare the hell out of you sufficiently that you will be rendered incapable of any and all movement. Fear not some where, some one will rise to the occasion and proffer good advice. Really lastly, seek advice from a physician in that specialty who is a runner of your ilk. I have a doctor who is a runner-of very short distances. He thinks a 5K is the longest the human was meant to run, while I think a 5K is a sprint (and cruel and unusual punishment) he cannot relate to a marathon, and is unable to provide knowledgeable assistance and guidance on "distance" running. Bottom line, depression can interfere with "listening to one's self" judicious use of medication can right that. Whether you are prescribed medication or not will depend upon a whole host of factors. If you are placed on medication, it may be for a temporary period until you learn other ways of dealing with the problem or it may be for the rest of your life. Ask the doctor about these things. The doctor is certainly being paid enough that all your questions should be answered. As far as running, again, ask the doctor about running and the medication (should you wind up on it). Virtually every doctor that I've ever spoken with or worked with is THRILLED that a patient is doing something to improve his or her health. My medications make me sweat more - I just make sure I drink more water than I normally would, about a pint every 30 mins or so. If your meds have a sedative effect perhaps it's worth discussing with your doctor that you do sports (which are considered very effective to help beat depression, I believe), and say you want to have an antidepressant prescribed for you that does not adversely affect your ability to go out for a run. Given that there are around 26 antidepressants out there on the market s/he should be able to find you one that is suitable.
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