Natalizumab and Depression: What Users Say

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2014

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "I am on my third dose of Tysabri. I did poorly on Avonex, and my neurologist has been hesitant to place me on the other multiple sclerosis medicines due to the serious side effects of the Avonex. I developed sepsis 10 times in 2 years. So when I was admitted to the hospital and transferred to ICU twice in 2 months due to MS, we decided to try Tysabri. The side effects have been difficult to say the least. Terrible urinary tract infections, headaches, ringing of the ears, anxiety, and depression. I am JCV positive so in fairness, the anxiety may be due to fear of the PML virus. I am scheduled to have lab work after the next infusion and will make a decision on continuing therapy."

• Abb...
• January 6, 2012

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "My husband has been on Tysabri for a year now. The first six months were great. He liked that he had no nausea and could control his bowels compared to Copaxone and Rebif. Fatigue improved. He had very slight improvements to his walking gait and balance. Mental attitude was improved. Lately, balance is poor, walking is dragging/carrying his leg forward, twitches and jerks are back. Strangers call him Spider-Man in public (he laughs). Depression is setting in again. Hearing ringing sounds."

• Dra...
• December 18, 2019

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "Has anyone else experienced mental issues with this drug? I got severe anxiety and started feeling depressed after starting this drug and some mental confusion. Other than this, the drug seems to be working."

• Bli...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 4, 2020

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "Abdominal discomfort, gaseous and irritable stomach, eye allergy, headache, drowsiness, urinary frequency, mental issues. I have been on Tysabri for 7 years, 16 with MS. It keeps me stable for a long, long time. Best treatment in my case. Hope you all are fine."

• Flo...
• November 28, 2019

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "Copaxone was the first medication for two years, after the 2015 definitive diagnosis of MS, but had horrible injection site side effects and more lesions. The first two infusions I felt good and some of my symptoms had eased since I had a relapse while off meds. The fifth infusion I had chills and fever for a few days, and that hasn’t happened again. The worst side effect experienced is tiredness for several days and sometimes chills. I use a cane from time to time for balance and weakness. I won’t know if Tysabri is working until the February MRI and am hopeful for no new lesions. This medication is better than all the horrible injections. I do get depression after as well, but take a low-dose antidepressant, which has helped very much. I am JC negative. It is good to know after reading reviews that I am not the only one who experiences tiredness after infusions. My neurologist’s PA said she hasn’t heard of anyone with side effects."

• Ele...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I am 26, and I was diagnosed with MS when I was 17. I had a heavy lesion load in my brain and spine when I was diagnosed and was put on Rebif injections for several years. Rebif had an average-poor effect in managing my MS, and I had terrible side effects such as extreme fatigue, flu-like joint pains, and depressive mood. I was changed to Gilenya, which was moderately better at controlling my relapses, though they still happened regularly. Over 2 years ago, I was put on Tysabri, and I've never felt better. I haven't had a single relapse or symptom in that time. Some of my lesions are reducing in size, and I have no side effects from the drug except minor fatigue a few days before my infusion. I am JC negative currently."

• jen...
• January 14, 2013

Natalizumab for Multiple Sclerosis "Makes me tired. New symptoms since I started it, joint pain, depression. May not be continuing this."