Dealing with Lupron Depot “FUNK” Depression
I’m 62. I was diagnosed with a 4 + 3, 7 prostate tumour in May, 2023. My scans were negative, but my MRI showed left side tumour extension and left seminal vesicle extension. Prostatectomy was the plan, but had to be scrapped after my MRI. I was immediately put on Lupron Depot injections. I had a TURP in August, successful, and upon healing had 25 radiation treatments ending late October 2023. My last PSA in January was 0.03.
All that sounds good, but the Lupron has had an awful effect on me. I’m exercising regularly, still have all the side effects (short of heart attack, stroke and death). The two worst are exhaustion and depression, AKA FUNK. I never know when the FUNK is going to happen. When it does, it’s bad. I’ll start crying, I’ll feel like I’m trapped in a fence and don’t know what to do, I can’t focus, it’s just horrible. I meet once a month via phone with a psych which is helpful, but does nothing for the FUNK. Thinking of good things doesn’t help. Thoughts of death seem comforting or like coming home during the FUNK. I’m not at suicidal, but these thoughts are new and scary. I’m wondering if anyone else has this FUNK and how do you deal with it?
Yes, the funk is bad. I try to surround myself with positive people, do stuff for others, watch hallmark movies with my wife, go to the movies etc. I, too, exercise but recently got a compression fracture in spine that was radiated….the side effects pop up after four years. Don’t really have an answer for the funk, except that it’s normal, and sometimes knowing that you’re normal makes life better. Good luck, hang in there.
I meet with my radiology oncologist and family doctors in a few weeks. Last year when I was first diagnosed, I had the typical anxiety. I was prescribed .5mg lorazepam to help with that. I don’t take it during the day, but on average once a week I take one an hour before bedtime. What I’ve noticed is I always feel much better the day after I take it. I just mentioned this to my therapist last week and she said I should let my doctors know this. She believes some chemical maintenance might be of benefit. I’m inclined to agree, but hoping it’s a non habit forming drug. 🤞
I did palliative care for a year to manage pain. It was well worth it. Got dismissed once I started feebetter and labs improved. Good luck!
I should have clarified that I was talking about depression and cognitive side effects…alertness, decision making, focus, etc… 
if you feel better the next day after taking it, I agree with your therapist that you should tell your doctor this. You can then ask any questions or concerns you have about the potential side effects. Your mental health is so important, I hope you will feel better. Jill, prostatecancer.net team
