My WW has finally started taking antidepressants. She got the prescription on Friday. I don't know which brand(s) she is taking or what the dosage(s) is/are. But I am doing my very best to be her friend and give her someone to lean on. I thought it might be to my advantage if I had some idea how these drugs were going to affect her.<p>Can anyone give me some tips as to what changes I might expect in W? She mentioned today that she was tired and naseous. Are these common AD side effects? Is there anything I should do to change my actions toward her now that she's taking these drugs?<p>Thanks in advance for your advice.<p>BP

I think tired is right, sometimes low sex drive, I took prozac for a while and it did that... in general they make you less anxious, and less easy to anger... sometimes they make you veg, and just not care.. my experience with prozac.. not sure how I got to it.. but there is an area on this site,.. with notable posts... to see.... maybe someone else can give you the link... there is kind of like a library out there with info ... or look up on the internet.. do a search, ask her which one she is one.. I am now on effexor and doing way better! good luck- overall they should help!<p>HONEY

Positive,
I work as a medical assistant, so I get to answer these questions all the time! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] Yes, nausea and fatigue are common side effects. So are headaches. There are quite a few more, but it depends on the class of drug she is on. If you can find out exactly what it is, I can tell you exactly what to watch for. In ANY of the meds though, the big thing is to KEEP TAKING THEM. The side effects are bothersome but WILL go away, usually in about 2-3 weeks. If she has any concerns, she should talk to her doctor before stopping them. Just quitting them cold turkey can have worse effects.
As they start working, her moods should level out, she should start sleeping better, her appetite should return, if it was gone. If she was quick to lose her tempure, then it will help her remain calm longer. <p>As for what you can do....keep being there for her and ask her if there's anything you can do.
I have been on Zoloft for a while and I really appreciate the difference in me! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] <p>Hope this helps!

Mrs. WLD - I hate to interfere in this thread, so if you want to start another thread, please do. The Dr. put me on Zolof, after I found out about my H affair. I didn't start to feel better till about 3-4 weeks. I went to my GYN, (who put me on Zolof) this week. For my regular checkup, and I have had to deal with my fathers death just Jan. 2, 2002. I told her I cry a lot, feel depressed and feel so low. She didn't want to increase the dosage, she feel I should go through the natural process of bereavement, with the dose I am on. <p>Today, especially, I feel so low, depressed, and just not wanting to do anything, or even to live. My H (who is SNL) is one sitting on the fence, and we are talking about separation. I didn't take my medication, for 2 nights, Wednesday and Thursday night. Cause I left them home when our oldest daughter and I had to go out of town. I left my little overnight bag at home. Could this of interfered with the actions of the anti-depressant? For not taking them 2 nights in a row? I take Zolof, 100mg, 1 in the evening. Thank you. Sorry to interfere.

Thinker,
No problem. I don't consider it as interfering, simply giving more perspective.
Yes, this could be because you've missed two doses in a row. Please keep in mind, I AM NOT A DOCTOR! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]
I am confidently giving advice that I would be giving one of my patients, but you really need to check with your own physician. Have you tried taking your meds in the morning? You may find that it will work better for you. These types of meds can certainly help us out, but we do need to be careful with them! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]

I used to be on Zoloft (2xday 50mg) but it was not effective enough. It left me very low in the mornings. I also take Trazadone at night (though I did not take it last night I am trying to quit it).<p>Zoloft killed my appetite (not a bad thing at the time) and I lost 20 lbs in 21 days. I am now on Efixor (sp?) extend release it is has made me much more stable and I have recovered my appetite. I have a friend that is a drug rep and he recommends Celexa (sp?) because it has such a long duration (36 hours).<p>If one does not work for you, talk to your doctor about getting a new med.

Thanks for the information. Another thing I forgot to mention, is that I am going through menopause. Just started enough that my levels are low. So the GYN put me on HRT. I am taking a compound formula of estrogen and progesterone. That then, probably effected my mood, since I missed those 2 doses also.<p>The doctor recommended and the pharmicist that fills the compound drugs recommended too, that I take the Zolof and HRT at night. It will help me to sleep better.<p>Thank you for the recommendation on Efixor or Celexa. Good to hear others advice on medications that they have tried. Zoloft, has helped, I find that I am not so edgy. Still edgy some, but am able to control myself. Will ask GYN about these 2 products. THANKS!!