girlfriend starting antidepressants?

Question

well my girlfriend's family is going to start her on antidepressants cause they think she is depressed even though I've never seen her display any kind of depression and I'm sorta worried about how this will effect the relationship, I was curious about how she might change and how I can act to make it easier for her to cope with this?

Answer 1

You are very considerate to ask what to do. Here are some thoughts:
1) Are you sure that the anti-depressants are for depression? Some anti-depressants have been found to be useful in treating other ailments. (Example: Welbutrin can help people quit smoking.)
2) You have a valid concern about the relationship, but if anything, it could make it much better.
3) If you haven't noticed any obvious indications of depression, it may be that she only needs the medication for a short period of time to help stabilize a situation in her life or in her past.
4) You can make it easier for her by being totally accepting, not questioning, letting her know that if she wants to talk about it with you that she can - but that she doesn't have to, and assuring her that you care for her no matter what. That will give her the freedom from having to worry about her relationship with you until she gets things straightened out.

Ultimately, it is possible that your relationship may be affected in some way and that you may find that parting of the ways is best for all concerned. But, don't go into it that way. Things will manifest themselves within a few months. If you care about her, and she you, you owe each other some time - and maybe some space.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I was put on three types of antidepressants. Two at a time because two of them Trazodone and then Remeron were supposed to help with insomnia. I was also taking Prozac. Here's what happened. I got excessively anxious and excitable. I didn't bother to sleep for 2 or 3 days at a time since the Trazodone and Remeron did absolutely nothing, but give me a headache. I started to feel very stoned all the time and like I was really far away. Then my doctor upped my dosage. The anxiety kicked in full and I couldn't go outside alone which sucked because I was in university at the time. I tried to kill myself with an overdose, but just threw up and passed out for a day or more?? and then quit the medication cold turkey and never went back to my psychiatrist.

I decided that being depressed is much better than being depressed and on antidepressants. It feels like being pulled at opposite ends and you're stretching and just know you'll snap sooner or later.

As for sex, well because of the feeling of antidepressants and depression at the same time, I would have lots of sex for releif and man, I would drink! I wasn't in a serious relationship though, but it did make me quite chatty before the tension of it all almost killed me. I'd tell people the most elaborate stories. Most of them were lies, but I was acting and the reactions were more fun than whatever boring shite was going on.

Do I think your girlfriend will react this way? Nah, probably not. Apparently, this reaction I had so uncommon and these stupid drugs actually help people. Most likely she'll feel tired all the time or get insomnia, gain or lose weight and have some sexual side effects.

Answer 4

I've seen positive effects on a lot of people. I've taken some from time to time and been mostly pleased with the effects. Many people who experience difficulty need to be able to communicate that with the healthcare provider. Dosages can be adjusted or changed until you have the right "fit". Don't act differently. But do let her know you are supportive and that you want her to be healthy.

Answer 5

Treat her the same just monitor the results. Depression may not be distinguishable by some. Those closer may be able to spot the signs sooner. However, this may be another case of the parents would rather dose her than raise her. Tons of parents administer kiddie cocaine (Ritalin) not because the child needs it, but because the parents shouldn't have had kids while being so immature. Good luck, you're a good friend.

Answer 6

Her family "thinks" she's depressed. What does she think? Maybe she's depressed because her family has apparently decided to do all her thinking for her?

From what I have heard, anti-depressants, at least the first brand you try, don't really help. But there can be side effects, which you might observe.

It seems strange that she's being put on meds when you perceive no symptoms of depression at all. No irritability, withdrawn behavior, overt sadness, inability to enjoy normal activity, nothing like that all?

Answer 7

I have Manic Depression and Anxiety...I am Bipolar and I take no medication.
I found a better way to deal with my stress. I go fishing, work in the garden, paint, do arts and crafts making jewelry and treasure hunting with my Metal detector and trust me, I have found over $3,000 in money since I bought it. The biggest find was the gold coins buried in a napsack found at Pine Mountain Georgia, and the result was awesome. I cashed them in collected the money ./

I find a one carat diamons ring on Ft Benning , Georgia at the airbone training facility.
How can I be depressed when I get lucky finding money???

Answer 8

She may gain weight and she may experience sexual dysfunction--she may be totally uninterested in sex--don't think that it's you. Run a search of Paxil and weight gain--you will find a lot of comments. I started taking the stuff and gained weight and couldn't figure out what was wrong. I was so pi**ed when I found out what happend---once I got off the meds I was able to lose the weight. Simple daily exercise will also increase her serotonin levels.
**many anti-depressants will cause weight problems and sexual dysfunction.

Answer 9

If she is going to be taking antidepressants that means that a doctor has prescribed them so obviously it's not just because they THINK she is depressed. You need to get your story straight before you post it.

Answer 10

well, she probably will change, for the better. i know i changed for the better when i got on them. i felt so much better, lighter, less volatile, less emotional, better equipped to handle things. There may be some sexual side effects too, depending on what she is taking so you may just be patient with that. It might take awhile for her to adjust to that. I would suggest being as encouraging as you can. If you notice positive changes, acknowledge them.