Effects of Anti-Depressants..?

Question

A very good friend is taking anti depressants...

I've noticed some pretty big changes in her moods and general emotional state....

What are the effects of anti-depressants..?

* Makes you a bit impatient ?

* More blunt in the way you speak to people ?

* Generally a bit zombified ?

* Sleep more than usual ?

Sometimes she can be a bit hurtful (towards me) which I never had any problem with before...

I went to visit her at her house a while ago, and we didn't talk much, she just lay down on the couch, she put on a DVD - even though we hadn't caught up in ages.... She just zoned out and said hardly a word....

I suppose I'm wondering whether I should be making her aware of her behaviour or not...

Any information or suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

B.

Thanks for the answers...

She's been on anti depressants for a few years now...

Answer 1

It's possible that the things you describe are a result of the antidepressant your friend is on. My question would be (that is I need more detail)... how long has she been on them?

If she has just gone on them recently, it is possible that they have not kicked in yet and what you are seeing is a continuation of the depression. For example... putting on a DVD and zoning out - sometimes people with depression just don't know what to say, so watching a movie is easier. But If she has been on them a while, hopefully, over time these symptoms may disappear. If they don't then that is another discussion that you could have with your Friend.

Unfortunately, the effects of antidepressants are different for everyone, so it would be virtually impossible to know if this is the reason your friend is the way she is. However, that being said, if you are concerned about it, I would definitely discuss it with her. It's always tricky on how to have these discussions, so my recommendation would be to ask her if she's noticed any side-effects of going on the pills... and start the discussion from there.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm on an anti-depressant and so is my dad and daughter. An anti-depressant should make you feel relaxed but not like a zombie! This is a sign that she may need to try a differnet one, for that one isn't working right. It is not supposed to make you impatient. You could TRY to talk to her about it, but will she listen? If she is hurting your feelings, then let her know that. Try and talk to some family members about your concerns, if that is possible, and see if they can help. Often times the person doesn't realize what they are doing, and how other people are seeing the changes. I also have an acquaintance that took years of trying different drugs to work, she could tell within herself when things weren't right and would question the doctor. Try and go to the doctor with her, and see if you can talk to him or her. You would need her permission. Once your body adjusts to the medications, you do sleep more. My anti-depressant makes me sleepy after I take it, but I break up the dose during the day to keep things calm. When people around me noticed that I was more on edge, comments were made, but it just verified what I was already feeling. If she doesn't listen, you may need to step back and let her know that until her behavior changes, you will not be talking to her as much in person. Still keep in touch with her more to make sure that she is okay. Suggest to her that you feel a medicaiton change may be in her best interest. One other thing you can do, is try to find out who her doctor is, and let them know your relationship with her, and that you are concerned, and write a letter explaining the changes in behavior. This is what friends are for, watching out for each other.

Answer 3

It depends how long she's been on the antidepressants. If only a week or so, not working yet. If longer than a month, aren't working at all; she's still depressed OR she might be bipolar and they didn't catch it. Irritability, "zoning", angry, sleeping a lot, etc. are ALL classic signs of depression....but are classic signs of bipolar as well (manic-depressive) and some people don't know that. Talk with your friend, ask her how she's feeling, ask her a lot of questions but let her know gently that you care, and suggest she go see her doctor if she isn't getting better. Also, the meds like Prozac can cause profound effects like this that are very unpleasant and it would mean she needs a different class of antidepressants.

Answer 4

I am someone who "should" be taking them. But I haven't in several years. They do me more harm than good. They change my personality and not for the better. Going through life feeling like a zombie.....is worse than being the way that I am......the way that I am generally is more problematic people other than myself(I am an extreme intrvert and completely happy that way....currently living with my mother in law and losing my mind)

While I don't know your friend I would suspect that she does know that something is different.She has probably been told to wait at least 6 weeks to have more or less the full effect of the pills. Maybe just "observe" her for a bit. Give her some time and space to adjust and make up her own mind.....some make say that she needs to have her meds changed...maybe so but as someone who had been put on many different ones....the feeling was always the same....and it wasn't good...but it was a choice that I had to make myself

Answer 5

I am new to antidepressants as well. Until the body adjusts 1-2 weeks there will be some zombie like behavior. I took leave because i was just about worthless the first few days on meds

Answer 6

B, I hope an MD chimes in here to give you an 'official' answer. I'm not one, but I have been severely depressed.

I took Effexor and it's effect on me was as you describe. Rather than comment on her behavior, suggest that she talk to her doctor. There are lots of different meds out there- sometimes it takes a few tries to find one that works.

My primary advice is to stick with her and give her support. She's fortunate to have someone like you!