Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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alexisday
alexisday
My husband is currently taking medication for depression- Zoloft. I noticed today he has been in and out of mopiness. I noticed certain things aggravate him like somewhat how it was before he started the medication. Like he is starting to have a short fuse again. A few hours ago I noticed he just looked sad and was real quiet.

Sure there are other stressors in our lives and issues in our marriage but it just seemed odd all of a sudden. When I asked he was very reluctant to tell me but finally said he was feeling sad. I asked if there was a reason and he said no. I told him I was worried about him and he just said he is fine. I noticed he seemed this way last night as well. Playing his video games online with his buddies and then just out of nowhere stopped and when I asked why he said he didn't feel like talking to anyone.

I guess I'm just wondering if this is normal on this medication if anyone knows? And if I should be concerned?
BonTemps
BonTemps
This sounds like the typical withdrawn type behavior of someone with depression. Feeling down , not wanting to talk and not wanting to be
around people. It sounds more like the medicine isn't working rather than a side effect of the medicine. Sometimes AD meds just burn out [stop working ] for no known reason. He may need a dosage increase or change to a different drug. I was lethargic and drowsy on all the SSRIs I tried. Then I switched to Wellbutrin which is a different type of AD and it is very energizing/ motivating. Sometimes they combine it with an SSRI. For me , it works well alone.
alexisday
alexisday
Thanks for the insight. I can see where that could hold truth, but my husband has only been on it for three weeks. Could that still new factor? He seemed fine after the first week- better.... And I know it takes like 6 weeks or so to ultimately kick in but he seemed different already. Much happier and lively.
alexisday
alexisday
Should I be worried, or call someone.... I am just giving him his quiet space, not sure if that's good to do??
chilvr
chilvr
sometimes with ad meds you will notice an initial improvement and then it levels off until the med reaches a therapeutic level in the blood. that ma;y be what he is experiencing. i would give it the full six weeks and if he is not feeling better, he may need a different ad. of course you should be concerned and keep an eye on him, but don't hover. by all means give him his quiet space. i wouldn't be too worried at this point.
hugs and puppy kisses
cloverset14
cloverset14
That sounds like a pretty typical reaction to somebody who is just getting starting on ADs. I also agree to ride it out for the full six weeks. Of course, if he seems to be getting worse, by all means consult his doctor. For the meantime, just be patient.
gramybear
gramybear
I am not a doctor or a Pharmacist, but I have known people on Zoloft that have had similar reactions to that certain anti-depressant and didn't stay on it very long. I would read from front to back, the paperwork that comes with the medication, and if it didn't have any, I would talk to your Pharmacist. I have found only two anti-depressants that actually help me, and of course, I am only speaking for myself. The first is Prozac, once I got over the nausea it caused the first 2 weeks, and the new Wellbutrin I've just been put on. At first it was causing me heart palpitations but that also went away. Each and everyone of us react to different medications differently so it's hard to ask others how one medication affected them compared to another. Please talk to your Pharmacist and he may be able to tell you if it's the prescription causing these changes. Hugs GB