Medication: how fast will they start to work?

[lovesbrightpink]

We are in the process of trying to my fiance medication. I am wondering how fast did you notice a change in your depression when you started to take meds.

Do all meds cause weight gain? My fiance is already overweight and thats another one of our concern. For those of you married, how was your sex drive affected. And well anything else that we should know.

Oh and do you still get depressed, or is it like living normal??

 

[Soulwings]

It usually takes three weeks at least for meds to kick in for depression. Sometimes six weeks, depending on the med and the amount. Be patient. And hope that the first med is going to be one that works. And if it isn't, don't give up hope, because the odds are that there will be a med out there that will help Dan's depression.

And even though I'm not married and am not sexually active, I know that some meds affect sex drive, but I'm pretty sure that the more common ones, like Prozac, Lexapro/Celexa, and Zoloft, aren't supposed to make a very big change in it. The side effects listed online or in the prescribing info should tell you more about that.

Best of luck. Praying for you both.

 

[Amin]

It usually takes three weeks at least for meds to kick in for depression. Sometimes six weeks, depending on the med and the amount. Be patient. And hope that the first med is going to be one that works. And if it isn't, don't give up hope, because the odds are that there will be a med out there that will help Dan's depression.

And even though I'm not married and am not sexually active, I know that some meds affect sex drive, but I'm pretty sure that the more common ones, like Prozac, Lexapro/Celexa, and Zoloft, aren't supposed to make a very big change in it. The side effects listed online or in the prescribing info should tell you more about that.

Best of luck. Praying for you both.

Hi,
I've been on meds. for a while. It usually takes about 5 to 6 weeks. Some meds do affect your sex drive, the best way to know is to ask the DR. if it does he would also know ways around that. I know Wellbutrin has a low risk of sexual side effects. I'm not sure of others. That's why I'd ask the doc.
I hope things work out for you.
Take Care.
Chuck. P S, Not all of them affect the appetite either. Another good question for the Doc.

 

[.chrys.]

Just another thing to consider: being overweight may be one thing driving the depression. Medication can help the depression; a less-depressed person may be motivated to lose the weight.

I concur with the other posts in this thread. It might take 3, 4 or 5 weeks before the medication starts to take effect and help. Even then, it might not be the right dose, or the right kind of medication. The whole process can be quite an ordeal. Patience and understanding are key elements on the road to recovery.

I'm certain that your fiance is blessed by your interest in making his life better.

~Witness

 

[lovesbrightpink]

Yea his weight is a huge factor but he is not motivated to do anything let alone work.

 

[Amin]

Yea his weight is a huge factor but he is not motivated to do anything let alone work.

Hi,
I would encourage him to at least do some small things. It helps to motivate
us sometimes when we start out with small stuff.
Chuck.

 

[lovesbrightpink]

its hard because we need to both be working.

 

[Nacho]

I am wondering how fast did you notice a change in your depression when you started to take meds.

I started feeling 'better' within a few days. Granted, this could have been a natural oscillation. I've done some research, but am afraid it's not entirely clear-cut and dependent on the medication you're taking. Most of the time you're going to be looking at a two week minimum before you experience any noticable changes. From my understanding (which is subject to correction) this is because of the time it takes for the receptors to sensitize.

Do all meds cause weight gain? My fiance is already overweight and thats another one of our concern.

Of the individuals I have spoken to, most report weight gain. However, most would agree that it beats depression. Also, with depression alleviated, weight control can be much easier.

For those of you married, how was your sex drive affected. And well anything else that we should know.

Not married, but I do have some information. Unfortunately, I'm not certain how graphic I can get on these forums.

Oh and do you still get depressed, or is it like living normal??

I think there is some societal misconception with this premise. It is normal to have a bad day and feel depressed once and a while. Depending on your medication, you will likely still have a bad day once and a while. And I would have to say that I do, at times, deal with what I think is clinical / chemical depression, which is unrelated to any circumstance. I'm not certain that can be entirely avoided, but certainly much more manageable with medication.