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Major depressive disorder

Posted , 3 users are following.

allison_83049
allison_83049

My husband was diagnosed with major depressive disorder 1 year ago and is going to see his psychiatrist to get off of his medication. 1 year ago he was so depressed that he wouldn't leave the house, wouldn't answer the phone, watched movies and slept all day and cried a lot. Although he is not as depressed, he still watches movies all day and has no motivation to go to work or do any work around the house. He is somewhat reclusive and doesn't have friends that he hangs out with. He Is blaming the lack of motivation on the venlafaxine and trazadone and is going to his doctor to get off all medication. I'm so scared about this and I don't think he has ever been properly diagnosed or has been on the right medication. Any suggestions?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • john059
    john059 allison_83049

    Posted

    Hi Allison.  Perhaps he should consider a reduction if he has had major depression. And get him into an exercise program also. I’ve read online where some sites have stated that any form of exercise is as good as meds. 
  • Purpledobermann
    Purpledobermann allison_83049

    Posted

    Hi Allison. Your instincts are correct. His depression has not been relieved yet and he is not showing important signs of recovery. Lack of motivation you describe and no drive for contact with friends have nothing to do with medication he is on. They are just signs that he is still very much unwell. So either the medication was not adequate or his condition is more complex than initially assessed. While going off medication may give him a temporary sense of empowerment it is likely to be transient and he may spiral into more dangerous states. There are no guarantees either way and nothing is set in stone. I doubt very much that his psychiatrist will agree to taking him off medication. I would think they would look at tweaking dosages or changing medication.

    Is there a known trigger for his depression. I mean, did something specific happen leading up to this? Family history of depressive disorder or other mental health conditions?

    What dosages of venlafaxine are we talking about?

    Hang in there. I know first hand how it is to deal with a partner who refuses to get up and latch on.

    Sending love.

    • allison_83049
      allison_83049 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      Hi, my husband was taking 150 mg of venlafaxine, the dose has been reduced to 75 mg. I don't know if I'm imagining things but I have noticed a strange change in his behavior. He is suddenly angry, irrational and a little paranoid. He is up and down with his mood. He sat with his back to me at church yesterday, said he was going to get groceries last night, was gone for several hours and came back without groceries. He told the kids in front of me that he left to get away from me and we weren't even fighting. I don't know if this behavior is related to the decrease in his medication. As far as triggers, I believe that my husband has a long history of mental illness/ depression. He also has a history of impulsive behavior. I'm not sure he has ever been properly diagnosed and I don't think he has been on the right medication. He has been on many different antidepressants. At one time he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. More recently just major depression. He is an alcoholic, recently sober, has a history of drug abuse as well. The depression does get worse when he is drinking of course and the lack of ambition as well. 

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