[mrspatwolf]

My step son is 17 and having serious depression for a couple years and tried various meds. He went into a pych hospital for a couple weeks when he just couldn't function, go to school etc. They chose EFFEXOR to help him, and it actually seemed to be VERY helpful. HOWEVER, he has been having these (WE THINK they are dreams that seem real.. memories that are false. For instance, he helped improve the stealth bomber and a troop transport vehicle. He thinks when he was in the hospital that Jon Stewart from the DAILY SHOW came to visit him, and when he came home from the hospital, he feels Jon sang a song to him that he requested and then said on air, Cheer up Kevin! There are more delusions that we know could not have happened too numerous to list. He sat us down last night and told us all about them wanting to know once and for all if they were true, and of course we had to tell him they were not. Couple weeks ago when he first told us a LITTLE bit about the delusions, we searched about side effects of effexor and read they can cause vivid dreams. After a little more research we found some posts on different sites where people claimed not only did they have vivid dreams but that they were positive they were true. This is NOT medtioned on any of the side effects on the actual medication. We took him to our GP who is very knowledgable and he switched him to LEXAPRO, about 3 weeks ago. He's very discouraged as he feels the Lexapro should be working by now and he shouldn't still be thinking of these delusions as real. I tried to explain to him that memories false or not are always going to be memories, and as long as he realizes that I hope that should help him accept it. I have a call into his councelor now, but he's on vacation and frankly I have NOOOOOOOOO idea what to do. I'm very proud of him that he had the courage to come tell us about these false memories, but he's SOOOO depressed and he feels totally helpless and that he will never be able to enjoy life but just exist in life. Has anyone else had this experience ?? Any suggesions?

[jmo531]

Hi and welcome to PC.

I currently take Effexor XR and have for the past year. I was originally prescribed Effexor for my depression and Anxiety. I have not had the side effects that you are speaking of. In the beginning I had some really vivid dreams that actually kept me from sleeping as I was afraid of them. Then I was prescribed Ambien for sleep. Anyway, it sounds to me that your son is having delusions. Does he recognize that they are not real? Perhaps, talking to the Psychiatrist and explaining what your son is experiencing is the best thing. People who have severe depression can also present with psychotic features. I am not a therapist or psychiatrist so I suggest you consult with them for further information.

I wish you luck with this. I am sending my good thoughts to your son.


Jen

[SS8282]

Hi, welcome to PC. Your step son is VERY lucky to have you and your support.

I'm wondering, has he had any delusions before taking Effexor, and is he *still* having them? Knowing that might give you a clue as to whether the problem is from that med or not.

I know it is discouraging to have tried many meds and still not feeling well. Unfortunately, it's common for people to try a lot of different meds - individually and in combo. Perhaps he needs to take another med on top of his current one. Please keep in mind that some meds might not be effective until 6weeks or so.

I hope things will get better for him soon. Take care.

your son is truly blessed to have your concern! and i am truly blessed that you posted this!!!!!!! i am on effexor and was JUST telling my husband about the horrible dreams that i have been having!!!!!i never knew that this could be a side affect!...so thank you!...and as others have suggested....your son needs to talk this out fully with a professional and how about suggesting these forums to him? there is alot of support here and fantastic people! good luck and keep us posted!

[(JD)]

There are some medications that cause vivid dreams, night terrors, and even hallucinations. Often they lessen or disappear after a few weeks. I'm surprised that the Lexapro didn't seem to help rather quickly (much shorter time than other ssri's/ ssnri's. Perhaps it isn't "just" the medication..but holiday stress added in? Extremely stressful times can cause delusional thinking, etc.. coupled with a new med that also affects that area of the brain, and who knows?

I would personally think about cutting the dose of the original med, and see if the negative effects lessen also? There might also be a difference between an extended release med and regular one (same med) affects someone.

If he is really frustrated, a little extra information on the complexity of the brain, it's chemicals and all that is background to the meds, might help? I know it's difficult when depressed, but good, solid information can help us be more patient at times. TC

[Lexicon78]

I think my ex had the same reaction to either celexa or effexor...I can't remember which one it was. She believed people were out to get her and she became very paranoid and delusional. I agree that you should speak to the psychiatrist immediately.