[Grithnir]

I wanted to ask an opinion that is only a little bit complicated to explain. My roommate was just hospitalized for mania and put on Depakote and I have been researching that anti-depressants can actually increase manicness and mania, especially in people that aren't even necessarily depressed. Also my counselor said that people that generally don't show signs of depression, an anti-depressant is basically the same as a placebo, and I think it is the case with my roommate.

I don't accompany him to see the same nurse I do, but I did the first time and told her that his Prozac causes him to be irritable, (before hospitalization). Then last visit I explained my research on the effectiveness of him even taking an anti-depressant and also how much people hate Prozac according to the internet, and she responded by saying she spent many years in school and let's just worry about you.

I then told my counselor about all this with the nurse, and even told him that my roommate cannot even have an erection because of Prozac and that must cause him to have hormonal issues and he agreed. I don't know if I should go into the nurse and say, "You know a lot of men in their 60's and 70's pay a lot of money to buy Cialis and Viagra and you are denying my roommate the ability to masturbate at the age of 28 for what reason?"

I don't really care but he has brought it up and if that is what is causing the irratability, then why can't she switch to a different class of anti-depressants that are not the SSRI's. People's complaints about them are horrific and he doesn't stand up for himself about it, and thinks it's a private matter, but clearly to me, if that happened to me and part of my body didn't function I would complain or not even take that medication, albeit that my anti-psychotics decrease me sexual energy or vitality but still, it seems like it is a right and that is a big part of his irritability.

Should I tell the nurse about this whole sexual dysfunction thing? Apparently she thinks he needs an anti-depressant but the one I take does not cause that, and I honestly think he should take Wellbutrin because of his excessive smoking but whatever reduces irritability the most seems more appropriate.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Grithnir

[Slothrop]

Many people complain that Wellbutrin makes them irritable (it definitely happened to me), so I wouldn't go that route.

I've heard pro and con about Prozac. I took it for a couple of years...I changed meds mainly because it wasn't addressing my depression adequately.

But I'm curious as to why he's on an antidepressant at all if he's manic.

As to his sexual dysfunction, I think it's his decision whether to tell his caregivers.

It isn't unusual to combine an antidepressant with a mood stabilizer like Depakote. But since he's having side effects with prozac, there are many other AD's that could be used.

But unless this is a family member, you really don't have any say in his treatment. Sorry to tell you that. These have to be his decisions.

[Slothrop]

Originally Posted by farmergirl

It isn't unusual to combine an antidepressant with a mood stabilizer like Depakote.

I should qualify my comment, seeing as I am right now taking an antidepressant and multiple mood stabilizers...

Continued use of an antidepressant surprises me when someone is manic enough to be hospitalized. I'd more expect to see the combo used during a depressed phase...preventing mixed episodes, etc.

But I ain't no expert...

[deliquesce]

i agree with the nurse - she's had years of professional training, you've had google and personal experience to bring you to your opinion.

quite frankly i'd be much more than merely 'irritable' if i had a room mate who thought they had a right to decide what was in my bests interests, especially after i'd clearly indicated (as your roommate has) that certain issues are to be kept private.