My 88yo mother recently became depressed, unwilling to bathe or change her clothes for the past few weeks. No interest in reading or watching TV. She has memory issues which became more substantial after a fall and brain bleed 5 years ago. I asked her MD if we could try an antidepressant and he has prescribed Lexapro. I know it’s impossible to predict how any med will react with any individual. But does anyone have any experience with this drug? I take SSRIs myself but I know they can have different effects in children and the elderly. This has been such a stressful change in behavior. At least she still takes pleasure in interacting with our dog!
Just keep an eye in her for the first few weeks as you taper up to a therapeutic dosage. Don't expect a miraculous overnight cure, it's a slow process.
Also--get mom out into the sunshine everyday if possible. I must be solar powered--a 2 mile walk in the cold Utah sunshine has lifted my moods today more than anything!
Tricyclics are taken at night, as you note, they ARE for sleep.
Read up on this, or better yet, talk to your pharmacist. I have found them to be MUCH more able to tell you about drugs than our overworked PCPs!
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