Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 5/12/2007

Question
I've noticed for the past year that my father's behaviour has changed. He seems slower. He takes longer to talk,zones out a lot,and he just acts weird, like he's kind of drunk, making very weird comments and such. I know it's not drinking though because when he does drink, he goes completely out of control as a result of the medication. He has mild depression that he says makes him very tired. He's had depression since his late twenties, but he's now 47 and says it' been worse lately and has been effecting the amount of work he can get done in a day. He also complains of not being able to sleep very well. He take 1 50mg Apo-Trazodone at bedtime, and 1 150 mg Novo-Venlaflaxin XR in the morning. He's usualy a very quick, smart, aware and funny person, and still is on some days. Could this aberant behaviour be because of his medication? Of so, what can I do about it, and if not, what else could it be?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Dear Stacia

Your father definitely needs reassement of his medication. venlaxine is more likely than many of the newer antodepressants to cause aberrant or paradoxical behaviour. 50mg of trazodone seems low if insomnia is a problem. There are so many other drugs available for depression that it really needs someone on the spot and completely familiear with your father's history to sort out a better drug regime which seems to be needed.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith