Dear Lindsey:

You shared that you were on Vibryd, an antidepressant, for at least 10 years following having been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. About 5 years ago, you were diagnosed with a mood disorder, and for the last 2 years, you’ve been taking Lamotrigine, a medication prescribed to “prevent the extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder in adults” (online). The latter greatly improved your life.

Because Vibryd had negative sexual side effects, you stopped taking it about a month ago, following getting your doctor’s approval. But in the last month, the sexual side effects have not improved at all, and in the last 2 weeks, you’ve been experiencing “a change with classic depression symptoms… I feel like I do not have the energy to do anything (including maintain a relationship) along with work, children, and my ex“, and therefore, you decided to restart Vibryd tonight, in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.

My input: I think that it’s a good choice to restart the antidepressant medication tonight because (1) your children, your work and your need to manage your ex successfully, are all of higher priority than sexual pleasure, says I, (2) if you don’t have energy for the relationship, the sexual side effects issue is mute, I think, isn’t it?

“I did send a message to Jason that I am starting back the medication. I just do not feel happy at all, and I am hoping I do not screw up anything.  This is the worst timing really. I’m dog sitting and he is gone until Monday” – it is not your fault that you suffer from a mood disorder and need medications for it, neither is it your fault that psychiatric medications have sexual side effects, so please, be empathetic toward yourself, not judgmental and harsh! Also, you did not screw up anything, on the contrary: you are on top of things. I’ve been witnessing you making many good choices, for a long time. It’s admirable to see how well you take care of things and make good choices, again and again. I am impressed!

Monday will be here sooner than you feel, you’ll see. It will be okay!

anita

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