[erinellakal]

Hi
we have had rollar coaster month around here. First my mom being "diagnosed" with cancer, then finding out she didn't have cancer then our new born son being in the NICU for a week and thankfully coming home with a clean bill of health. Lots of Ups and Downs.
My Dad who has battled depression for 30 years isn't handling things well at all and is back on medication...not sure what kind....he's been on it for 4 weeks and he doesn't seem or feel any better. How long can it take for the meds to work? We are all waiting for his smiled to return....i call my mom every morning to see how he is and hoping she says he seems to be better, but it hasn't happened yet. We expected him to be back to himself sooner than this.
Julie

[MissyChrissy]

(((HUGS))) Each person is different. Communication with his dr is key. When is his next appointment? Will your mom accompany him? Is she able to give feedback to the dr?

[MommyDee]

Sometimes, depending on the medication, it can take 5-6 weeks to really kick in. However, he should be feeling at least somewhat better after 4 weeks... 5-6 weeks is for the meds to reach a certain level in your system in order to feel the full effect. Agreed with MissyChrissy -- it may be an idea for your Mom to go in with him and discuss things with the dr. I hope he's feeling better soon.

[landj111]

Julie, I'm sorry you are going through all of this ((((HUGS)))). The others are right about the medication it would take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to really start working. lol

[mcmama]

It varies from person to person, and they really have to tweak the dose. It's also not a magic pill.

This is better than if he feels so good he starts going wild. Doctors watch for that too.

Is he taking other medications which might interact with it?

[erinellakal]

Thanks ladies.
No he is on no other medications that could interact with it.
I watched the Packer Game with him on Thursday and he was talkative and was playing with Erin so I think maybe he has turned the corner.

[QueenAngie]

Still, it sounds like he yet needs an increase to 'fine tune'
and hopefully, by Christmas he'll be his usual self.

(((Hugs)))

[MommyDee]

Agreed, he should check with his dr about tweaking his dosage. Definitely sounds promising though, fingers crossed that he's past the worst of it!

[erinellakal]

The week before Christmas my dad went back to the doctor and changed medications. The same week he came back to church( he hadn't gone in 30 years). The same week he turned into a new person!
He is happy, outgoing, working, doing everything he enjoys doing!

We don't know if its God or the medication or both. He doesn't want to talk about why, just wants us to be happy we have the old Papa back!

Thanks for you posts.

Julie