Whenever you start on an antidepressant, or come off an antidepressant then start a new one, there is a risk you may experience a period of acute "mania".
In such a situation you may feel more impulsive and emotional, appear to behave without thought to consequences or others, feel a sense of indestructability (you can do no wrong) and so on. I know this because I've experienced it myself. In my case it lasted for 6-8 weeks. It's also the reason the risk of suicide increases for the first few weeks on any antidepressant.
The cause is your brain experiencing an abrupt rise in mood and affect, and it takes time for the pattern of thinking and self control you have to establish itself over the higher mood (it is still used to you feeling depressed and working with that).
If you are starting / changing antidepressants please ask your doctor / Medical Practitioner about side effects including changes in affect / mood, acute mania, and consequential behaviour.
In the past, mild tranquilizers have helped one cope through this period and could be prescribed if you feel necessary.
21 Nov 2007, 8:33 pm
