Medications-

[Theri]

My son started imipridine for a depression along with his stated inability to concentrate and gravitation towards marijuana.
He doesnt do the pot due to peer pressure, since he seems to be caught doing it alone.
When he is steady, he is fun and sweet to be around. However, when he is not steady he is explosive,and angry. I cant get him out of bed in the morning, and if I try, he becomes very angry.
Sometimes its just easier to leave him there.

He started imipridine a week ago, and threw it away today. He says it makes him so he cant sleep. (hes probably slept no more than two hours a night since he started it).
Is there another drug that is available, or is this a normal side effect of this drug that will "hopefully" wear off?

[HFHS MD - RG]

With the information you have provided, your son's behaviour may be influenced by his use of marijuana.

Cannabis abuse and dependence may cause sleep disturbance among other physical effectgs of the drug including increased heart rate, decreased skin temperature nad impairment of performance in psychomotor tests.

On ther hand withdrawal from the use of marijuana may cauase mood instability,depression, and anxiety.
Another phenomenon that is associated with chronic use of marijuana is amotivational syndrome characterized as loss of interest in achievement, poor concentration, social withdrawal, and apathy.

Solely treating the symptoms with medications may not be effective because of risk of relapse.

Your son may benefit from chemical dependency treatments that include therapy with use of medications.

I encourage you to discuss this option with the treating psychiatrist.

[JT (Jet) Rink]

Your son may respond well to any of the following that actually help induce sleep, they are non-habit forming and acn be perscribed with other depression meds.

1. Elavil (Amitriptyline) This drug has been most effective in helping me GET to sleep.  They are also used to treat chronic pain.  It is also an antidepressant. (100 - 150mg)  More effective for me than the Trazodone/Desiryl (#2 below)

2. Trazodone/Desiryl.  Also helps with sleep onset, and is an antidepresant.  In my case I didn't respond consistently on the generic brand.  The Desryl had worked well for me (25mg-200 mg). The reason I was given for the difference in effectiveness was that the generic drug tablets do not always disolve as well as the brand name.

My situation is a number of focal lipoma, developmental & migrational anomalies.  As well, I have suffered a number of concussions in my youth (Currently 36).  The Desiryl worked well for me and was "agreeable" with my system and other meds.

The reason I have been put on the Elavil is to help with chronic pain (I'm on 120 mg of morphine per day, with Advil).

I don't smoke marajuana (sp?) anymore.  I quit when I was 19 years old.  It may be a difficult discussion, but you need to know how he feels when he is smoking.  The marajuana can result in very paranoid behaviour, particularly if he is feeling bad about performance at school, work, sports, social life.

I won't pass any comment on smoking marajuana, but is somthing that should only be used in a fun envirment in a good mood.  If he is depressed, it may cause severe problems.

The drug side effects can be a real problem, but your body does adjust.  It is very important to eat right to help yourselve better tolerate the drugs.  

My heart goes out to you and your son.  What he is going through is complete hell.  It is hard for family to understand when you literaly can't get out of bed.  Try to stay away from "snap out of it"  (He would if could, believe me). Also try not to force anything on him.  "Everyone gets depressed at sometime...." also a killer statement.  What he is going through is hell, and has nothing in common with "normal sadness snd grief".

Exersise is critical, but it can be a major help.  Feeling good about doing what's right, along with "strong body:strong mind"

I wish you all the best.  He needs support and he needs your help.  He may resist talking about the marajuana, or wont feel comfortable talking with you about it but you need to find out how it makes him feel, how often he smokes, anything you can find out.  His doctor should know.

(My story, for a point of view where I am coming from.  I am 36 years old, had concussions downhill ski racing at a competitive level over 11 year career. Yes, marajuana was around in the 70's, nothing done regularily, but I know of what I speak with regards to possible effects.

I have a professional career of 11 years, and have the good fortune of living very comfortably.  I began having hearing problems in my late 20's which has gradually gotten worse.  I have lost 40-50% of my hearing in my right ear is gone and it rings 24 hours a day.  I

N my early thirties I began to have balance problems, losing short term memory, cognitive problems, getting lost in my own neighbourhood, visual halucinations, and awesome evil debilitating pain attacks that would come out of nowhere.  (This lead to an MRI that found a number of defects and benine tumors, vascular abnormalities and other assorted brain screw-ups.)  They were very in frequent at first, far apart, and not too long lasting.  The situation has gotten steadily worse until September, when the pain and other symtoms came and stayed.  I am in extreme difficulty 4-7 days a week.  I have unable to work, which is very frustrating, I love my work and I got validation there, maybe too much.  I am on a great disability program, but all I want to do is get back to work (See, I must be sick.)  

The above all combined and overwhelmed me.  I was diagnosed with severe depression.  I fought that "label" for some time, I was embarrassed.  All of which is stupid.  It happens, and the great news is it is very cureable in most cases.  Get informed as you can, and be aggresive (aggressive) with the doctors.

I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family friends and my company (and my competitors!?!).  

Good Luck