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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 11:14:40
Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.
Posted by Momof1BPKid on October 21, 2003, at 11:20:24
In reply to BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 11:14:40
it's not an ssri, but i have a friend who never gets tired on wellbutrin.
Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.
Posted by galkeepinon on October 21, 2003, at 11:33:54
In reply to BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 11:14:40
Hi, no doubt it's driving you nuts, sorry to hear this!
From a medication view, Effexor helped keep me awake, and also kept me more motivated.
Some possibilities for you:-Try Effexor (unless you already have 'lately')
-Vitamins (especially the B's) may help.
-Maybe go back up to 100mg of Zoloft.
-Adding another AD to the Zoloft.
Try not to become *too* obsessive compulsive, or you may end up on Luvox..., but that might not be a bad idea...
I would talk to your doctor and tell him/her how you feel!!!
Hang in there, I feel for you.
Best wishes.> Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.
Posted by Francesco on October 21, 2003, at 11:45:05
In reply to BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 11:14:40
Of course it's not in yout head. SSRI can cause fatigue and it's listed as side-effect.
The first time I tried Prozac was very activating (even too much). The second time it was debilitating. I must add that the first time I tried a galenical(made my the pharmacist) and the second time a generic version.
Many people augment their SSRIs with stims or wellbutrin to cure fatigue. Therefore if Zoloft works for your depression you could consider this strategy.
I found Paxil very activating too from the beginning (at the 20 mg dose required for depression) but in my case this ended up in mania (at the 40 mg dose required for OCD).
At last if fatigue is your problem I would exclude Celexa. It made me sleepy and tired and many people seem to report similar responses.
Hope this helps and don’t give it up ! : )
Posted by sfloridamatt on October 21, 2003, at 11:52:19
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by Momof1BPKid on October 21, 2003, at 11:20:24
> it's not an ssri, but i have a friend who never gets tired on wellbutrin.
>
> Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.>
>i am on effexor 300mg and wellbutrin 450mg. ask your doctor to add small amount of dexedrine or adderral for energy..even though those aren't the uses "recommended" by the fda..it's up to your doctor..just like prozac when it first came out...was prescribed for weight loss even though that wasn't a recommended use. or try some ephedrine hcl
Posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 17:14:56
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by sfloridamatt on October 21, 2003, at 11:52:19
Thank you everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it.
I will just let you know what I've tried in the past...
Wellbutrin
Lexapro w/ Provigil
Effexor
Zoloft w/ Adderall
Zoloft w/ StratteraVarious herbs supplements
B Complex Vitamins
Holistic medicineI was thinking of switching to Prozac or something else?? Who knows...it's very frustrating.
Thanks again
Posted by wsj on October 21, 2003, at 23:02:04
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST?? Thanks Everyone, posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 17:14:56
provigil and adderall didn't work for me > but dexedrine did!
Posted by cybercafe on October 22, 2003, at 0:02:46
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST?? » KRM123, posted by Francesco on October 21, 2003, at 11:45:05
> Of course it's not in yout head. SSRI can cause fatigue and it's listed as side-effect.
>
> The first time I tried Prozac was very activating (even too much). The second time it was debilitating. I must add that the first time I tried a galenical(made my the pharmacist) and the second time a generic version.
>
> Many people augment their SSRIs with stims or wellbutrin to cure fatigue. Therefore if Zoloft works for your depression you could consider this strategy.
>
> I found Paxil very activating too from the beginning (at the 20 mg dose required for depression) but in my case this ended up in mania (at the 40 mg dose required for OCD).
>
> At last if fatigue is your problem I would exclude Celexa. It made me sleepy and tired and many people seem to report similar responses.really??? arrg... i wish i had tried prozac. my doc took me off celexa and put me on parnate. on the other hand, parnate works so damn well i just can't complain :)
(i tried celexa + ritalin but still felt tired)
Posted by jrbecker on October 22, 2003, at 1:44:20
In reply to BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by KRM123 on October 21, 2003, at 11:14:40
just to echo other posters' replies...
effexor would be my best advice. Start low and go up slowly. Expect some side effects at the beginning but they will wane. THe full energy boost will take at least 1-2 months to take full effect.
other things:
* supplements - this isn't like popping your meds. If you are going to try the following, you will have to be patient for at least a couple of weeks to see progress.folic acid (400 - 1200 mcg)
B12 (1000-5000 mcg)--> has to be methylcobalamin version of B12. This is usually only found in your local health food store/GNC. Methylcobalamin is the version of b12 that passes through the CNS the most effectively.
they have both worked for me in terms of mood, energy, and focus. But they should only be added once you've had a strong med regimen laid out. You wanna see what's working as you add other components to your treatment.
for me, getting a good night's rest is about 50% of my daytime sleepiness issues. Even though I was putting in the proper time (8hrs) in the bed, my sleep was mostly tossing and turning. By adding a sleep aid into the mix, I was really a lot more higher-functioning during the day. The key was actually noticing that my sleep was dysfunctional to begin with. Just like with anything that you've been experiencing all your life (e.g., the depression) ironically, it's sometimes hard to see when something is not right. In this case, my sleep pattern needed some adjustment too.Hope this helps. good luck
> Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.
Posted by sfloridamatt on October 22, 2003, at 10:04:27
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST?? » KRM123, posted by jrbecker on October 22, 2003, at 1:44:20
* supplements - this isn't like popping your meds. If you are going to try the following, you will have to be patient for at least a couple of weeks to see progress.
folic acid (400 - 1200 mcg)
B12 (1000-5000 mcg)--> has to be methylcobalamin version of B12. This is usually only found in your local health food store/GNC. Methylcobalamin is the version of b12 that passes through the CNS the most effectively.
they have both worked for me in terms of mood, energy, and focus. But they should only be added once you've had a strong med regimen laid out. You wanna see what's working as you add other components to your treatment.
for me, getting a good night's rest is about 50% of my daytime sleepiness issues. Even though I was putting in the proper time (8hrs) in the bed, my sleep was mostly tossing and turning. By adding a sleep aid into the mix, I was really a lot more higher-functioning during the day. The key was actually noticing that my sleep was dysfunctional to begin with. Just like with anything that you've been experiencing all your life (e.g., the depression) ironically, it's sometimes hard to see when something is not right. In this case, my sleep pattern needed some adjustment too.Hope this helps. good luck
supplements and amino acids are of great help also...if u are a man...try walgreens version of gnc's formula mega men. has LOTS of b vitamins, etc. that are essential for men's not only physical health..but mental health. i am also supplementing with 1500mg. of l-tyrosine daily to help boost dopamine production along with 25mg ephedrine hcl taken 4 times daily..but becareful if u decide to take the ephedrine..many people will lecture on how dangerous it is..that is bull$hit. it is dangerous only if abused. start with half of a 25mg. pill and go from there. my first choices would me a men's multivitamin (look for the ones that say compared to gnc's mega men!!) and for the l-tyrosine, start at 1000mg first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
Posted by MamaB on October 23, 2003, at 6:36:46
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST?? » KRM123, posted by jrbecker on October 22, 2003, at 1:44:20
> just to echo other posters' replies...
>
> effexor would be my best advice. Start low and go up slowly. Expect some side effects at the beginning but they will wane. THe full energy boost will take at least 1-2 months to take full effect.
>
> other things:
> * supplements - this isn't like popping your meds. If you are going to try the following, you will have to be patient for at least a couple of weeks to see progress.
>
> folic acid (400 - 1200 mcg)
>
> B12 (1000-5000 mcg)--> has to be methylcobalamin version of B12. This is usually only found in your local health food store/GNC. Methylcobalamin is the version of b12 that passes through the CNS the most effectively.
>
> they have both worked for me in terms of mood, energy, and focus. But they should only be added once you've had a strong med regimen laid out. You wanna see what's working as you add other components to your treatment.
>
>
> for me, getting a good night's rest is about 50% of my daytime sleepiness issues. Even though I was putting in the proper time (8hrs) in the bed, my sleep was mostly tossing and turning. By adding a sleep aid into the mix, I was really a lot more higher-functioning during the day. The key was actually noticing that my sleep was dysfunctional to begin with. Just like with anything that you've been experiencing all your life (e.g., the depression) ironically, it's sometimes hard to see when something is not right. In this case, my sleep pattern needed some adjustment too.
>
> Hope this helps. good luck
>
>
>
> > Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.> KRM 123,
> Another AMEN to some of the above posts. My vote is Wellbutrin. Well actually, for me Wellbutrin+Strattera seem to really do the trick. Since I have been on that combo (+Seroquel 100mgm, and Celexa 10mgm at bedtime), I haven't awakened at night ONCE, and for an old lady like me, that in its self in something! Plus, I do not dream! I have had weird dreams three out of five nights for my entire life. Also, I seem to sleep almost EXACTLY eight hours, If I go to bed at 10pm,bingo, awake at 6AM. I also second the B12 and B6. Have you had your hemoglobin checked? Low Iron could add to your problem, esp if you are a woman.
Posted by MamaB on October 24, 2003, at 10:25:27
In reply to Re: BEST SSRI FOR ENERGY BOOST??, posted by MamaB on October 23, 2003, at 6:36:46
> > just to echo other posters' replies...
> >
> > effexor would be my best advice. Start low and go up slowly. Expect some side effects at the beginning but they will wane. THe full energy boost will take at least 1-2 months to take full effect.
> >
> > other things:
> > * supplements - this isn't like popping your meds. If you are going to try the following, you will have to be patient for at least a couple of weeks to see progress.
> >
> > folic acid (400 - 1200 mcg)
> >
> > B12 (1000-5000 mcg)--> has to be methylcobalamin version of B12. This is usually only found in your local health food store/GNC. Methylcobalamin is the version of b12 that passes through the CNS the most effectively.
> >
> > they have both worked for me in terms of mood, energy, and focus. But they should only be added once you've had a strong med regimen laid out. You wanna see what's working as you add other components to your treatment.
> >
> >
> > for me, getting a good night's rest is about 50% of my daytime sleepiness issues. Even though I was putting in the proper time (8hrs) in the bed, my sleep was mostly tossing and turning. By adding a sleep aid into the mix, I was really a lot more higher-functioning during the day. The key was actually noticing that my sleep was dysfunctional to begin with. Just like with anything that you've been experiencing all your life (e.g., the depression) ironically, it's sometimes hard to see when something is not right. In this case, my sleep pattern needed some adjustment too.
> >
> > Hope this helps. good luck
> >
> >
> >
> > > Okay I can't take this anymore! I have been so so tired for the past month and half. Well actually since March I don't ever feel like I've recovered and got my energy back. I feel like crap all the time. I can't bring myself to go work out and I want to sleep most all the time. I've been to the Dr. to get blood tested - everything was normal...he told me my symptoms sound psychological. I know that is what everyone thinks- it's all my head!! I just want to feel alive. I have been on Zoloft since June...my doses have flucuated between 50mg all the way up to 200mg because my psych said the higher dose would give me more energy but it didn't. I have been steady on 100mg but recently lowered it to 75mg. Zoloft has been awesome for my depression- I just can't wake up in the morning and this tiredness is bringing me down especially since the weather is changing now. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to try Prozac or another activating SSRI...I have tried almost all antidepressants by now. I keep going around and around trying to figure out what it is...I've become obessive compulsive with researching...there are so many possiblities and symptoms of fatigue and it's driving me nuts. PLEASE HELP! Thank you so much.
>
> > KRM 123,
> > Another AMEN to some of the above posts. My vote is Wellbutrin. Well actually, for me Wellbutrin+Strattera seem to really do the trick. Since I have been on that combo (+Seroquel 100mgm, and Celexa 10mgm at bedtime), I haven't awakened at night ONCE, and for an old lady like me, that in its self in something! Plus, I do not dream! I have had weird dreams three out of five nights for my entire life. Also, I seem to sleep almost EXACTLY eight hours, If I go to bed at 10pm,bingo, awake at 6AM. I also second the B12 and B6. Have you had your hemoglobin checked? Low Iron could add to your problem, esp if you are a woman.
>
> Sorry folks, yes I realize that Wellbutrin is not an SSRI (I just read my above post duuuuuuh!)
This is the end of the thread.
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