Does anyone else keep getting this with anti depressant medication?

Question

I am now on my third medication - each one seems to make me really tired! Each one has made me yawn constantly!

Does anyone else experience this? And could anybody tell me about an anti depressant they've tried that proved really energising?

Serious replies only, please - and many thanks for your time and help.

I can't take the medication just at night as Venlafaxin has to be taken twice a day - once in the morning.

Answer 1

Yes, it should be listed as a common side effect on the pamphlet that comes from the chemist. Typically, these medications are prescribed to be taken at bed time or staggered doses throughout the day so as not to be overcome by the drowsiness they cause. It is normal, if you are troubled by this or uncomfortable, take your medication at bed time. And please, do not take St. John's Wort with any prescribed medications, it is not compatible and can cause problems. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Like yourself, I've been on a few different prescribed treatments. I can't say that any one of these has been what you would call energising; Amitriptyline (sp?) in particular was very good at making me feel tired. Zombiesque, in fact.

I now use Escitalopram, and that does the trick just fine. You might find that a holistic approach serves you well and whilst I appreciate this is difficult, breaking things down helps a lot (you ever heard the White Stripes song "Little Acorns"?).

Look at your diet, assuming you've yet to do so, and write things down (no one else has to see them, just you), it really helps to crystallise your thoughts. I'd also recommend a quick walk here and there. I couldn't do without my walk to and from work each day, despite the bad back pain, it is a real boost.

And if nothing else, you putting this question out there at least shows you're confronting things - so I wish you well.

Answer 3

I have been through several of the older anti-depressants over the past 20 years, most of which didn't really help me feel any better and had frustrating side effects. The first one I was on (imipramine/Tofranil) "worked", but I really don't know if it was the drug or the fact that I was finally in therapy with a really great counselor and I was learning to recognize and deal with the things in my life that were causing my depression and repressed anger.

I would suggest exercise, even just walking, every day. Also, eat healthy (no sugar, flour, junk). I take B100 at night which really helps me be able to deal with life in a much more rational manner, and also St. John's Wort (2 in the morning, 2 at night) which takes the edge off without ANY side effects. Read material on positive thinking and being in control of your life, etc. A great, fun website is www.tut.com. Laugh. Find a counselor or therapist that you like and trust. Find another one if you don't like the first one (same with doctors).

I wish you well. : )

Answer 4

The medication I had made me tired also, but I think it is a way of helping you through the terrible times your head is going through. When I first started taking anti-depressants I slept a LOT & if awake I was also yawning a lot. A friend of mine used to sleep all day and night. It might be worth talking to the GP and explaining your symptoms, and discussing with them the problem. They will know about the side effects and maybe able to prescribe another tablet that is better for you. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I take generic Wellbutrin SR (150 mg) in the morning, and Lexapro (10 mg) with dinner, for depression and anxiety. I've been taking that for over three years, and it's working very well for me. The Wellbutrin SR seems to help me to be more alert and active - and wanting to do things - while the Lexapro makes me more mellow, and it helps me sleep better, too. They are relatively low doses of each medication, which keeps side effects at a minimum. I really can't tell I'm taking any medication at all. There are a lot of people that take Wellbutrin with their SSRI's, it helps to counteract some of the possible side effects of the SSRI's - such as drowsiness, weight gain, and the sexual side effects. It really does make a difference!!

Answer 6

I' ve been taking one for the last few years called Mirtazepine which has a strong sedative effect. Within an hour of swallowing it I'm fighting to stay awake.

I've never taken one which increases energy levels in the same way. But the amount of energy you have will increase when your depression lifts.

There is an easy way to get around the mediction making you tired: Just take it at night when you're ready to go to bed.

Answer 7

Over the past 20 years I've taken many different ant-depressants! I can't say that any of them have had the effect of making me tired....... however tiredness, lethargy and lack of motivation are all classic symptoms of depression.

See the Mind website for useful information:

Depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm

Anti-depressants
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Making+sense/Making+sense+of+antidepressants.htm

My main problem with tiredness comes from my lack of sleep, but this is caused again by the depression and not the medication...... I'm currently taking Venlafaxine.

I've always managed to work full-time, apart from when I've had to take sick leave. So it is possible to function to some degree while suffering and taking meds.

I suggest talking to your GP and discussing your tiredness. There are many different medications out there, and you will find the right one for you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

oh yes the yawning happened to me absolutely loads

i am now on duloxotine and i am taking l-tryptophan at the same time for a couple of weeks i was really tired all the time but now that they have had time to go through me i am not tired all the time

the only problem now is that i just dont care about anything

best wishes for the future


xxx

Answer 9

I have been on several anti-depressants and they have all has this effect but the one which affected me the least with tiredness was Sumontil. I have been told that Prozac is the best one for not leaving you tired but have not personally been prescribed these so, either ask your Doctor or , if possible, sombody who has been on them. In my experiance the best advice comes from people who have been there already.
Good luck.
Steve.

Answer 10

They do make you a bit tired, it is part of what they do. The best one is Dosulepin which contains dosulepin hydrochloride and some other unimportant stuff. I have been on them for years and they are by far the best.
They do not have a noticeable drowsiness effect like some of the others I have had.
They also have a very good anti-depressant effect which is what you want! And you just reminded me and I have just taken mine, thanks!
Good luck>