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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by LauraB101 on August 21, 2008, at 10:53:22
Hi all,
I am new to the boards and would really appreciate your advice. I have been dealing with depression/dysthymia for the last 10 years, now in my mid-20s, and only recently have decided to proactively work to get better. I am seeing a therapist and would like to find the right medications. The symptoms I struggle the most with are fatigue (could sleep all day!) and lack of motivation. I have tried:
-Lexapro 10mg. This made me tired during the day and wired at night. The loss of sex drive and weight gain made me stop.
-Wellbutrin 150mg. I liked this drug, it gave me a bit of energy, but I broke out in hives and discontinued. I was prescribed the generic version to see if I was just allergic to the fillers, but am too apprehensive to try it.
-Prozac 10mg. I have been taking this for the last week. I thought it was supposed to be a stimulating drug, but it makes me so tired! I am supposed to move up to 20mg soon, but am debating about stopping due to the fatigue.
-I have also tried Tyrosine, 1000mg twice daily and DLPA. The tyrosine doesnt seem to do anything but give me a headache. I think the DLPA increased my energy slightly, but seemed short lived.What would you recommend I try next? Maybe a stimulant of some sorts? I think an MAOI would be beneficial, since I dont think serotonin is my issue, but I dont think I could handle the restrictions.
Thanks for your help,
L
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2008, at 11:05:44
In reply to Wellbutrin allergy, fatigue, what to try next, posted by LauraB101 on August 21, 2008, at 10:53:22
Welcome to babble. What meds does your pdoc think might work? Some do say the real wellbutrin in better than generic. Good luck. Phillipa
Posted by B2chica on August 21, 2008, at 11:26:15
In reply to Wellbutrin allergy, fatigue, what to try next, posted by LauraB101 on August 21, 2008, at 10:53:22
i don't know that they'll go to an MAOI until they've tried more SSRI's first.
i'm suprised they didn't try effexor with you. that seems to be a typical first run AD.
for me it was energizing because it's an SNRI, so it effects norepinephrine also.
all drugs effect people differently.
it made me initially VERY tired but that wore off and was generally an energizing drug infact i lost weight on it. however i think some people have gained weight so you never know.one week on prozac isn't enough time to really test it out and i think in one or two of the posts above mentions that it has different effects at different dosages. but i can't remember if it's more stimulating at lower dosages or higher. (even up to 60) which is what i'm thinking.
id give each drug at least...very least 2 weeks (unless the side effects are harmful) but typically some meds take 4-6 weeks to really start working. unfortunately.
more people here will i'm sure have better solutions but i just wanted to shout out a few.
Posted by desolationrower on August 21, 2008, at 18:47:56
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin allergy, fatigue, what to try next » LauraB101, posted by B2chica on August 21, 2008, at 11:26:15
yes, a stimulant would work, but you won't get one prescribed. Modafinil or adrafinil might be something you could get, it works exactly on the symptoms you describe.
A tca like nortryptiline could be helpful too.
Any drug might end up working, but SRIs usually won't help with what you describe.
Also, how is your sleep? Bad sleep can cause those kinds of problems.
Posted by aussie_jon on August 22, 2008, at 22:50:22
In reply to Wellbutrin allergy, fatigue, what to try next, posted by LauraB101 on August 21, 2008, at 10:53:22
Desipramine could be the answer, it works mainly on noradrenalin.
It can be given an extra "kick" by taking it with a SSRI
In Australia, we have an activating antidepressant called Reboxetine (Edronax) which I have found great for melancholic depression, I take 4mg twice a day, along with Paroxetine in the morning
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