Posted by Cindylou on August 7, 2001, at 13:45:51
In reply to Re: Fatigue and depression » SalArmy4me, posted by MB on August 7, 2001, at 13:36:10
Hi MB --
Wow -- you described me to a T!!!!! I also suffer from horrible fatigue, which seems to get worse on the SSRIs after a time. I've had all those blood tests taken as well, and all come back normal. And I can SO relate to the little things (like climbing stairs or picking up a piece of paper) feeling like huge mountains to climb.I am coming to the conclusion after many years that the fatigue is in fact caused by my depression. I THINK it gets worse on the meds after awhile because the meds are no longer working -- they "poop out" as people say on this board. I'm not sure that's true, but I'm going to test it out -- I'm back on Prozac + Wellbutrin and the fatigue is better, but I'm just waiting for it to come back with a vengence like it always does ... then I'm going to try and increase the Prozac and see if it works -- before, I would just stop the med altogether.
Let me know if you try the MAOIs and how they work for you. I've been afraid of them! My pdoc mentioned trying Manerix (available in Canada) which doesn't have as many contraindications as the irreversible MAOIs available here in the US. But she did say it could cause fatigue. I'm not sure if all MAOIs cause fatigue or not -- please keep me posted in your quest!
Thanks for your post; it's comforting to know we're not alone ...
-cindy
> Hey SalArmy4me,
> Thanks for the references! You're like a research guru, I appreciate it. Unfortunately, the only way I can tolorate something stimulating like Effexor or Wellbutrin is with a benzodiazepine (which is contraindicated in someone like me with a history of illicit self-medication). However, I keep forgetting about MAOI ADs, and I will check the links you quoted above. When I go back to see a pdoc, I will mention MAOIs as a possible avenue. I had given up because SSRIs/Effexor didn't work; tricyclics, Remeron and neuroleptics were to antihistaminic; and Wellbutrin was only tolorable with Xanax which I can't take because I'm in alcohol recovery. **I had totally forgoton about MAOIs** They may be the answer!! Thanks.
>
> One question about Selegiline: is it the type of drug shrinks will shy away from? A google search turned up that it is an "alternative" treatment.
>
>
> > You could probably use a more stimulating antidepressant like Buproprion, Venlafaxine, Selegiline (http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Selegiline-for-depression.html), or Tranylcypromine.
> >
> > http://www.preskorn.com/cgi-bin/sp.pl?words=buproprion&wt=be&bl=an&d=/books/omd_s8.html
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Fatigue-not-responding-to-.html
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressants-for-CFS.html
poster:Cindylou
thread:73965
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73984.html