Most make one sluggish. Most atidepressants make patients slow,lazy,unfriendly .WellbutrinXL was given by a doctor but couldn't handle the side effects.
Is there any antidepressant that gives energy and makes one outgiong?
Question posted by ace_rick on 17 May 2011
Last updated on 21 October 2018
5 Answers
Ziarosey
30 April 2018
Hi there ace_rick,
I was gonna say try Wellbutrin bc it gave me energy... but u were already are on it so what side effects did u get pls??
AaronM
29 April 2018
Many answers here are incorrect. SSRI’s have the ability to bring one over their individual threshold which already tends to be low due to depression. SSRI’s can bring you above the threshold of your current depressive state which in turn can raise energy levels. A better option for energy (obviously besides stimulants) is an SNRI. SNRIs such as Cymbalta deal with norepinephrine(adrenaline) which causes a rise in energy. Anti depressants fall into a category of multiple different drugs. 1st generation anti depressants tend to make you tired. Atypical or newer generation anti depressants usually don’t. SSRI’s should be carefully monitored in someone with bipolar due to the fact that they can cause hypomanic or manic episodes by bringing you above your normal threshold.
Occheermommy
12 Dec 2011
Here is my 2 cents. Probably more like 8 because it may be long. First of all I am sorry I am late chiming in, I am new to this forum. Second is to browneyes, find a different dr. Hate to sound harsh but I am really tired of dr. That do not listen to their patients. There are so many AD meds out there, there is no reason for him not to try something else when side effects are intolerable.
Ok hi Rick, sorry had to get that off my chest. I have a similar issue to you. The AD meds help my sadness but I have no motivation to get my butt out of bed. To the point where I struggle with myself to get up and shower. I think that is so embarrassing to even say but true. Anyway I was on Effexor for GAD for 7 years then cymbals for 3 for MDD. The depression is much worse than the anxiety now a,though both are always there. They tried me on Remeron and new med Viibryd and both shot my BP and HR up. After last one went off meds for a week. Very very bad, don't ever do that.
I was so sick I could not even regulate my body temp. Anyway went to the dr in inconsolable tears and walked out with a script for Zoloft. I thought oh here we go again. I really wanted Wellbutrin but since I have epilepsy I was told AGAIN, absolutely not. I know SSRI's should take a min of ten days to do anything but I swear to you by the next morning I was a new person. I have not cried and my energy even seems to be better. It has only been 6 days so maybe too early to tell but may be worth it.
As far as the nuvigil goes I asked the dr. And she said they can't get insurance to pay for it.
I hope this helps. We all deserve to enjoy our lives, not watch it pass us by.
Inactive
17 May 2011
Hi ace-rick. I've been on most of medications, in regards to depression. I went back through my notes, I've kept a medication diary, in as much to the drugs I've been on in my life. Monamine oxidase inhibitors or maoi's are what may help you here. But, I know, another but, they are prescribed as a last line of defence so to speak. Its given when the cyclic, ssri's antidepressants do not seem to help or work for you. I was on parnate, and I had a very reasonable, good reaction in regards to the physical side effects. Only problem, it caused me many a sleepless night ,so benzodiazepine was added. I may say this, it depends so much on your own body. For instance, my anxiety levels will fight medications. By fight, if a med is supposed to curb my anxiety, my body will by no choice of my own, fight that medication.
So in a nutshell, the answer is to your question is yes, there are medications out there, say stelazine, nozanan or tofranil whatever, one adds weight, or another one causes blurry vision, one makes you sleepy. All the principles behind psychiatric drugs works on the brain. And thats the culprit. And thats the challenge. Its a mental thing/issue. ha! my humor for the day. best of wishes.
ace_rick
18 May 2011
Hey pledge,
Is your name pledge meant to hurt people? Pledge means strong swear and a serious promise! You've destroyed and ruined my life man! Hey pal, I'm just kidding,ha ha ha. About the MIOs, aren't they very dangerous in term of interaction with other meds??Every time I read a leaflet,it warns BIG WARNS about deadly consequences when interact!! what I really need,as you said about knowing how body fights,is an antidepressant that makes me get my butt up and forces me to go out and see the world and"interact" with people out there.Sleeplessness doesn't scare me nowdays.Being tight down on a sofa laid up is much mush worse than insomnia or overweight;in fact getting fat is caused by the sofa,damn sofa..I like your attitude and I think you are like a ,refreshing drink, to be around with.Thanks alot.More of your input is much welcomed..ace_rick
Inactive
18 May 2011
Hi again ace-rick. And yes, maoi and there side effects can be extremely dangerous. That is another reason that they are given as a last possible resort. Generally, people who are on them, do well in the sense of improvement in thier depression. A large part of taking these medications is watching your diet. And you go on a "strict diet" and this is the truth, strict is the word. You cannot eat any food containing tryramine, if you do, it will cause your blood pressure to go through the roof. It happened one time to me, I drank regular coffee, instead of decaf, and I as a result, was rushed to the hospital, where it really was touch and go for awhile.
Obviously did not kill me because I'm still around (for a while longer anyway ha!) To demonstrate how serious a med it can be if while say on parnate a maoi, I develop a headache (a serious side effect) proceed straight to the closest er, oh before that take my nifedipine pill, and basically hope that they can bring your blood pressure under control. It all sounds serious ace-rick but when you reach the stage of being on a maoi, actually it is. After being on a maoi, and no success, the absolute last stand is shock therapy. Well, that in a nutshell, in an abbreviated form, might show you a little of how things work in regards to a maoi. again the best of wishes ace-rick. coffee time and this time its a certainty that its safe to do so, and yup. it has loads of caffenie.ha!
browneyes2705
9 July 2011
I need help find out what the best bi-polar/ depression/ anxiety medicine will help! I have been on everything... I am on celexa 40mg. And now xanex .25... I was originally on 1mg. 4x a day of the xanex and my doctor has lowered it and wants to take me off... my anxiety attacks keep getting worse everytime helowers my xanex! I have told him that the celexa is not working and I don't like the way I feel on it and he has just continued to up the doseage... Any suggestions greatly appreciated!!! Help please!!!
janfro
22 Oct 2018
I have been on Nardil (MOI) for 24 years. During that time, I was only told to not take antihistamines or fermented foods. The MOI has only given me a reaction once in 24 years. When in Swedan, my friend ordered extra cheese on our pizza. A couple of hours later, my head hurt so bad I laid down in front of the entrance of the hotel and could not move away. I laid there for about 30 mins, went to my room and slept. When I woke up my headache was gone and all was well. Now you can take antihistamines with a MOI and either I don't eat fermented foods or taking this medication does not cause a problem for me, except for lots of fermented cheese. When I had my child 18 years ago, I told the anesthesiologist I was taking a MOI and he had to make sure to NOT use an anesthetic that would conflict. He did a lousy job. I thought my head was going to blow up. I could tell he was signaling the doctor to hurry and get my baby out.
After my child was born, the anesthesiologist hurried and put medication in my IV and my head seemed to deflate like a balloon. I always tell the anesthesiologist I am taking a MOI. Do not take this information over the cautions written on the label. I am just saying, for me, the medication has not has only been a problem during the events listed above.
LaurieShay
17 May 2011
Hey ace_rick,
Most antidepressants as you mentioned cause drowsiness or tiredness except for the Wellbutrin. You might want to investigate Nuvigil as it makes one energetic and does effect the same brain chemical as the Wellbutrin. The only side effect I had at first was insomnia and headache. I take it first thing in the morning so to avoid the insomnia and the headache wasn't a problem after being on a little while.
Oh I almost forgot to mention the antidepressant I am on. I take Pristiq which corrected by excessive sleepiness shortly after starting. It is a relatively new antidepressant and I really like it. Still had some mild nausea when I first started it but that went away after the first couple of weeks.
BTW, I sent you a private message, did you receive it? Might want to check your e-mail settings under My Settings and click on notify of private messages.
Just my thoughts and experiences,
Laurie
ace_rick
17 May 2011
laaaaaurieeeeee,I'd no choice but to click HELPFUL! I was given by a consultant WellbutrinXL once daily,but couldn't handle the nausea.I tried several time but in vain.You are absolutely correct that it makes one move.I really don't know myself when it comes to nausea or vomit;I become so nervous,moody,and even suspect I have a serious disease in my stomach!! I have checked and done X-rays multiple times,crazy isn't it?I would rather be stabbed,smacked,and kiced in my tummy than feel nauseated.I know Bupropion is the ideal antidepressant for me,for it would help me stop smoking too..I'm interested in your suggesting Nuvigil ! Is that good as you say ?I've read that doctors sometimes prescribe benzos for short time at the initiation of some new meds to cope with side effects! Since it gives me energy,I'd love to give it a shot.When I am energetic I always feel positive and my spirit is high..Please pay attention,huge attention,I do need your help..P.S I'll check my email and see what happens..My bbbbbbest regard.
LaurieShay
18 May 2011
Hey ace_rick,
Yes, the nuvigil is a very good medicine for hypersomnia. It is expensive and my insurance company made me get a sleep study done before they would pay for it, but I have gone from sleeping 12 - 14 hours a day down to 7 or 8 hours a day. It is great!!
Did you get my e-mail in private message? It explains what meds I take and what my diagnoses are.
Laurie
Bedgar1
5 March 2017
I know this is from 2011, but wondered if you could correspond with me on your diagnoses and meds that help u the most. I am severely depressed, was started on Trintilex and not helping. No energy, don't want to even shower, dress or go out of house now. Tks
LaurieShay
6 March 2017
My diagnosis is bipolar type 2. I can only encourage you to hang in there. Don't know how long you have been on the Trintellix, but it can take a month or so to get results. We are all different so what medication works for me may not for you. If this medication doesn't work, there are many others to try. It can be difficult finding the right medication, but worth the effort.
dymonw1
11 April 2017
I am severally anxious and have no energy to do anything. I have had several antidepressants and none have helped especially with energy. I am currently taking 0.5 mg of xanax, but still have no energy. I have taken welbutrin, but with no help. Please help me, there are so many things I want to do. I have copd, and CAD, I hab a heart attack on 3/1/17, and pneumonia which caused me to be intubated. I am terrified. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I was in therapy but it did nothing to help. Please help me!!
LaurieShay
12 April 2017
I recommend you notify your prescribing doctors including your cardiologist. There are many factors that could be playing into your anxiety and lack of energy such as other medications you are taking, need for physical therapy because of your heart attack, etc. Working with your doctors is critical so letting them know how you are struggling is important.
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