I'm on Cymbalta 30mg and Abilify 5mg, and while this barely gets me by, I was looking for something that would give me some energy and motivation. I thought about Wellbutrin, but I can't just walk in to my doc's office and be like "Hey let me get some Buproprion!" So... I've posted on here for other things, but does a Cymbalta + Wellbutrin combo sound good to anyone? Am I being redundant?? I can't go up to 60mg because I get more depressed for some odd reason. What about Strattera? Thanks!!!
A good drug for energy and motivation?
Question posted by roger_d_1989 on 17 June 2014
Last updated on 5 May 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
50 Answers Page 3
4725
11 Aug 2016
I am on 60 mg Cymbalta and 150 mg bupropion and have no motivation in fact it is terrible and my memory is terrible and I can not focus. I was also looking for something for motivation and the desire in my brain to get going. You might try Latuda. It helped me for a while! When I was on 30 mg Cymbalta and 300 mg bupropion it worked great but then my anxiety got worse. You might try it though. It just might work for you.
Cindyw424
16 July 2016
After nearly 15 years of being on (talked into) antidepressants, including Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor, Abilify, Wellbutrin... too many to remember, but Cymbalta was the last one I was on. All I know for sure is, I basically feel like I was robbed of the last 5+ yrs of my life due to the antidepressants slowly making me more and more tired, actually to the point where I couldn't work, doing a load of laundry felt like taking on Mohammed Ali! I had no quality of life what so ever, could easily sleep 16+ hrs., I HATED MY LIFE! Long story short, after going on vacation without them, after the horrible withdrawal effect wore off... it was like a miracle! Just like that, the old me was back! I do have anxiety issues but I'm looking into a natural supplement that may help. "F" those drugs! Never again!
Inactive
16 July 2016
Cindy, I have walked in your shoes, i know exactly what you mean! The problem is, once we start taking antidepressants, and continue the search for the "magic" pill that will bring us back to our old selves that we've lost through the process, we convince ourselves that we can't function without some sort of antidepressant, but at a point, can't seem to find one that will take us to the place we want to be.
I have just started to experience what you have just stated: I'm on vacation also - a vacation from my current antidepressant. I am seeing the old me emerging once again. I look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, and looking forward to the day! Yes, I understand what you are saying, because I, also, am feeling like my old self!
Inactive
13 Aug 2016
Hi Cindy! "Vacation" is exactly what I took from wellbutrin. I lasted about a month. I noticed a big difference in how I was reacting to situations. My anxiety level went up and I was stressing over everything. I am back on my wellbutrin, and feeling better again. Wellbutrin gives me energy and motivation.
Lady lane
21 Sep 2016
Oh my!! This is me to a T!! I feel as though I'm just an empty shell and have been detached from any form of living... People, gardening , reading ... Everything! I feel like doing nothing but breathe! I am seeing my doctor in couple of days and hopefully he can make a positige change for me. I use to be a social, vivacious, happy person...
All that has changed and I am miserable. I want to sleep 24/7. I am taking the cymbalta for depression and fibromyalgia, which makes things a bit more difficult and complicated. I have tried numerous times to withdraw from antidepressants, but learned I will never be able to live without them! I admire you for your strength to wean yourself off. Anyone else out there who take Cymbalta for depression and fibromyalgia. If so... Does it work for you?
Inactive
24 Sep 2016
Wellbutrin gives me energy and motivation. When i take one of my "medication vacations", it only helps me to see how much more WB helps me with energy and motivation by treating my anxiety/depression.
migrainesuf1166
13 Jan 2017
Cindyw424,
I know your original post is old but, was curious how you are doing now? I completely feel the way you did in your post. I've been on so many SSRI's and SNRI's over 20 years and over the past 5/7 have felt liked have lost my life slowly. So slowly that it's been hard to even pinpoint this could be the cause. No dr ever told me this, I slowly became so tired, wanted to do nothing and my last conbo was Wellbutrin 150mg and cymbalta 60 mg and once I quit both I felt like a new person and was SO excited but the anxiety was awful so I convinced it was all just the cymbalta I started the Wellbutrin again and started a new SSRI (thinking it would not be as strong as SNRI) Brintellex and slowly the old tired, depressed, unmotivated me was coming back...
I have since stopped the Wellbutrin and am definitely better but, am curious if I indeed need to stop all antidepressants or stick with this? I'm starting to think my depression is just up and down and I'm grasping to the hope that these meds are the reason???
It sure does seem to get better within just a few days of not taking something. I have not completely stopped the Brintellex bc of the withdrawal. As stated I have been on these meds for 20 plus years and just changing from cymbalta to Brintellex wasn't fun so I hate to do it and it not work.
Inactive
13 Jan 2017
Hi Migraines: See? You're not alone. I go back and forth on whether I need to take antidepressants or not, like the comments I made here earlier, which I have copied and pasted for you to read:
"GM G mc 16 Jul 2016
Cindy, I have walked in your shoes, i know exactly what you mean! The problem is, once we start taking antidepressants, and continue the search for the "magic" pill that will bring us back to our old selves that we've lost through the process, we convince ourselves that we can't function without some sort of antidepressant, but at a point, can't seem to find one that will take us to the place we want to be.
I have just started to experience what you have just stated: I'm on vacation also - a vacation from my current antidepressant. I am seeing the old me emerging once again. I look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, and looking forward to the day! Yes, I understand what you are saying, because I, also, am feeling like my old self!"
"GM G mc 13 Aug 2016
Hi Cindy! "Vacation" is exactly what I took from wellbutrin. I lasted about a month. I noticed a big difference in how I was reacting to situations. My anxiety level went up and I was stressing over everything. I am back on my wellbutrin, and feeling better again. Wellbutrin gives me energy and motivation."
migrainesuf1166
13 Jan 2017
Yes, I am definitely seeing that. I'm glad to see I am not alone. I would like to see if anyone has stayed off of these meds long term with success and what they say???
I don't know if the answer is a very low dose SSRI, a combo SSRI that I haven't done? I don't want to do any other SNRI's bc I had such a hard time coming off of Cymbalta and I also had a time years ago with Effexor. If I continue to feel good without them then of course the answer is clear. The problem is as some of you have stayed is the increase in anxiety. While the depression seems to lift and be better at times the anxiety gets worse and I have noticed more mood swings. I'll be happy one minute then anxious and sad the next, it's a roller coaster. I don't know if this is just an adjustment to coming off of these meds??? There has to be some adjustment. Just like my pain... I haven't even mentioned that aspect of my issue.
I went on cymbalta not only for depression but, for my chronic migraines and it helped. Since being off of it, they are daily and awful. I'm in daily, bad pain which of course doesn't help depression or anxiety.
Inactive
13 Jan 2017
Hi Migraines:
Well, I've done it again. I had gotten everything into balance and my anxiety/depression under control. I have read all the comments here about getting your thyroid checked and several from a poster here named "Jamminhealth". I have hypothyroidism also. I take Nature-Throid for it. Have taken many supplements for adrenals, plus many other conditions. I have continued to have to treat low energy and low motivation issues even after addressing these health issues. Yes, Jamminhealth, I also take Vit D3, VitaminB12, a multivitamin/multimineral supplement, a probiotic (for good digestive tract flora), yes, I take all these at the present time. I was feeling really good. I forgot to mention, though, that I decided to take another Wellbutrin "vacation", since everything was going so well with my "natural" regimen.
But for me, that isn't enough on its own!! I wanted to build these supplements in my system, then ultimately replace my wellbutrin with just natural supplements. Well, it was going great at first. But now, after 2 months of NO Wellbutrin, my anxiety/depression problems are creeping back in. Or should I say I am past the creeping. Started back on my Wellbutrin.
Bottom line: Some of us NEED these medications that some people here like to refer to as "toxic" or "poison". Well, I guess my "poison" keeps my anxiety/depression problems at bay, and that is good enough for me! We are not living in a perfect world, and if someone finds medications that work for them personally, then STICK WITH IT!!! Migraines, I wish you better health.
"G"
migrainesuf1166
13 Jan 2017
Thank you, I appreciate that. I wish the same for you. I have had my thyroid checked over and over by a few different Drs. I do however also have a vit B-12 and D deficiency. It's almost always low when checked and I have a hard time keeping up with the supplements which is for sure my own fault!
I sometimes have a hard time with the extra pills when I have chronic pain which causes nausea and all.
Inactive
13 Jan 2017
I think I left out, that I started back on my Wellbutrin, as I need it too.
Chickiebabe
4 May 2016
You have a depletion in Riboflavin (Vit B2) caused by treatments which causes fatigue. Energy is found in B complex vitamins, chia seeds and almonds.
Roger_P
9 April 2016
Roger, I have taken Wellbutrin for about 10 years, initially 300 mg, but started having anxiety attacks, which apparently is a side effect of high doses. My Dr. reduced the dose to 150 and added Cymbalta 30 mg. This combination has been working great for me for about 6 years. I have recently added Vyvanse for adhd, like one of the other respondents. This led to me having less energy, to put it mildly, I guess proof that I do have adhd, so I'm switching to Adderall. The Cymbalta - Wellbutrin combo has been terrific, no depression or anxiety issues, great energy, etc. We'll see how the adhd thing sorts out. Does anyone else have experience with this combo and adding Adderall? Thanks, Roger
sleeptoomuch
3 April 2016
Have you tried ADD medication? My dr put me on one when I was struggling with fatigue and no energy. Granted I do have adult add but it really helped me. I was on dexedrine first, then switched to Vyvanse. I take it with 10mg of abilify and it changed everything for me. It's worth asking about!
Blueduck
22 March 2016
I would suggest Concerta. Took it for my ADD when I was in school after having tried Adderall and others. Made an Amazing difference in my ability to concentrate and motivated me to do things I otherwise had absolutely NO interest in (Homework, etc).
Only drawback for me was it kept me wired late into the night so it affected my sleep.
Srtinney
11 March 2016
I know drugs effect people differently but NO GOD NO!!! Don't take it
I went for a funk I was going through
Now I've lost everything I built for 6 yrs. I had a respectable profession now I can't get out of my bed
evawut
24 May 2018
I have had problems with Neurontin too. It definitely causes depression & weight gain. I was taken off Klonopin and put on Neurontin when I was forced to change psychiatrists; because of my extreme anxiety I cannot completely stop Neurontin, so I reduced to 300 mg 2x daily. I have found if I try to skip days it works better when I go back on it. Probably because of tolerance. I hate this drug, & it’s incredibly expensive. I’m lucky to have insurance. I’d never advocate its use for anything other than nerve pain; even then I wouldn’t really want to recommend it unless nothing else was available. The only positive thing I’ll say is my memory has improved off klonopin, but I’ve gotten depressed because of weight gain, a lot of which is from water gain. I’ve even had edema in my legs like when I was pregnant, but only at doses above what I now take.
KristinaS240
5 March 2016
Neurontin (gabapentin) is a medication I was prescribed for my sciatic nerve pain and discovered that it made me feel bright, up, motivated and talkative. It has been prescribed for depression/ bi-polar although it is off-label. For that reason, many psychiatrists have stopped prescribing it. But if you have some nerve pain as well and it won't interfere with any of your existing meds, you might want to give it a try.
I stopped taking it because my Dr just kept upping the dosage and I was concerned about high dosage and liver effect. I was up to 1100mg 3x daily and the maximum prescribing dose is 3600mg/ day. 300 - 600mg was just fine to alleviate sciatic pain and feel bright and motivated especially with a cup of coffee.
I really wish they could prescribe it for my depression.. I was like a whole new person. I know two other people personally who felt the same way.. anyone else?
Mccoy1256
29 Oct 2016
Did it give u more energy the higher the dose of gabapentin
stillmind
7 Aug 2018
One of the most dangerous medications out there. It affects one's cognitive abilities, cause severe liver issues, etc. Not to mention horrible withdrawals when ceased to administer. Lawsuits from affected sufferers are still being filed.
Mama Kim
21 Feb 2016
I have Multiple Scelerosis and Lupus and take Thyroid medicine. I also take Provigil 200mg 2×day. I agree Cymbalta helps with my depression but when even at 60mg day wasn't enough my doctor added pristiq the two of them with Provigil turned my life around!!! I also have Extreme Fatigue and as I said Cymbalta, Pristiq, Provigil all together changed my life!!! Since you already take Cymbalta ask about adding Pristiq with it. I would try that first instead of a complete change in medicine. By adding Pristiq it will help even more with your depression and also gives you energy!!! The Provigil at 200mg ea. twice a day does help with concentration etc. But... it also gives you energy too!!! I've been on these medicines at least 5 years because feel so much better.
Now, I recently had re-lapse 2 months ago and found myself struggling with Fatigue Again:( I'm not sure if it will pass and just brought in by re-lapse or if my Dr. Will change my meds. I have to have 2 hour MRI nxt month and my Dr.said we will just go from there. But... before this happend, Cymbalta 60mg 1×evening, Pristiq 100mg 1×morning, then Provigil 200mg 2×day made my last 5 years so much better!!! Hope this helps you, Definately worth talking to your Dr. About!!! Wishing You All The Best
shbookworm
21 Feb 2016
Caffeine works for me! Try mate ,an herbal tea from south america , available at better health food places bottled cold or as tea bags. Generally gives a less jittery effect but no one is sure why. Green tea is more easily available both are full of antioxidants too!
Snuggs08
12 Oct 2015
Yes, adding Wellbutrin SR 150 mg once a day helped me with having more energy. I was on 60 mg Cymbalta tho. :)
Carl Rieger
26 Sep 2015
I have had some knowledgeable pharmacists tell me that Cymbalta and Wellbutrin is a very good combination. Start at the lowest dose and then ask or tell your Dr how you feel. He will increase it if you still have no energy and fatigue. I have the exact same problem as you do so you are not alone. I will see my Dr. On Tuesday + I will give the drug time to kick in depending on what Dr says. I have been thru hell and I know how you feel!! You must change from Abilify to Wellbutrin and I'll pray for us both!!
momze
30 March 2017
thanks
Higgy1
11 Sep 2015
Hey
I'm on 60mg of cymbalta plus bupropion to counter the negative sexual affects. Plus I take Xanax here and there.
I have to say it's the best I've had in 20 years. Fewer side effects and more stable.
Good luck.
charletto91
4 June 2015
I'm currently on cymbalta 20mg, and wellbutrin. They worked REALLY well until I got on my birth control, and now I have zero motivation and energy. But I'd definitely talk to your doctor about it.
jaminhealth
5 June 2015
Drugs are NOT the answer, hook in with an Integrative MD...
charletto91
5 June 2015
When you have fibromyalgua, depression, along with ADD. You try to do anything without it. But don't try and discredit medical professionals, because you do not agree. Unless you are one, and can direct me to a better doctor that is specialized with fibromyalgis. By all means, go ahead.
charletto91
5 June 2015
When you have fibromyalgia, depression, along with ADD. You try to do anything without it. But don't try and discredit medical professionals, because you do not agree. Unless you are one, and can direct me to a better doctor that is specialized with fibromyalgia. By all means, go ahead.
jacque77
18 June 2015
Amen Charletto!!
ArubaIslandgirl
18 July 2015
Amen Charlotte! Everyone is different-body chemistry and actual symptoms. I saw a lot of discussion regarding the good and the bad about Adderall but I didn't really see a lot about anyone's actual diagnosis. I sometimes find useful information on these boards but the information can also be dangerous. Such as the information regarding the so called "natural drugs" or the herbal drugs. I can tell you from experience that the "natural drugs" are not made with natural ingredients and because the herbal drugs and such are not regulated by the FDA, there really isn't a good way for the consumer to know exactly what is even in them or how they were made. I am most definitely not advocating anyone taking drugs of any kind if they don't have to but it is one of my pet peeves that those of us who have tried everything else are made to feel guilty because we are taking medications to help us.
No one can make the decision about what we need except our doctor and us. It doesn't make me stronger or weaker than the next person just because of a decision that has taken me years to make.
anonymousnj
16 Aug 2015
If you did not start on the drugs, see a social worker or psychologist and/or nutritionist first. The prescriptions can have serious life altering side effects. I cannot afford vitamin therapy and psych drugs are horrible.
jaminhealth
12 Oct 2015
I've seen more damage from the drugs, side effect after side effect.
SO MANY do not have their thyroids FIXED and in optimal condition. Vit D is vital and so many are low low low.
I deal with body wide OA and a mess from hip replacement and supposedly Fibro... which as I see it, so many systems need to be addressed with this fibro dx. Thyroid, adrenals, hormones. etc...
DRibose is a good supplement to help with energy. Drugging our bodies is not my way to go.
jaminhealth
14 Oct 2015
Furthermore, I believe there are alternatives for managing and healing as best we can without toxic drugs. I believe we can help ourselves with commitment and working on our health and the wealth of info out there today.
Check out Dr. Google for your health issues and you will find a wealth of info outside the drug world...
migrainesuf1166
13 Dec 2016
Jamie, I completely agree with you. I would have said differently years ago but, like you said after years (20) of being on many MANY different antidepressants and antipsychotic (isn't this what ability is?), adderall and more... I have stopped cymbalta and Wellbutrin and I feel more like myself than I have since starting the meds. It wasn't a huge life changing issue until this last combo and I was on that 5 years. I've been off two weeks, I'm happy, it's like I woke up, I have energy, want to do things I used to love that I haven't had interest in for 5 years or more. I KNOW for me that you can't fix everything with these meds. Every dr I have ever met is so quick to hand out medication and like Jamie, after years of it, years of different meds (Zoloft, Wellbutrin, cymbalta,abilify,lexapro,pristiqu,Effexor, adderall,ambien and more) you can have life changing side effects not only being on these meds but, coming off.
Just google Cymbalta withdrawals!
It's sad that with the technology of today that we have to be our own keeper. While We must have Drs, they are there to offer advice from their experiences which in my opinion isn't enough for many. No one ever told me what side effects and withdrawal symptoms these meds could have. And I've seen some "good" Drs.
migrainesuf1166
13 Dec 2016
Jamie, I completely agree with you. I would have said differently years ago but, like you said after years (20) of being on many MANY different antidepressants and antipsychotic (isn't this what ability is?), adderall and more... I have stopped cymbalta and Wellbutrin and I feel more like myself than I have since starting the meds. It wasn't a huge life changing issue until this last combo and I was on that 5 years. I've been off two weeks, I'm happy, it's like I woke up, I have energy, want to do things I used to love that I haven't had interest in for 5 years or more. I KNOW for me that you can't fix everything with these meds. Every dr I have ever met is so quick to hand out medication and like Jamie, after years of it, years of different meds (Zoloft, Wellbutrin, cymbalta,abilify,lexapro,pristiqu,Effexor, adderall,ambien and more) you can have life changing side effects not only being on these meds but, coming off.
Just google Cymbalta withdrawals!
It's sad that with the technology of today that we have to be our own keeper. While We must have Drs, they are there to offer advice from their experiences which in my opinion isn't enough for many. No one ever told me what side effects and withdrawal symptoms these meds could have. And I've seen some "good" Drs.
jaminhealth
1 July 2014
I don't know how I got to this group, guess it was asking about ibuprofen... BUT I would NOT take these drugs... has anyone thought of "alternatives" for energy etc.
I use all alternatives except Iburprofen...
I know an untreated thyroid has so many symptoms... DRibose is a nice energy product... these drugs are all toxic and that's the last thing we all need. Sorry but I believe this to be truth. Vit D is a huge issue re: deficiency and so many issues... jam
jaminhealth
1 July 2014
PS: I'm not blowing smoke, I speak from my own experience. I went 10 LONG WASTED YEARS on various anti depressants and my doc kept dismissing me about thyroid, my gut said thyroid but HIS NUMBERS ruled... then in 2002 my good ole osteopathic MD while talking to him about thyroid, called in Armour thyroid and in 4 days that 10 years of depression lifted... it was THYROID all along...
We are not numbers and have to push to get answers and not keep taking drugs, FOR WHAT... when a gland is not working right???
Then in 2006, lowness crept in and I found how deficient I was in Vit D...
I have not had depression issues in all these years now and take my Armour daily and good dosing on Vit D and K2 for absorption...
I've spent many years wasted on drugs and now KNOW the truth of it all. jam
roger_d_1989
3 July 2014
Hi Jamin,
I think I responded but it's not showing up; is there a way to pm you about thyroid related discussions? Thanks!!!
jaminhealth
3 July 2014
I don't know of any PM system here, you can forward your email, there are tons of books, my favorite is Stop The Thyroid Madness... I "think" males forget they have thyroid issues, they do and MANY docs don't work for people... I know this one big time... IF you suspect sluggish thyroid, you probably do have that issue... Millions do and don't get proper dx or treatment. jam
roger_d_1989
3 July 2014
Well, I had my thyroid checked (T3 and T4 tests, plus TSH), and nothing showed up. I guess I don't have any thyroid issues, or they're just undetectable at the moment :(
Thanks for your help though. I'll have to adjust my medications or something the next time I see my doctor!!!
jaminhealth
4 July 2014
I had mine checked for 10 long years, but the numbers showed I was normal... balony I say now... depression is a major symptom of sluggish thyroid...
Think about it... back in the days before there were ever labs, prior to 1976, people went to docs with long list of symptoms, 69 some are sluggish thyroid issues, and the good ole docs started with low dose Armour...
Drugs are not the answer, but you are in charge... I've said my share and believe i went thru 10 yrs of anti depressant dumb drugs... j
jaminhealth
11 Sep 2015
Also, if you folks indulge in SOY products, get off them... talk about fatigue. SOY inhibits thyroid production.
DRibose is good to help with energy too... it's not a drug, it's a supplement.
MeggieGirl
28 Sep 2015
Sorry to jump in on a thread; I have a naturopath question for Jamin. I had my gallbladder removed in an emergency surgery last year, and ever since, I have been experiencing nausea and vomiting. After suffering for almost 12 months, I went to a new doctor, who suggested I switch to a Plant Based diet, and it is true; when I eat strict plant-based, I feel healthy, but if I eat ANYTHING with fat, even milk, which is an animal fat, I return to nausea again. Might you have any quick thoughts or ideas to share? I have heard of people taking oxbile, I just don't know what I'm doing. :(
anonymousnj
14 Oct 2015
I have occasionally taken Dirobose for energy too and it helped with no side effects. I had taken some today. Thanks for reminding me of that one. A shame that the rational substances are not covered by insurance.
jaminhealth
14 Oct 2015
Our insurance world supports the Medical Industry. We have to pay out of our pockets for better health and well being.
MeggieGirl
14 Oct 2015
I'm going to have to try some of these ideas. With the stomach problem I described above (after having my gallbladder out), I was so sick I could only eat but maybe a bowl of cereal a day for an entire year; they didn't know how to help me aside from throw prescriptions for anti-nausea, anti-vomiting, stomach-muscle-relaxing that just didn't work. The bottom line is, nothing worked, and I was lacking energy to the point I could barely drag myself to work. It wasn't until a new doctor suggested more natural paths, such as the plant based diet, that I was able to just NOM and NOM and NOM like a starving person. Eating foods that nutritionally fed my cells actually went a long way to giving me energy. Then I discovered dopamine, and how much it affected my happiness. I started eating more avocado and I don't know if I just REALLY LIKE AVOCADO or I really like how it makes me feel LOL, but either way, good is good!
geranimo
28 Aug 2017
Id like to get my Thyroid checked by someone other than my doctor but i dk who to go to, any ideas?
Sally1350
27 Sep 2018
What is Armour thyroid? I am on Levothyroxine and have been for over 50 yrs!
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abilify, cymbalta, wellbutrin, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, energy
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