can you please help, new to this and confused

coffeequeen · 10-02-2006, 09:35 PM

Ok, I went to the a new DR in Aug and I told her that I was feeling fine but I was struggling with Fatigue, she insisted that it was because I was stressed (even though I am not) and that I should go on antidepressants, so I gave Wellbutrin a try, it did ok for the fatigue, for about a month and then I bottomed out again, and she did a large amount of test for me and they all came back clear. So she upped my dose of Wellbutrin XL(300), well I had a what I belive was an allergic reaction, I had severe itching and rash and she took me off it and prescribed EFFEXOR, I did some research and found things about it that really frightned me. So I just didn't get it and I quit the wellbutrin, I was only taking 150 and tried 300 for two days.

So my question is, is anyone taking antidepressants for fatigue is there is an alternative, should I just go back to her? I am so confused and just don't understand this.

Thank you!

RYJAMOM · 10-02-2006, 11:09 PM

I am taking Wellbutrin SR for severe depression. I have been on it for a week and it has not helped yet with the depression, and I have been agitated and have more anxiety than usual. I go back to the NP Tues and I am going to discuss it. I tried a week of the new Cymbalta and it helped with the pain and fatigue after the 3rd dose. Unfortunately, my insurance won't pay as much on it because it is new. Go to www.askapatient.com to find out info from other people that have taken it. Keep us posted.. and remember it takes sometimes a full month for some meds to work.

pevans0511 · 10-05-2006, 03:31 PM

Hi.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression & have been on anti-depressants since 1995. In 2003, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For about the past 5 years, I have been on Wellbutrin XL (450 mg.), Effexor XR (225 mg.) & Risperdal (1 mg.).

About 2 months ago, my Psychiatrist informed me that Effexor had changed categories to a "c" which is riskier for child birth, as well as having studies show an increase in the likelihood of birth defects. At that time, I made the decision, due to a number of good, healthy reasons to began to taper down & go off Effexor with the support & supervision of my Psychiatrist. It was/has been one of the worst experiences of my life. I went through extreme withdrawal symptoms (nausea, dizziness, chills/sweats, etc...) & was basically bed-ridden for a number of months. Despite this, I continued to taper down & go off of Wellbutrin, as well as Risperdal. It has been now a little over a month being completely drug-free for the first time in over a decade. It is difficult. I do see a therapist once a week & still go to a new Psychiatrist (long story) once a month.

My advice to you is if you do need to take an anti-depressant, stick with Wellbutrin. It will take at least a month for your system to show the full effects of the anti-depressant. Also, see a therapist. It may take a few trys to find the right one for you but it is well worth it & can be just as/more beneficial than an anti-depressant.

Hope this helps & please let me know if I can help you out with anything else.

Take Care.

Vonder · 10-10-2006, 06:01 AM

I was diagnosed with depression in fifth grade and have been on antidepressants ever since. Some time last year I went off them alltogether which was a terrible mistake because I was SO depressed for about 3 months that I failed a class. Anyway, I was put on wellbutrin and it seemed to work, but once the samples ran out my insurance company put me on the generic stuff.

Not the same, I don't care what anybody says.

Anyway, I started taking Effexor and it has been the only thing that has helped me in years. As for fatigue, though? Effexor made me really sleepy for about the first month that I was taking it so I wouldn't reccomend it for fatigue.

And, yeah, the withdrawal syptoms are terrible! I went without it for a week when my insurance changed. Had tremors, sweats, almost got in like 3 car accidents. But it works for me, just have to make sure to keep the bottle filled!