Posted by Maximus on May 13, 2004, at 14:06:10
In reply to Re: Comment about weight gain and Effexor » Maximus, posted by nannygoat on May 13, 2004, at 12:50:22
> The problem I have is that I have fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue.
>
> I am 55, work full-time, and go to school part-time. I couldn't exercise if someone paid me to. I do force myself to walk more at work, but it is hard with my condition.Okay Nancy, we are in the same boat concerning the chronic fatigue. I found that an increase in Effexor dosage didn't help at all. I even bumped it up at 300 mg with no result. In fact, SSRIs tend to worsen us.
But first of all, did you try Lamictal? It has a very very good track record for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression and as mood stabilizer.
My pdoc added a stimulant (Ritalin SR). It helps me immensely. It might be the trick for you.
Also, if you don't want to take the stimulant route, you can try these following meds. Prozac and Zoloft have been found more helpful than Effexor for the treatment of chronic fatigue. They are more stimulating. Although they are called SSRIs, Prozac and Zoloft (especially) are more specifics (potent) than Effexor in targeting the dopaminergic subsystem.
A fourth solution would be to take a TCA (tricyclic antidepressants) like the Desipramine, alone or a small dose with Effexor.
N.B. You can also try some more *exotic cocktails*. But i strongly suggest you to try first the above solutions.
Hope this helps.
Bye!
poster:Maximus
thread:346394
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040510/msgs/346492.html