Posted by Laree on July 8, 2004, at 9:40:48
In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41
Personally, I did not have a good experience with Effexor XR (@ 75 mg.); while on it, I was very anxious & it did not help me for depression. I've found Lexapro (or even Zoloft or Celexa for that matter) much better for me.
I've also been on Xanax, Klonopin, and Hydroxyzine (sp?) in the past. I remember that Xanax (.5 mg.) made me feel sleepy; same with the Klonopin. One good thing about immediate-release Xanax is that it doesn't tend to hang one over so much like Klonopin can--but then, I think Klonopin is usually used as more of an everyday 'maintenance' sort of med. but it could be making you feel groggy/tired during the day...
I was on hydroxyzine (sp?) for a while to help with sleep/anxiety and it's like benadryl--it tends to make you tired/sleepy; I took in in the P.M., but you said take it 3x/day--maybe that's the culprit, esp. combined with the other meds you're on? Have you tried anything else for the itching--an allergy med. that wouldn't cause you so much fatigue maybe? I'd ask your doctor about a possible alternative. I've heard that Depakote can really make you feel tired, but I've never been on it. Honestly, it sounds like your meds are stealing your energy. Just looking at your list, I cannot imagine anyone would be very active/lively on that combination. It sounds like something really needs to be adjusted/eliminated/switched with your med. regimen.
Best,
L.>
> I'm currently on the following meds:
>
> Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
>
> What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
>
> AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)
poster:Laree
thread:354588
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/363994.html