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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on August 29, 2003, at 17:31:48
I am on what I consider a lot of different meds because my case/diagnosis is a bit complicated, and I am wondering which of the meds, if any, might be causing a sudden increase in feeling tired, sluggish and sleepy, and no energy.
I recently increased Celexa to 40mg/day and have read on here that SSRI's can cause fatigue.
However, I am also on (but for a pretty long time, longer than the Celexa) Klonopin, Buspar, Synthroid (Thyroid was just tested; don't know results yet), Lithium, low dose of Seroquel for sleeping, and just started Lamictal to augment the Lithium.
Given this complex cocktail, anyone have any ideas for what the heck is making me so de-energized? Thanks.
Posted by redscarlet on August 29, 2003, at 22:43:56
In reply to Tired, sluggish, sleepy, no energy, - HELP!, posted by Janelle on August 29, 2003, at 17:31:48
Saw my pdoc today for the same problem. I just wanted to sleep ALL day (started when I started the Lex). He took me off the 10mg of Lexapro ( I'm on other stuff too, Topamax, Seroquel, Xanax and Ambien for sleep) and I'll start 100mg Wellburtrin SR in the morning. Hoping this will make me feel like getting back into life !
Wishing you the best. I know how hard it is being tired all the time. Take Care... :-)
Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:43:40
In reply to Tired, sluggish, sleepy, no energy, - HELP!, posted by Janelle on August 29, 2003, at 17:31:48
The only meds I've been on that you mention here are the Celexa, the Klonopin, the Seroquel, the Lamictal and Lithium. Lexapro made me VERY sluggish and de-energized in the beginning. Lithium made me 'flat' not sluggish or de-energized. Lamictal mellows me out a little. Klonopin and Celexa-no difference, but what mg of Klonopin do you take?
Now Seroquel-that was a different story.................> I am on what I consider a lot of different meds because my case/diagnosis is a bit complicated, and I am wondering which of the meds, if any, might be causing a sudden increase in feeling tired, sluggish and sleepy, and no energy.
>
> I recently increased Celexa to 40mg/day and have read on here that SSRI's can cause fatigue.
>
> However, I am also on (but for a pretty long time, longer than the Celexa) Klonopin, Buspar, Synthroid (Thyroid was just tested; don't know results yet), Lithium, low dose of Seroquel for sleeping, and just started Lamictal to augment the Lithium.
>
> Given this complex cocktail, anyone have any ideas for what the heck is making me so de-energized? Thanks.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:47:21
In reply to Re: Tired, sluggish, sleepy, no energy, - HELP!, posted by redscarlet on August 29, 2003, at 22:43:56
Just wanted to wish you the best in starting on the Wellbutrin SR today:-) Can I ask what dosage of Topamax you're taking? Did you lose weight on it? Do you think it helps you? Did you just not want to give the Lexapro a chance or were the side effects too much to bear?
I hope the 'new' cocktail will make you feel like getting back into life too:-)
Best,
galkeepinon
> Saw my pdoc today for the same problem. I just wanted to sleep ALL day (started when I started the Lex). He took me off the 10mg of Lexapro ( I'm on other stuff too, Topamax, Seroquel, Xanax and Ambien for sleep) and I'll start 100mg Wellburtrin SR in the morning. Hoping this will make me feel like getting back into life !
>
> Wishing you the best. I know how hard it is being tired all the time. Take Care... :-)
>
Posted by Janelle on August 30, 2003, at 14:51:07
In reply to Re: Tired, sluggish, sleepy, no energy, - HELP! » Janelle, posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:43:40
You said the "only" meds you've been on and then it turns out that we have quite a few in common! LOL! We have both been or are on Celexa, Klonopin, Seroquel, Lamictal and Lithium.
I have read MANY accounts of Lexapro making people very sluggish and de-energized in the beginning. And since Celexa is so closely related to Lex. I think it is the Celexa that is doing this to me - tired, sluggish, etc.
Lithium is also making me feel 'flat' not sluggish or de-energized. I can't feel any strong emotions anymore.
I have no clue what the Lamictal will do since I just started it am on the every other day 25mg which is basically nothing!
To answer your question I take 2mg of Klonopin - 1mg in the am, 1 mg in the pm.
What do you mean by "Now Seroquel-that was a different story................." ??? How much were you on and what did it do to you?
I take only 100mg at night for sleep (not for AP reasons) and it works fairly well.
Thanks for responding.
Janelle
Posted by Janelle on August 30, 2003, at 14:52:47
In reply to Re: Tired, sluggish, sleepy, no energy, - HELP! » Janelle, posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:43:40
Hi,
We seem to have a lot in common and I think it would be nice to e-mail off the board, if you would be interested. If so, could you type out your email address under here and I will respond as soon as I can.
If you don't want to email, just say so, no problemo, I understand! Thanks, Janelle
Posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 15:57:26
In reply to One more 4 GALKEEPINON! » galkeepinon, posted by Janelle on August 30, 2003, at 14:52:47
Hi Janelle,
Do you think the Celexa is making you feel sluggish? It may-it didn't do that to me. The Lithium did the same to me-I really couldn't 'feel' anything. I didn't like that.
It sounds as if we are both still in the process of working up on the Lamictal~slowly for sure!.
What I meant by the Seroquel was that it was the only med I have been on that really whipped my butt. It turned me into a zombie. At first even on a low dose, I was tired, sluggish, and out of it. I eventually had to keep increasing over the period of 5 years and finally went off it. I gained weight from that medication also. I got up to 300mg. I took it for sleep also and it helped-that's for sure! LOL**Sure, you may email me anytime, and anyone else who sees this may email me or add me to Messenger also~~the more the merrier for everyone's support:-)
I mean every word of that:-)
galkeepinon
babbler2003@msn.com
Posted by Janelle on August 31, 2003, at 16:40:43
In reply to Re: One more 4 GALKEEPINON! » Janelle, posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 15:57:26
Hi there,
The main reason I think the Celexa MIGHT (repeat MIGHT) be making me feel sluggish is because I read on here more than once(!) that the SSRI's can induce fatigue.
However, my pdoc also increased my Lithium (I'm still on a relatively low dose compared to others) and did a thyroid test and if that's low again, that could explain this tired, sluggish feeling. I'll find out later this coming week, as I have a pdoc appointment, thankfully.
Yep, we are both still in the process of working up on the Lamictal - slowly for sure -- what dosage do you think you will get to before you top off? I hope to get to 100mg/day and then take it carefully from there to possibly 150-200 (then again, given my sensitivity to meds, I'll be happy to get to 100!)
I think I told you I'm *only* on 100 mg/night of Seroquel at bedtime and it puts me to sleep gradually. I could not handle anything higher than that, but have heard of people on 500+ mg of Seroquel - that would probably kill me! ;-)
Since you no longer take Seroquel for sleep, what DO you take? Just curious.
Thanks for posting your email address! Expect a message soon! :-)
Janelle
Posted by redscarlet on August 31, 2003, at 18:13:55
In reply to redscarlet:-) » redscarlet, posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:47:21
> Just wanted to wish you the best in starting on the Wellbutrin SR today:-) Can I ask what dosage of Topamax you're taking? Did you lose weight on it? Do you think it helps you? Did you just not want to give the Lexapro a chance or were the side effects too much to bear?
> I hope the 'new' cocktail will make you feel like getting back into life too:-)
> Best,
> galkeepinon
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm taking 200 mg of Topamax every night. I have lost weight but I also do not eat any sugar and eat a very low carb diet. I do think it is a good mood stabilizer for me, I have tried many others that didn't work out. As far as the Lexapro goes, my doctor was against me staying on it even when I suggested taking both the Lexapro and the Wellbutrin.
Thank you for the kind words of hope...and back at ya... :-)
Posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 19:37:04
In reply to Re: galkeepinon, posted by redscarlet on August 31, 2003, at 18:13:55
Thanks so much for your reply. I am very interested in why you eat no sugar? I know that causes weight gain, among other things. I ask this because I am really set on changing my diet! I eat way too much sugar, hardly any veggies and fruits, and I'm really feeling sluggish, and just ill.(no wonder huh?)How do you do it? Could you share some things about what your diet consists of? I was just sitting outside thinking that these meds are very potent and I don't even take vitamins either:( I really need to get going with some sort of lifestyle change-I really want to feel better. For some reason, I must think I'm a kid by the way I eat and don't exercise anymore. I was on the track team in high school, as well as volleyball, tennis, dance, the list goes on. I haven't been able to get into any kind of regular exercise program to get healthy again exept the treadmill-but that goes by the wayside. And oh yeah, I smoke (cigarettes). Which I started at 29!! LOL I know I need to treat myself better, just don't know why I don't. I admire your strength that you don't eat sugar and a low-carb diet-may sound silly-but for people like me-it sounds difficult for some reason.
Would you be willing to share with me a little about how you are succeeding? It would really help.
:-)> > I'm taking 200 mg of Topamax every night. I have lost weight but I also do not eat any sugar and eat a very low carb diet. I do think it is a good mood stabilizer for me, I have tried many others that didn't work out. As far as the Lexapro goes, my doctor was against me staying on it even when I suggested taking both the Lexapro and the Wellbutrin.
> Thank you for the kind words of hope...and back at ya... :-)
>
>
>
Posted by redscarlet on August 31, 2003, at 20:38:44
In reply to Re:redscarlet~~I have to ask,please........ » redscarlet, posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 19:37:04
> Thanks so much for your reply. I am very interested in why you eat no sugar? I know that causes weight gain, among other things. I ask this because I am really set on changing my diet! I eat way too much sugar, hardly any veggies and fruits, and I'm really feeling sluggish, and just ill.(no wonder huh?)How do you do it? Could you share some things about what your diet consists of? I was just sitting outside thinking that these meds are very potent and I don't even take vitamins either:( I really need to get going with some sort of lifestyle change-I really want to feel better. For some reason, I must think I'm a kid by the way I eat and don't exercise anymore. I was on the track team in high school, as well as volleyball, tennis, dance, the list goes on. I haven't been able to get into any kind of regular exercise program to get healthy again exept the treadmill-but that goes by the wayside. And oh yeah, I smoke (cigarettes). Which I started at 29!! LOL I know I need to treat myself better, just don't know why I don't. I admire your strength that you don't eat sugar and a low-carb diet-may sound silly-but for people like me-it sounds difficult for some reason.
> Would you be willing to share with me a little about how you are succeeding? It would really help.
> :-)
>
>
>
>
>
>Well I choose not to eat sugar for several reasons. It does put on the pounds and even though it will give you a quick energy boost it also quickly lets you down, then your left just wanting more sugar to get another left. Once you get off sugar you don't crave it any more. I eat a variety of foods, beef, chicken, turkey, fish along with vegetables and some fruit. It's important to get enough protein every day in your diet. I also take tons of vitamins everyday. I have the hair loss problem with the Topamax so some of the vitamins are to help with that. I also take Omega-3, which I don't think has done anything for my mental health but it is good for the body ! I was going to the gym three times a week before the Lexapro made me so tired and I'm hoping to get back on that schedule next week. I also have a dog ,a Pomeranian and have to get out and walk her every day and that has help me a lot. The best way is just to take one day at a time. That's hard to do and I work hard to keep that in mind all the time, not to worry to much about the future. You know what they say....baby steps....baby steps
Posted by galkeepinon on September 1, 2003, at 0:19:50
In reply to GALKEEPINON - re Celexa and sluggishness: » galkeepinon, posted by Janelle on August 31, 2003, at 16:40:43
Hi Janelle, You may be right about the Celexa. For me, it didn't make me sluggish-just level.
Keep us posted on your thyroid level results. Is your doctor checking T3, T4, and TSH? Do you know?
I hope to get to about 100mg of Lamictal, depending on what my psychiatrist thinks and how I feel. I value my psychatrist's opinion very highly.
For sleep, I sometimes take OTC Tylenol PM or Unisom Sleep Gels, they work well for me. I try not to if I don't need to.
I got your email, expect a reply anytime now:-)
Take care.
> Hi there,
>
> The main reason I think the Celexa MIGHT (repeat MIGHT) be making me feel sluggish is because I read on here more than once(!) that the SSRI's can induce fatigue.
>
> However, my pdoc also increased my Lithium (I'm still on a relatively low dose compared to others) and did a thyroid test and if that's low again, that could explain this tired, sluggish feeling. I'll find out later this coming week, as I have a pdoc appointment, thankfully.
>
> Yep, we are both still in the process of working up on the Lamictal - slowly for sure -- what dosage do you think you will get to before you top off? I hope to get to 100mg/day and then take it carefully from there to possibly 150-200 (then again, given my sensitivity to meds, I'll be happy to get to 100!)
>
> I think I told you I'm *only* on 100 mg/night of Seroquel at bedtime and it puts me to sleep gradually. I could not handle anything higher than that, but have heard of people on 500+ mg of Seroquel - that would probably kill me! ;-)
>
> Since you no longer take Seroquel for sleep, what DO you take? Just curious.
>
> Thanks for posting your email address! Expect a message soon! :-)
>
> Janelle
Posted by galkeepinon on September 1, 2003, at 1:49:26
In reply to Re:I have to ask,please..... galkeepinon, posted by redscarlet on August 31, 2003, at 20:38:44
Thanks again. I know what to do it seems-everything you mentioned-I even have a puppy-1 year, but for some reason I am LAZY-I never thought I was-but something is holding me back! I guess I will have to figure out what that is and go from there? I didn't have a weight problem until I started taking medication. My whole life, I was thin-active, happy, and healthy-then BAM-it all hit me and for 10+ years-I have been suffering, my fault I guess. I just am sick and tired of being sick and tired ya know?
So anyway, I guess only I have to make the changes. This whole concept is about 80%of my depression.
Thanks again.
Take care.
> >Well I choose not to eat sugar for several reasons. It does put on the pounds and even though it will give you a quick energy boost it also quickly lets you down, then your left just wanting more sugar to get another left. Once you get off sugar you don't crave it any more. I eat a variety of foods, beef, chicken, turkey, fish along with vegetables and some fruit. It's important to get enough protein every day in your diet. I also take tons of vitamins everyday. I have the hair loss problem with the Topamax so some of the vitamins are to help with that. I also take Omega-3, which I don't think has done anything for my mental health but it is good for the body ! I was going to the gym three times a week before the Lexapro made me so tired and I'm hoping to get back on that schedule next week. I also have a dog ,a Pomeranian and have to get out and walk her every day and that has help me a lot. The best way is just to take one day at a time. That's hard to do and I work hard to keep that in mind all the time, not to worry to much about the future. You know what they say....baby steps....baby steps
This is the end of the thread.
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