[Peace7777]

Hi I'm new here. I've had depression for years. I was diagnosed with dysthmia which is when you've had a mild to moderate depression for years. About 9 yrs ago, my doctor put me on Zoloft. It really helps to take the edge off of my depression, but I'm so tired! This past weekend, I slept and slept. I find it hard to get up in the morning to go to work and I just feel exhausted most of the time. Is there anyone else out there that has had similar side effects from medication? Did you do anything that helped with the tiredness? If so, what helped? I'd rather not have my doctor change my medication, she tried before, and I REALLY, REALLY felt depressed. It was horrible, I cried all of the time and could barely take care of my children. Any advice anyone can give would really be helpful. God bless.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Peace7777!

Originally Posted by Peace7777

Is there anyone else out there that has had similar side effects from medication?

Oh, yes!

Originally Posted by Peace7777

Did you do anything that helped with the tiredness?

Short answer -- no. I tried the following, none of which helped or helped for long (of course, these have helped others and may help you):

• Exercising more.
• Changing my workout routine.
• Establishing "good sleep hygiene" including a fairly rigid bedtime ritual.
• Taking melatonin to help me sleep.
• Taking Ambien to help me sleep.
• Drinking coffee in the morning ONLY (I can only tolerate it diluted with milk).
• Taking Provigil* (had a bad reaction to this drug and probably must be extremely careful with any type of stimulant).

Again I stress, what didn't work for me may work for you or others. You may (probably?) have to experiment.

All the best to you, Peace7777!

[Naturefreak]

Peace7777 Welcome to PC

One of my worst depression symptoms is feeling exhausted and tired all the time . I've tried many things including many of what Rohag had mentioned. If you ruled out physical symptoms , such as thyroid and other causes which I'm assuming you have , feeling exhausted is most likely caused by your depression.
If you find a cure please let me know . You are not alone.

[lynn P.]

A warm welcome to you (((Peace7777))). I don't have experience with the medication but Rohag's suggestions are good. Are you eating healthy and can you exercise a little. Do you sleep well at night -no snoring. Make sure you take 15-30 min. to do deep breathing - where it's completely quiet. Often we mom's forget to take good care of ourselves. Best of luck.

I have told more that one psychiatrist all the meds they prescribe are excellent. They put me to sleep and I do not know I am depressed.

Seriously, all of the antidepressants make me sleepy to some degree. For me exercise is better than any pill.

Good luck.