[Jenny R]

Not not sure where to begin. Right now I am only mildly depressed but I am still a bit down. My problem now is fatigue and lack of any concern or motivation. If I had my choice, I would mostly sleep, watch tv and fool around on the net.

I have tried using a bullet journal and ditched my long to do list. I think the fatigue and apathy are side effects of my SSRI. At least that is what I have read about generic lexapro. i have been on many SSRIs over the years and have added wellbutrin. It has helped with the major depression. I can get out of bed, don't cry all day and can function fairly well. I am also upset that I have gained weight over the years from the SSRI and my sex life is not the same. I went to grad school and have a professional job that I have somehow managed to keep. I don't think that would have happened with the meds. I go to therapy and have a Pdoc.

I would like to be more motivated and do what I want to do. I would also like to help others. There is more to say but I can save that for later. I really hope this community works for me. it seems to have worked for many of you.

[guiltier65]

welcome. I hope that we can be of some help to you. I tend to reach out when i'm at rock bottom, i respect your ability to reach out. I just started Wellbutrin this week, so i'm cautiously optimistic.
I understand exactly what you mean about fatigue, that has been a battle for me as well lately. I also am an introvert , so i tend to isolate, but like you, i love to help people. it's a rather confusing situation. take care and keep in touch.

[Deeplyhurt77]

I lost jobs and boyfriends due to my extreme depression. Not to mention major fatigue, lack of interest,can't share feelings (wants,needs etc). No goals,ambition,hobbies and just go day by day. I think it's awesome that you are at least able to work in a professional setting by completely college.

[Jenny R]

Thanks G65 - Wellbutrin works for me. I was still depressed when I took it alone so I added Lexapro. I don't know if I am sad and apathetic because Lex isn't working any longer or as a side effect. I see my Pdoc in a few weeks so I will ask her. I was also a little anxious and the pdoc told me that wellbutrin doesn't have an anti-anxiety component like SSRIs and that can even cause anxiety. When I do have anxiety I have the same thoughts as when depressed but they are much faster.

SH65 - I definitely would have lost my husband without all the help I have been given. And I would never have had my baby.

[elevatedsoul]

maybe its the wellbutrin..?
looking back were you having the same feelings before you started taking wellbutrin?
or did they seem to increase when you started the wellbutrin?
or were you fine up until you started the SSRI?

how is your focus level and concentration?

people can have different reactions from medications... there are some people that get rev'd up from wellbutrin, some people feel sleepy... some people get anxious and jittery...

similar effects can happen with any medication really, its all how it works in our body.. our biology

it would be a good idea to discuss those things with your doctor... maybe he would have a better idea of what the culprit could be

[Jenny R]

Thanks elevated soul. It is hard to say. I have been on SSRIs for the better of 20 years. I liked the Wellbutrin alone but I was still depressed so we added Lexapro. I have been tired for a long time. I was tested last year and learned I have sleep apnea. That leaves you exhausted because you don't get proper sleep. I started using a breathing machine at night and it helped me sleep better. I am definitely not as tired as before but I sill want to nap or sleep late. Work gets in the way of that of course.

I plan to discuss with my Pdoc in a few weeks. The problem is she doesn't like to discuss side effects too much. I think doctors want the meds to work and worry that getting to much into side effects will reduce compliance. I also don't know if they know how much we suffer.

I'm scared because I have been on most SSRIs and wellbutrin and there are no more meds that I know of. Every so often I ask my Pdoc if there have been any developments on the med front but she has not mentioned anything. I will ask again.

Since I am not severely depressed, I am trying other things such as yoga and forcing myself to do things that are good for me. Thanks for listening.

[elevatedsoul]

sometimes they can add an antipsychotic to augment the antidepressant somewhat..
you've probably seen a commercial talking about abilify or one of them for depression...
but i would only start making a cocktail as a last resort if nothing else is helping..

have you heard of chronic fatigue syndrome?

[handheart]

Welcome here beying in this field for many years i would advise you now to start controling your mind and to think only pozitive and nice thoughts

it's good you found the site,

hope it helps you out..

[Fuzzybear]

[Jenny R]

sometimes they can add an antipsychotic to augment the antidepressant somewhat..
you've probably seen a commercial talking about abilify or one of them for depression...
but i would only start making a cocktail as a last resort if nothing else is helping..

have you heard of chronic fatigue syndrome?

I agree about avoiding a cocktail. The more drugs, the more unknowns. I already take lex and wellbutrin and something for the Gerd I got from the lex. I am mildly depressed. I can handle it like this but I want to feel better. I also want to take a nap but have to work.

I checked into CFS and the only symptom I have is fatigue. I can also exercise without extreme resulting fatigue. I will bring it up to my pdoc. My concern is she will dismiss my issues. SHe doesn't like to dwell on side-effects or other possible problems.

I have been in treatment for a long time and am starting to loose hope. Some things work a little but I haven't found anything that has pulled me out completely.

[Hopeofreedom]

Welcome Jenny!!! I'm glad your reaching out! 💪😊💖... congratulations on finishing a Grads school..whoa! 😲.

Also I've seen you give great Advice on other threads, so I'm glad your here😄.

I'm new here too! So far this forum has helped me realize I'm not ot dealing with this illness alone, even though I feel like in my job and day to day life everyone is super happy and I'm the odd one. Helps ! me keep perspective. 👍

Oh I should mention, thus isn't the only forum I follow! This one is for my mental health but I also follow fun hobbies too!

[Jenny R]

Thanks Hope-

Also I've seen you give great Advice on other threads, so I'm glad your here��

I think many of us have been through a lot and have learned so much. I can help others but it doesn't always work on me. Glad we are both here. I am struggling but not in the pit so this is a good place for me to be.