Suggest Treatment For Fatigue While On Effexor And Dexedrine

Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 Jan 2016 Answered on

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I take 150 ml Effexor plus one-half Zoplicone at night when I go to bed. The next day when I get up I am a little tired by manage to function for about three to four hours. After that time I get so fatigued I have to lie down and usually for the rest of the day I am so tired. I have court transcripts to do which I am unable to do because of my fatigue and this is causing me a lot of stress. I have had this fatigue for months and I can't stand it any longer. I need help! My6 doctor gave me Dexedrine for my fatigue and my counselor told me not to date take it as it is an upper and will cause heart problems for me. He also told me to get another doctor because of him suggesting I take this. I need help!!! How can I get rid of this fatigue, I have no life.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
You are having severe fatigue in the daytime.
I can think of few reasons for it, but please let me know some details to get to appropriate cause for it:
Do you feel that effexor is working for your depression?
Does zopiclone gives your sufficient and refreshing sleep?
Have you ruled out cardiac issues as a cause of fatigue?
Tried any other drugs apart from those mentioned in your question?

Kindly revert back with the answers to these questions so that I can guide you.

Hoe to hear from you soon.
thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (18 minutes later)

No, I don't feel that Effexor is helping with my depression
I don't get sufficient and refreshing sleep, I force myself to get up.
Went for a stress test but haven't got results back yet.
Tried Cymbalta but it made me just as fatigued

I hope I have answered your questions

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Change of drug, effexor can cause fatigue.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Thanks for the details.

In my experience, tiredness and fatigue are very common with effexor.

And when it is not helping you, there is no use of continuing this drug. A gradual taper can be done.
Cymbalta and effexor belong to same class. Switching between the two would not be of much benefit.

Instead, a drug from different class like prozac or wellbutrin should be considered.
If you can list out what drugs you have tried in past, I can help you to choose alternative drug.

Another reason for tiredness and fatigue would be non refreshing sleep. Either increase the dose of zopiclone or shift to Clonazepam.

PLEASE MAKE THESE CHANGES ONLY UNDER YOUR DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION as these are prescription drugs.

Apart from drugs, drink plenty of water. Eat fruits and green vegetables. Push yourself for a walk or some relaxation exercises.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to discuss further if you have more queries.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar