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What Causes Low Energy And Weight Gain While On Vyvanse?
Question: Hello,
We've been in contact several times about my postpartum depression. Since being switched from Wellbutrin to Effexor (been a little over three weeks) and from Latuda to Abilify (been about two weeks), I've stopped crying, which is good and I'd say my depression is under control. However, I'm noticing some other things, which I'm not sure if they are part of the depression, side effects from meds, or due to the disrupted sleep from nightly feedings. I have no energy and always am very tired. I wouldn't say I have "no motovation" cause I want to do things (household tasks, social things) I just literally don't have the energy. If I exercise, which I try to do five days a week, I'm completely wiped out for the rest of the day and I'm not doing any type of extreme workouts. I also want to mention that I'm on Vyvanse 60 mg, and even with that, I'm extremely low energy. Is this strange ? What do you feel is the cause for the extreme fatigue ? I've also already gained 5 lbs, since the meds switch, which I needed to gain a few pounds but at point where I don't want to gain anymore weight and it makes me anxious that I've gained so much weight already. I feel like unless I constantly watch what I eat I'm going to gain weight and since I'm now on meds that increase appetite, I constantly find myself thinking about food and subsequently worrying about my weight. Do you have any recommendations ? Thanks so much for your help.
We've been in contact several times about my postpartum depression. Since being switched from Wellbutrin to Effexor (been a little over three weeks) and from Latuda to Abilify (been about two weeks), I've stopped crying, which is good and I'd say my depression is under control. However, I'm noticing some other things, which I'm not sure if they are part of the depression, side effects from meds, or due to the disrupted sleep from nightly feedings. I have no energy and always am very tired. I wouldn't say I have "no motovation" cause I want to do things (household tasks, social things) I just literally don't have the energy. If I exercise, which I try to do five days a week, I'm completely wiped out for the rest of the day and I'm not doing any type of extreme workouts. I also want to mention that I'm on Vyvanse 60 mg, and even with that, I'm extremely low energy. Is this strange ? What do you feel is the cause for the extreme fatigue ? I've also already gained 5 lbs, since the meds switch, which I needed to gain a few pounds but at point where I don't want to gain anymore weight and it makes me anxious that I've gained so much weight already. I feel like unless I constantly watch what I eat I'm going to gain weight and since I'm now on meds that increase appetite, I constantly find myself thinking about food and subsequently worrying about my weight. Do you have any recommendations ? Thanks so much for your help.
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thank you again so much for reaching out to me directly. I can certainly help you!
You raise a couple of concerns here: low energy, and weight gain.
First, I do not think your medications are causing fatigue. Effexor and Abilify are actually known for increasing energy a bit, rather than being sedating, so I would cross this off your list of concerns. Sleep disruption is extremely common in the postpartum setting for several reasons -- feeding the baby, caring for the baby, and hormonal changes including a drop in progesterone which would otherwise be helping you fall asleep. This fatigue will disappear naturally over the next several weeks. In the meantime, I do encourage exercise, but not to the point where it tires you out too much. Caffeine is safe and healthy to use, like coffee or tea. And using the support of your family to aid in childcare is important.
Regarding weight gain, the average weight gain with Effexor is less than 5 pounds, and the average weight gain with Abilify is zero. Any weight you are gaining is likely due to diet. I would stick with a healthy diet, monitor calorie intake (which is always necessary to maintain a healthy weight), and continuing exercise (but not too much!).
Dr. Sheppe
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thank you again so much for reaching out to me directly. I can certainly help you!
You raise a couple of concerns here: low energy, and weight gain.
First, I do not think your medications are causing fatigue. Effexor and Abilify are actually known for increasing energy a bit, rather than being sedating, so I would cross this off your list of concerns. Sleep disruption is extremely common in the postpartum setting for several reasons -- feeding the baby, caring for the baby, and hormonal changes including a drop in progesterone which would otherwise be helping you fall asleep. This fatigue will disappear naturally over the next several weeks. In the meantime, I do encourage exercise, but not to the point where it tires you out too much. Caffeine is safe and healthy to use, like coffee or tea. And using the support of your family to aid in childcare is important.
Regarding weight gain, the average weight gain with Effexor is less than 5 pounds, and the average weight gain with Abilify is zero. Any weight you are gaining is likely due to diet. I would stick with a healthy diet, monitor calorie intake (which is always necessary to maintain a healthy weight), and continuing exercise (but not too much!).
Dr. Sheppe
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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