What Causes Severe Fatigue And Hypersomnia While Treating Depression?

Posted on Fri, 12 Feb 2016

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

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have extreme tiredness, I sleep probably15- 16 hrs a day, I am on pain medication and anti depressants, could this be causing it? I didn't seem to be this tired before even on the meds

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

You say you are suffering from low energy and hypersomnia (too much sleep). This is actually a symptom of depression itself, and can be helped by a higher dose of your antidepressant.

None of the medications you list above are sedating, except for Gabapentin, which you can consider decreasing in dose or frequency. I think the key here is to treat your depression more aggressively, to restore your normal sleep patterns.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee