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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
I've heard that Effexor gives a pretty good energy boost because of the norephrinepine. However I have been on it for two weeks and feel very sedated. Is there ANYTHING that will help with my motivation?? I'm also taking 50mg Zoloft. Thanks.
Posted by linkadge on August 4, 2003, at 16:41:38
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
parnate, nortryptaline, reboxetine, moclobemide, caffeine, stimulants, straterra
Linkadge
Posted by stjames on August 4, 2003, at 16:58:39
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
> I've heard that Effexor gives a pretty good energy boost because of the norephrinepine.
It takes 4-8 weeks to have the AD kick in, then
you will feel the boost, if effexor is right for you. Most AD's start off sedating and end up
being activating, again if the AD is the right one for you.
Posted by agencypanic on August 4, 2003, at 17:03:50
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by stjames on August 4, 2003, at 16:58:39
It has taken at least 8 weeks before I felt a positive boost from the Effexor. My doctor just added
in 150mg/day of Wellbutrin and this seems already to be helping too. I'm waking up too early in the morning, but I don't have the
desire--for the most part-- to stay in bed the rest of the day as I did initially. Good luck.
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:25:22
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by linkadge on August 4, 2003, at 16:41:38
Linkadge- are these drugs all stimulants? Thanks for the suggestions.
parnate, nortryptaline, reboxetine, moclobemide, caffeine, stimulants, straterra
>
> Linkadge
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:28:07
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by stjames on August 4, 2003, at 16:58:39
Thanks StJames- I know I should really give the Effexor a shot...it's only been 2 weeks but I hate the way I'm feeling. I never had any side effects on Zoloft and that worked really good the second time I tried it for depression...but still left me unmotivated and tired. I'm thinking that Effexor is not the right drug for me but I could be suprised. Thanks.
> > I've heard that Effexor gives a pretty good energy boost because of the norephrinepine.
>
> It takes 4-8 weeks to have the AD kick in, then
> you will feel the boost, if effexor is right for you. Most AD's start off sedating and end up
> being activating, again if the AD is the right one for you.
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:29:13
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by agencypanic on August 4, 2003, at 17:03:50
thanks agency- would you mind telling me what your intial side effects on Effexor were and how soon they went away? Thanks.
> It has taken at least 8 weeks before I felt a positive boost from the Effexor. My doctor just added
> in 150mg/day of Wellbutrin and this seems already to be helping too. I'm waking up too early in the morning, but I don't have the
> desire--for the most part-- to stay in bed the rest of the day as I did initially. Good luck.
Posted by agencypanic on August 4, 2003, at 20:24:27
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost?? » agencypanic, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:29:13
Hard to tell if it was a side effect or simply a manifestation of my depression.
I completely lacked energy and wanted to stay in bed all day. That was the main problem and it's taken the better part of
8 weeks to get beyond that. I didn't notice any of the commonly listed side effects of Effexor, besides that one.
Posted by Nissy on August 4, 2003, at 20:29:04
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
> I've heard that Effexor gives a pretty good energy boost because of the norephrinepine.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It does, However, for me it wasn't energizing until I went up to 450 mg. My Mom who recently started it finds 150 mg keeps her awake at night. Pretty much is an individual thing of how it will work for you.
:) Nissy
Posted by Viridis on August 5, 2003, at 0:27:47
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
Probably Wellbutrin -- but be careful if you're anxiety prone. Strattera is also one to consider (I respond well to it). Then there's Provigil -- energizing for me without anxiety, and a good mood lifter. Among the SSRIs, Prozac is often viewed as the most stimulating in the group, although I didn't like it at all.
Posted by KRM123 on August 5, 2003, at 7:38:49
In reply to Re: Which antidepressant gives best energy boost?? » KRM123, posted by Viridis on August 5, 2003, at 0:27:47
Thank you Viridis for the suggestions. I have tried Well twice in the past but yes I am anxiety prone so it was not a good drug for me. Strattera gave me severe menstrual cramps so I quit that and Provigil made me more depressed. I might consider Prozac sometime in the future. I was on it for a few months about 4 years ago and don't rememeber its effects. Thank you.
> Probably Wellbutrin -- but be careful if you're anxiety prone. Strattera is also one to consider (I respond well to it). Then there's Provigil -- energizing for me without anxiety, and a good mood lifter. Among the SSRIs, Prozac is often viewed as the most stimulating in the group, although I didn't like it at all.
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 8:41:26
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
KRM123,
Hi! I'm on 300mg Effexor (non-XR) daily plus 100mg Trazadone at night. I went from 200mg to 300mg about 2 weeks ago. After yet again experiencing side effects (SE's) after the increased dose, I am now cruising along fine. Effexor doesn't seem to give me an energy boost, but in comparison to 4 months ago, I guess it does. I don't feel like jogging 10 miles (or even 1) but I do feel capable of handling my 10-hour work day, emptying my dishwasher before I have to, etc etc.Realize, you may have to reach your individual *therapeutic* level first. I wouldn't go up to 300mg unless you felt SOME benefit at 150mg first.
Good Luck!
KDi in Texas> I've heard that Effexor gives a pretty good energy boost because of the norephrinepine. However I have been on it for two weeks and feel very sedated. Is there ANYTHING that will help with my motivation?? I'm also taking 50mg Zoloft. Thanks.
Posted by JESSsMom on August 5, 2003, at 10:03:21
In reply to Which AD gives best energy boost?? » KRM123, posted by KimberlyDi on August 5, 2003, at 8:41:26
Hi all--what an interesting thread this is, especially for people with anxiety. We are either jumping out of our skin or, at least in my case, completely without energy. I, too, am looking for the right balance.
Maybe someone can relate: I have terrible GAD which 112.5mg of Effexor XR helps greatly with. I used to wake up in the morning in utter terror, take a Xanax and cry/pray myself to calm down. It was no way to live.
I swear, I took my first small dose of Eff back in December and woke up calm the next day. However, side effects? You bet. Played with my body temperature for two weeks and then everytime I titrated up--freezing one minute, sweating rivers the next. Also, for some strange reason I have an hour long crying spell when I titrated up. Go figure. My pdoc and I played with my dose and settled on 112.5 every morning.
Recently we tried Lexapro for the serotonin and some energy. I gave it a month. With the exception of Paxil, I had never been so tired and listless in my life.
I am desperate for motivation and energy at this point (single mom who's not keeping up with laundry, dishes, etc.). Pdoc won't give me Provigil. Caffeine doesn't help the "bone tired" feeling inside.
He gave me Prozac but I could only tolerate 5mg every other day (can you imagine such a low dose?) because it is so activating. I still have the script but stopped taking it. Not sure if I made the right decision...........
Yesterday he gave me bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I, again, can only take a 100mg tablet and break it into little pieces.
Below I am going to post a site that discusses the activation of AD's. I forget where I found it (maybe on here?). Anyway, it's quite helpful.
In the meantime, can anyone help with my question:
I am on a relatively low dose of Effexor so I am getting the norepinephrine from it, not really the serotonin for mood lifting. The Wellbutrin (a really small dose) is going to give the NE and Dopamine for energy.
Question: Should I also go back on the little bit of Prozac? I don't see where I am going to get any serotonin in the mix above.
I can't see how it would be harmful in all these small doses but could be too activating with the wellbutrin.
I just want the mood-lifting effect of serotonin.
I guess I want it all.......but.....doesn't everyone want to feel "normal?"Any ides/comments are welcome.
Anyway, here's that site I was talking about above:
If you click on the chart link you'll get a great list of certain AD's activation, etc.http://www.cfids.org/archives/2001rr/2001-rr3-article01.asp
Good luck,
JM
Posted by KRM123 on August 5, 2003, at 13:35:17
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More:, posted by JESSsMom on August 5, 2003, at 10:03:21
JessMom,
Effexor doesn't target Norephrinepine until a dose of 150mg or more. Wellbutrin prob isn't going to help too much with your mood. I think you definitely need an SSRI. If you feel comfortable with the Prozac give that another try. I am a big fan of Zoloft. Try an SSRI with Effexor or Wellbutrin. I tried the combo of Well and zoloft but it made my anxiety a lot worse. May not do the same to you. If you need energy and the Effexor is not doing the trick- try an SSRI with Strattera. Good luck. Keep me updated.KRM
Hi all--what an interesting thread this is, especially for people with anxiety. We are either jumping out of our skin or, at least in my case, completely without energy. I, too, am looking for the right balance.
>
> Maybe someone can relate: I have terrible GAD which 112.5mg of Effexor XR helps greatly with. I used to wake up in the morning in utter terror, take a Xanax and cry/pray myself to calm down. It was no way to live.
>
> I swear, I took my first small dose of Eff back in December and woke up calm the next day. However, side effects? You bet. Played with my body temperature for two weeks and then everytime I titrated up--freezing one minute, sweating rivers the next. Also, for some strange reason I have an hour long crying spell when I titrated up. Go figure. My pdoc and I played with my dose and settled on 112.5 every morning.
>
> Recently we tried Lexapro for the serotonin and some energy. I gave it a month. With the exception of Paxil, I had never been so tired and listless in my life.
>
> I am desperate for motivation and energy at this point (single mom who's not keeping up with laundry, dishes, etc.). Pdoc won't give me Provigil. Caffeine doesn't help the "bone tired" feeling inside.
>
> He gave me Prozac but I could only tolerate 5mg every other day (can you imagine such a low dose?) because it is so activating. I still have the script but stopped taking it. Not sure if I made the right decision...........
>
> Yesterday he gave me bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I, again, can only take a 100mg tablet and break it into little pieces.
>
> Below I am going to post a site that discusses the activation of AD's. I forget where I found it (maybe on here?). Anyway, it's quite helpful.
>
> In the meantime, can anyone help with my question:
>
> I am on a relatively low dose of Effexor so I am getting the norepinephrine from it, not really the serotonin for mood lifting. The Wellbutrin (a really small dose) is going to give the NE and Dopamine for energy.
> Question: Should I also go back on the little bit of Prozac? I don't see where I am going to get any serotonin in the mix above.
> I can't see how it would be harmful in all these small doses but could be too activating with the wellbutrin.
> I just want the mood-lifting effect of serotonin.
> I guess I want it all.......but.....doesn't everyone want to feel "normal?"
>
> Any ides/comments are welcome.
>
> Anyway, here's that site I was talking about above:
> If you click on the chart link you'll get a great list of certain AD's activation, etc.
>
> http://www.cfids.org/archives/2001rr/2001-rr3-article01.asp
>
> Good luck,
> JM
Posted by JESSsMom on August 5, 2003, at 14:01:02
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More: » JESSsMom, posted by KRM123 on August 5, 2003, at 13:35:17
Hi, I didn't know there's no norepinephrine uptake until a 150mg dose with Effexor. I thought that was what was helping me with my GAD (the whole adrenaline, fight or flight thing).
So at 112.5mg, what am I getting? Serotonin? How confusing.
And, believe me, I'm not taking the small dose of WB for mood enhancment--I'm looking for energy without anxiety.
This is so hard sometimes............
Thanks for responding,
JM
Posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 18:13:05
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More: » KRM123, posted by JESSsMom on August 5, 2003, at 14:01:02
Jessmom: At lower levels, Effexor gives you seratonin. I've always read that norepinephrine started at doses past 150, but not including 150. I'm not sure anyone is sure, though.
Wellbutrin gives you norepinephrine and dopamine. Maybe your dose of that is too small.
Posted by Viridis on August 6, 2003, at 4:35:47
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More: » JESSsMom, posted by Kacy on August 5, 2003, at 18:13:05
Wellbutrin is a very strange drug that seems to affect multiple neurotransmitters in different ways for different people. It works very well for some, but watch out if you have anxiety problems.
In my experience, the best stimulants are... stimulants (like Adderall). It's very hard to get a prescription without an ADD diagnosis, though. Actually, Adderall really doesn't energize me, so much as help me focus and improve my mood. I do have ADD, so I'm not sure if my situation would apply to a lot of others here. My pdoc agrees, though, that amphetamines are among the best antidepressants; it's just very risky (for doctors, strictly for legal reasons) to prescribe them for this purpose. I did find Provigil (modafinil) pretty helpful though; it just didn't help enough for concentration. And I've become a big fan of Strattera, after getting past the initial side effects (nausea etc.).
Posted by JESSsMom on August 6, 2003, at 8:56:39
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More:, posted by Viridis on August 6, 2003, at 4:35:47
Ok, I took 25mg of WB (broke a 100mg tablet into fours) the day before yesterday. No problem with anxiety, thank God. Yesterday I did the same, felt no effect, no anxiety, and took another 25mg.
Woke up this morning with a WICKED headache. I totally forgot about that side effect (took WB 2 yrs ago). YUCK. It's killing me above the eyes in the forehead right now.
Guess I have to stick with 25mg of WB? I just don't know anymore. Maybe I should try Prozac again. This is all so confusing.
Thanks for setting me straight on Effexor though. I know it's tough to get past the first couple of weeks and a lot of people complain about it but it really does help my GAD--a little too much, I guess, if I am looking for daytime stimulation.
JM
Posted by zinya on August 9, 2003, at 20:50:29
In reply to Re: Which AD gives best energy boost? More:, posted by JESSsMom on August 6, 2003, at 8:56:39
hi!
i just got a response in another thread from a jrbecker which addressed this Q of yours, which has been a Q of mine too ever since first joining this site and reading one poster say that norepinephrine only kicks in at 150mg and that below that it's just serotonin. I've tried for months to get any confirmation of that from a knowledgeable source, including Dr. Bob and got no answers.
But jrbecker, who does research in these areas as well as apparently having taken Effexor him/herself, just commented that:
"As for the noradrenergic effect, the belief that there is no NE effect at lower levels is unfounded, there is less activity, but there is still some going on."
The entire post that is from and thread on pain relief aspects (which for me is the thing that depletes my energy and the main reason i'm on Effexor -- for depression which mostly results from ZERO energy which at least in part results from back pain episodes) is located at:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030802/msgs/248649.html
i'm interested in hearing your various reactions to energy levels ... although as i imagine you've realized too, if there's one lesson from this site, it's that every body reacts uniquely to each of these drugs...
good luck!
zinya
Posted by sfloridamatt on November 1, 2003, at 17:56:01
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
on 300mg effexor xr. daily and 450 wellbutrin sr. daily...take 1500mg. tyrosine in the morning and have very good energy.
effexor didn't work for me until i reached 150mg. daily...went to 300mg. daily two weeks later and love it in combination with wellbutrin.
i wish i could afford to get diagnosis for ADD cause that is what i have and believe that is my underlying problem that led to depression. stimulants actually help me focus more and feel normal again...however the whole $$ and can't afford a psychiatrist to afford the presciption
Posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 16:21:15
In reply to Which antidepressant gives best energy boost??, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:28:41
You want to use an abtidepressant that boosts dopamine. Unfortunately, noinifense and ameneptine (best for motivation are both pulled from the market.
So the next best think is to make sure you up you norepinephrine levels. You can take the reuptake blocker route (Effexor - I have no experience here) or you can enhannce production with Remaron (which also boosts seratonin production). I had marvelous results with a combo of Paxil and Remarom for mood disorders and anxiety. And my motivayion and drive were also up sunstantially but not to really normal/required levels.
Here's how I got lucky and fixed that. I supplimented with 200-400 mg/day of Provigil. I was seduced by it as a memory and cognitive enhancer and it DID work for that. But it also futher improved my depression, lowered my anxiety and, best of all, gave me drive, motivation and focus like I haven't had I thirty years. I haven't talked my PDoc into prescribing it yet and it is very expensive but otherwise easy to get on the internet in 24 hours.
Not everyone has such a positive experience! Read the posts. Read other literatiure too. But for me, it really did the trick. See my post "Provigil - My Positive Experience".
This is the end of the thread.
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