Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Where did my energy go?

About 18 mths ago I went back to school, got married, quit drinking and started taking medications for depression.
Since that point I have felt worse than ever.  It's almost like I am being punished for trying to change my life for the better.
I have tried numerous anti-depressants which all seemed to trigger a manic episode (on the depressed side), I started seeing a psychiatrist the end of 2007, he started me on Lamictal which didn't seem to do anything, I didn't feel really any different than any other times although I didn't have the severe depression episodes.  I tried Lamictal for about 4 mths but it seemed to make me feel sluggish and not really mentally aware, in comparson to my normal mental state.  I quit taking the Lamictal for this reason but now I'm stuck back in a huge black tar pit that I can't seem to get out of.  I have been in bed for the past 3 days, I didn't go in to work I have horrible headaches and I am wondering if the trade off is worth it.  Does that sluggishness go away after time?  If I elect to go back on the Lamictal then is there an end in site to the lack of energy and foggy head?  I have to take something though my slumps are going to cost me my job and possibly my marriage although as gloomy as I am I don't really care (but on the other side of my mind I do care a lot).
I have actually considering going back to drinking because it gave me an out for my depression, but I know that is not the answer to my problem.
I am really tired of not being able to find the miracle pill but if I quit looking then I will be stuck feeling like I do right now which is unbearable.
Do any of you know if most bi polar meds have a tendency to make a person feel unmotivated and foggy, do any of them add a bit of euphoria to the fogginess which would make it more tolerable.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
447130 tn?1225470866
Oh one last thing, you are not alone. We have all been in your shoes, ther is great help here on Med Help. Check some of the old posts too.
Helpful - 0
447130 tn?1225470866
Pllease don't drink!! There are so many medications out there, you just didn't get started off on the right one. I suggest you see your psychiatrist, not a family doctor, and see about a new medication. They don't all make you groggy and foggy. I take 2mg of Abilify and it's been a godsend. I have my energy, finally and I was like you, on the couch unable to do anything for months. I was diagnosed with depression but come to find out it was bipolar. I went through many meds before finding the right one, I think we all ahve been down that road. It takes time to find the right medication combo since one med usually doesn't do the trick. Try to be patient and remember we've all been on the medication roller coaster but once you find what works, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Drinking will make it worse in the long run. I had a friend who went that route and ended up suicidal every other week. It's not worth it. You will find the right meds, you just need to start trying them out now. See your doc and tell him/her that you feel like drinking because that clues them in to waht part of the brain is ailing.
Best of luck.
Erin
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
How long did it take you to start work i taking 2mg an feel zoobie an want to cry ..
I was on Pristiq for 15 years my doctor took me off put me on Cymbalta 60 mg is doing great still had some problems so he put me on Abilify and I feel great I have a lot of energy but I think I have a little too much energy was thinking about just taking half of the bill Abilify until my body gets used to it has anyone had this problemDid you are right I felt so much better since I’ve been taking it sometimes I just think it’s a little too much energy
Avatar universal
Most of the meds ive been on have left me feeling really drained and sluggish at first, plus i have found they take a lot longer to work than the doctors etc say, for example if they tell me this will take four weeks to start to work that usually means its about 6 before i start to notice them working. Unfortunately you have to give the meds a chance to work i know what its like at the stage your at hours feel like days and days drag on like months but believe me there is hope there is an end to it, maybe you might need to try a diff med it took me 4 changes to get the right combo for me. On top of my anti-depressant I also take serouquel which acts as a stabilizer and stops me from going into a high. Hope of been of some help. Feel free 2 ask anything.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Bipolar Disorder Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.