Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

I am constantly tired and can't concentrate.

I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but it seems to keep getting worse.  I am constantly tired and seem like I am not able to pay attention.  I was diagnoised with ADD several years ago and have tried several different medications.  The most recent is Vyvanse.  None seem to help with either concentration nor my constant fatigue, which leads me to believe that neither are related to my ADD.  Recently I've started to develop headaches and body aches as well.  My physician also prescribed me an antidepressant (Citalopram) because he thought that might be the cause, however it hasn't helped and if anything it seems as if its gotten a little worse because the anti-depressant makes me drowsey.  I am experiencing frequent light headedness and in some instances shortness of breath, accompanied by a "disconnected" feeling.  Sometimes my fatigue gets so bad that I feel like I'm going to drop to the floor and go to sleep right were I'm at.  Recently, I've also started to have issues with my stomach, where I will have dihrea or be constipated and feel bloated and also have recently been having an all over just "not feeling well" feeling where my entire body aches and I feel like I am having stomach issues.  I've also noticed that if I drink any alcohol I am most likely going to wake up with a severe hang over, regardless if I have one drink or several.  The fatigue and pain has started to really affect my work and social life.  I recently turned 30 and am worried that something might be really wrong.  I do have a doctors appointment scheduled, however I cant get in to see him for two weeks.  Can anyone help or think of anything I should research to ask my doctor????  
24 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I know this is an old post but it was the most helpful for me so far. Same symptoms
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, completely unfocused was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
   Have any of you been tested for Lupus?  It has so many symptoms and bears looking in to....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You can call this  no.. 1-877-650-2797 for health insurance quote!  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It's quite amazing the amount of people sharing these same symptoms. The main ones being overly tired and lack of focus/concentration. I am a healthy 35 yr old male, who was in gifted classes in school, always athletic and currently hike twenty miles a week +/- due to my job, aced my ASVAB for the USN, plenty of friends and, as a blessing or a curse, none of it was very difficult for me at all. Yet, fro the past few years I've noticed a drop in energy and motivation, sex drive, focus, memory, etc. It doesn't appear to be hereditary. I all but quit drinking alcohol. I wasn't a heavy smoker, but have quit that as well. I have been on anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, amphetamines and bi-polar medications; all to no avail. Not to mention a healthy diet, which helps, always, but does not cure the ailment. There's only one "medication" that has ever "helped" me through the day without worry, lack of focus or fatigue, I use quotation marks because 1. It was a self administered substance with a marred history and 2. It is a double edged sword. It has helped me, but has hurt me as well, albeit temporary and worth it to me. That would be Opium. I do not suggest nor advocate the use of it due to it being a very addictive substance that has ruined many a life, but I feel it needs to be re-thought within the medical community as far as potential uses and possible ways to control/fight the addictive nature which is solely caused by withdrawal of the opioids "exiting" the associated receptors. It is in my opinion and that of other users I have spoken with that the psychological effects(fear) of withdrawal, the anxiety of not having another dose, that really create the havoc in a persons life who is on opiate medication. Obviously, not the initial effects of the medication. We all know that the pharma industry gives two ***** about long term effects of their medication as long as profit is plentiful. Opiates have an abundance of positive uses and the side effects minus allergies are no worse than amphetamine salts, anti-depressants and especially benzos. Let's take a step back and re-consider instead of writing off Opium and it's naturally occurring alkaloids. Heroin is not a natural alkaloid in opium. Neither is oxycodone/oxycontin. Although I can't partake in therapy that sort anymore due to laws and career, I know for myself and a few others(probably many), it is this substance that has had a much more positive effect on any ailment I may have when compared to the plethora of psychiatric medications I have endured. Food for thought.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going thru the same thing and I am not sure if I have an overload of anxiety with my job. I don't have a difficult job at all but right now I am basically the only person in my medical records department as we do not have an onsite director. It seems I am overwhelmed more than normal and just cant remember parts of my job or make decisions day to day. It has gotten rather embarrassing and most days I dread getting up to even go to work for fear I will embarrass or be intimidated since my thinking is so unclear I can hardly function some days. I wonder what the other people about me are thinking and wondering when I don't know how to assist them as my brain is just in such a bad fog, that I just want to go hide somewhere until the day ends. I pray everyday it will all go away and I will get my energy and charisma and smarts back that have left me over the last few.....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Is it okay to be in two forums? was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please all of you have your doctors check your vitamin b12, d and folio acid. I have had the same symptoms as all of you for more than 2 years. I thought is was some of the side effects to sarcoidosis, but all test proved wrong. Look up the side effect of the vitamin deficiency, you'll be surprised to see our complaints are the same effects. What makes it so hard is there is so much out there with the same side effects. I thought my Dr had checked my vitamin levels every time they did blood work, but they NEVER checked them. I only found out yesterday, so I hope this is it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, multiple symptoms was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 21 years old, I have read all of the above posts, and I experience the same thing....
I have some ways to avoid these issues but are temporory(at most 5hrs)
try some
1_ Try before you sleep or when you feel tired to go to a dark dark room...and look stare at things in the room (keep your eyes open)
2_use anti anitigen eye droplet "spersalag" but plz ask doctor first
3_ put eye shades when you can (especially against UV on computer)
4_drink much water
5_make message to your neck and head on the back top)
6_put towel of ice on your eyes...
plz if you know any good treatment contact me on hot_german_love***@**** tnx
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i got all the problem listed here , for some reason cant concentrate on anything been trying to study for my finals and  nothing goes trough my head, kind of scary tho it feels like my brain has gone out of my body and got lot in space. I am a  21 year old male would like to know if there's some answers out there. for some reason i feel like something is bothering me but cant figure out what it is. When i dream i see my self sleeping go out the door get into a car with an unknown person and every time were going to cross a bridge near home the car falls down and i used to wake up but lately its been happening and when the car falls suddenly i appear in the middle of the ocean with 2 unknown people with different languages islands all around  and were like trying to push the boat different ways. when i wake up i usually ask whats wrong with me. looking for answers of why its this happening  please tell if anyone know anything . ill tell if i get  to know a way to cure us  out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problems.  I have had issues with concentration, memory and feeling confused even on occasion.  I feel disconnected like I am in a dream a lot and in a fog more than not.  There are those moments when I am extremely lucid and back to myself, but more often then not I am in a fog.  It is very disturbing.  I have gone from a very gifted Network specialist to a secretary because it affected my ability to reason and make good choices on the job.  It is really hurting my ability to function and I am a 43 year old female who has hypothyroidism but my thyroid is fine with the medication I take so that is not it.  I have also tried ADD drugs and they don't help and neither do anti-depressants.  I was told I was depressed.  There has to be an answer somewhere.  I am determined to find it.  If I do I promise to share.  Please do the same.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yea i feel the same way too. I know that I'm getting plenty of sleep too, but I haven't been to my doctor to see if any of my protein levels are low. I had it suggested to me that my iron is low, but I haven't gone to see the doctor yet. I think i should too because I always find myself falling asleep in class, and then I get behind and it makes me very mad because all i want to do all the time is sleep.`
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
For years I dealt with extreme fatigue, headaches, wt gain, and intermittent confusion. I remember going to sleep on Friday nights and waking up on Sunday. It was ruining my life. I would become confused and forgetful at work and it created some big problems for me professionally. I was found to have hypothyroidism and prescribed Levothyroxine. However, my symptoms remained the same. I was tested for Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, Lupus, and about every autoimmune disease you can think of. The ARNP I was seeing was so frustrated with me. She told me that maybe I was just going to have to accept that there was nothing wrong with me. I didn't give up though and finally I explained my assortment of symptoms to my Endocrinologist who went the extra mile. He had a hunch and went with it. He ordered a growth hormone stimulation test and the results showed I have hypopituitarism. He put me on synthetic growth hormone replacement therapy and I felt improvement. It didn't fix everything and I still experienced extreme fatigue but it wasn't as bad as it had been. I'm also prescribed Provigil will helps me with my excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms. I'm not a physician but I know how it feels to have doctors blow you off or label you as some psychiatric psychosomatic freak show. Just don't give up. There is a doctor out there who will listen to you. Unfortunately they're few and far between but they are out there. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
1103652 tn?1257898676
I have all the same problems! Amazing. I have a great body,nice appetite and everything else. I can see our problems are "Mental". If it was physical..We'd never be able to work out. I have plenty of energy to work out but after that I get dizzy,tired,depressed and everything in between! Something really is bothering us mentally and it won't go away until we figure it out. Me and UCFO5 have really the exact same problems! It amazes me.I'm 38 and feel like this 5-6 days per week. It's funny...I never thought I'd find a person that has all the same things.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Get checked for Sjogrens. I have spent a fortune trying to find out what
was causing my 36yr old daughter to sleep way to much. She was
found to be positive for Sjogrens Syndrome. Look up the symptoms, its
a autoimmune disease. Trying to find out what was wrong with her
has been a real nightmare. All her bloodwork would come back
normal till she had ANA,SSA,SSB tests. I think I read that there are
110 autommine diseases. Good luck to all of you. Hope this helps
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I, too, and sorry to hear you are dealing with this. I have also been fighting extreme fatigue for over 9 months now. I have been tested for everything know to man it seems- sleep apnea (did a sleep study), blood work done 3 times that tested everything from my oxygen levels to blood count to testerone to iron to.. you name it, had a chest xray done ot check lungs-- and everything has came back great. I have even been to a chiropractor and accupuncturist. NOTHING has helped. 10 months ago I was working out four days a week and in the shape of my life. I am 21 and in college but I have a geat schedule and my grads and everything is good (meaning im not overly stressed and definitely not depressed). In fact, the only thing Im stressed or depressed about is the fact that Im constantly tired. I get 8 or so hours or sleep a night and wake up feeling exhausted.Im tired all day long and hae to take a nap when I get home at 5 or 6. I have no social life and dont have the energy to do anything beyond what i HAVE to do with work or school. PLEASE tell me someone has found something here. I dont knwo what else to do. I just dont know how much more of this I can deal with.

Thanks for reading.

Seth
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow. First of all, I am so sorry you are dealing with this, and I am amazed by your symptoms. I was beginning to think I was crazy. I understand exactly what your feeling. This is what I have been dealing with on and off(mostly on) for about 9 months now. I haven't been diagnosed with ADD, however I can't concentrate on anything for a long period of time. I don't think I have ADD because I could concentrate fine before. I think that your symptoms could possibility be linked to something other than ADD.

The past year I have developed all the same symptoms. The only difference, I am a female and not taking any medications. I have actually drove to the ER once convinced I was dying of cancer or something. I was healthy. I can't recall exactly when it happened, but my health began to shift for the worse this past year. Its bizzarre to feel trapped in your own body and have no control over it at times. I had bloodwork with my physician. Everything came back fine. My doctor basically said its "jet lag" from stress. I totally disagree with him because it has been progressively getting worse over the past 6 months, despite all my efforts. My efforts are relaxation techniques- breathing, meditation, affirmations,ets. I cannot read because I get a light headache, my eyes get heavy, and I become extremely tired. And that is on the days I am not feeling fatigue. Even writing this post im loosing my concentration, but I woke up feeling decent today. I have episodes where the fatigue will get so bad I find a place to laydown and close my eyes. My eyes literally get heavy, I become spacey and loose concentration. I only want to sleep, and I feel exhausted. I have tried to sleep in my car at some points in parking lots. But I can't actually fall sleep unless I am home. I am a walking zombie throughout the day, but I still manage to work and survive. I just close my eyes a lot throughout the day.  It's ridiculous.

In addition to this, I get really bad anxiety sometimes at night. My heart will race and I feel like I am dying. My heart was doing some scary stuff for a while. It would beat so strong, yet my pulse would be normal. Other times it would beat too fast for no reason at all. Then I get so exhausted hours later that I fall asleep. Other nights I have a shortness of breath and my heart beats slow, I feel extremely tired like I am going to just faint. The extreme swing of the pendulum is what's scary. I want to mention the anxiety attacks are only at night and not every night(several times per month). What stinks is when I have been fatigue all day, come home to sleep and the attack will hit out of nowhere only to keep me up for hours. That's what makes me curious if it's an adrenal issue. Lately it has been fatigue all day and night, shortness of breath, heavy eyes, lack of concentration, and stomach issues. That's when I think it may be some type of bacterial issue. And here's the catch, I was a social butterfly and I have lots of friends. I even recieved a B.A degree in 05(which requires a lot of concentration and energy). But now it's 08, I have an easy job, and an easy life, yet NOW I am dealing with this problem? Seems like it would have surfaced before when I was pulled in so many directions with work, college and friends. I am avoiding people because it requires too much energy to just talk, i'd rather be sleeping. Despite the fact I get plenty of sleep(6-8 hours). I know it isn't narcolepsy because I haven't fallen asleep anywhere other than home.

Unfortunately I don't have health care insurance, so the doctors visits are too much $. I don't make much money per week as it is.  I bought a heart rate monitor, glucometer to start testing my body stats when I feel this way. So far the result keep coming back fine. I am beginning to think its neurological. I forgot to mention the muscle twitches I get sometimes. Or possibly an issue with my adrenal glands. I would just assume that my bloodwork would have revealed that? I am lost, and I have lost control of my own body, and faith in the healthcare system. I  should mention that I eat great. I eat very healthy prepared balanced meals(consistant calorie intake/output) The whole protocol dieticians recommened. A healthy snack inbetween meals. So i don't think it's my diet. I drink plenty of water. Take my vitamins. I know all the information about healthy living, as I used to run every other day 3-5 miles. I don't run much anymore. I don't know what else to do. Don't want to type anymore of the details, because this isn't about me, it's about you, and also this has ended up being a lengthy post already. Just thuogh if you knew my situation it may help in someway. Thanks for your post, it has help me. I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone and I can relate to you. Please keep posting your results or updates. I am really interested to see how you are doing now. Hope you are well and hope to hear back from you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well, I received my blood results today from my Dr.  According to the nurse, my thyroid levels are all at normal, however my testosterone levels are severly undernormal.  So, I'm going in to see my physician tomorrow to discuss testosterone replacement therapy.  Kind of scary to be  having that issue and only being 30 years old!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I thought I would post an update since I've been to my doctor.  My appointment was last Friday and my doctor seems to think that it could either be an issue with my Thyroid or possibly even Sleep Apnea.  They completed a bunch of bloodwork, which I should know the results of tomorrow and he said that if all my blood work comes back ok then he would like to have them perform a sleep study on me to see if there is any underlying sleep issues.  I'll post once I hear something!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your sugguestions!
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,

Constant tiredness and exhaustion can be a feature of anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome(often manifests with widespread myalgia and arthralgia, cognitive difficulties, chronic mental and physical exhaustion),hypothyroidism, disorders of the hypothalamus,
psychiatric disorders like depression and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Another thing is that fatigue,headache,sleep disturbances,hallucinations and confusion are the common side effects of citalopram.Vyvnase also like all other drugs used for ADD can cause depressive illnesses.The possibility of these drugs leading to such symptoms  cannot be ignored.I sincerely advise you to consult your  psychiatrist and discuss this with him.Changing the dose or medicines may lead to improvements in symptoms.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your suggestions.  I've been on medication for the ADD for about 3 years now.  The symptoms of ADD prior to being on medication became severe enough that it began to disrupt both my social and professional life.  I'm not sure wether or not the ADD is actually the culprit in the symtoms that I am having as they seem to get worse as I get older.  I constantly feel groggy or foggy headed and have a really hard time concentrating.  I have a TON of friends and usually am great in social interaction, but I notice more and more that as someone is talking to me, I seem to black out or begin to think about something else and can't concentrate on what the other person is saying.  I also find the same things occuring when I try and read.  The other symtems, such as the fatigue has become a really big issue for me.  I generally get 7 hours of sleep each night, however I have a hard time waking in the morning and I'm exhausted all day, both mentally and physically and when I come home from work I find myself taking a nap.  The bad thing about the nap is that I don't just take a quick 15 - 30 min nap.  Usually it lasts 2- 3 hours, and there has been times that I've not woken up until the following morning.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think it's possible that at least some of your symptoms may be side-effects of the medications. Nausea and the such do seem like possible side-effects. You should look into the effects of the medication you are in. As for not feeling much better... how long have you been on the medications? They take a few weeks to show their benefits. If you're only getting sick, perhaps you should review the diagnosis of ADD? There are other things that could be mimicking it and that would not benefit from the medications at all. Food allergies, for example, can cause the symptoms of ADD. Asperger's is also a condition that tends to be confused with ADD (it shares many of the same symptoms) but the meds won't work as well on people with Asperger's.

At any rate, you should discuss these effects with your doctor and your concerns that they are not helping you (and perhaps making you feel worse). Meds are there to make you better, not to make you feel worse, after all. Alternatively, if the ADD on its own does not cause you to be unable to function, you can work on coping strategies without meds. Not everyone who has ADD gets meds, and some people do just fine that way. Everyone is different. Someone once said "There is no illnesses. There is only sick people" and I agree.

I hope you feel better and find a relief for your symptoms.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.