Motivation

[tooter212]

I can't get motivated. I get up in the mornings come sit in my recliner and come to this site and play games, watch channel ID, all true murder shows, till hubby makes me change the channel. I'm not taking the amitriptyline anymore, haven't in several days. I'm sleeping okay. I guess I'll just wait it out for another month to see if it gets any better. If not I'll talk to the Dr. about the depression. I just don't want to take any more pills. How long will it take till I know if I need something? God Bless

[tooter212]

That's great Tiger just watch out for the gabapentin, it really sent me off in a fit of anger, that and lyrica.

[tigerlily75]

Hey tooter,
I'm going through these same symptoms, my sleep is pretty good, but I have no motivation and am pretty depressed and anxious and emotions all over the place! I have been on antidepressants and anxiety medicine for years before the wd/recovery stuff set in. Problem was I rarely took any of them while I was taking tons of opiates! I've been taking everything as prescribed now, and I have a feeling that's why I'm doing somewhat ok. I take paxil, trileptal, klonopin (which I'm tapering off of) gabapentin...and they have definitely been helping me!

[tooter212]

Thank all of you. Most all the AD's they have given me all make me even less motivated, and more depressed. that was a long time ago though. I'll try the SAM-E first. and go from there. I can't handle this any longer.

[clean_in_ks]

Hi, Tooter!  Even if we can't give a specific timeframe for you personally, would it help to know the 4 MOST COMMON things that plague almost ALL of us?  Our seratonin levels dropping is one of the biggest reasons for anxiety and depression.  The "major" neuro transmitters in our brain are healing....and it takes longer than a month or two for them to heal for most of us.  The 4 most talked about symptoms after acute detox are:  Depression, Anxiety, Sleep issues, and Zero Motivation/blah feeling.

I was on an AD for over 12 continuous years so when finally I got off of hydros, somas and my AD, I wanted to see if there were any long term affects (if any) to my brain and neurotransmitters.  I learned there isn't a whole lot of current knowledge/studies out there yet about long term AD use....but what I did learn during this that amazed me was that nicotine affects seratonin levels, too!!!  Heck is there ANYthing that doesn't affect our seratonin levels?  And having just gone off the ami (AD) for a few days now so that could be why you are craving cigs out of nowhere?  Your brain is beggin for what it is low on, ya know?  So opiates, ambien, nicotine, amitriptyline have all been messing with your seratonin levels.
  
You are doing great being off the hydros AND the ambien.....and now you've stopped the ami which was boosting your seratonin levels.  It takes longer than we wish it would for our brains and nervous systems to heal....and that's one of the biggest reasons many people relapse.  But if you can HANG ON and KNOW it won't STAY this way......maybe that will help you as it did for me.  I still struggle with low motivation.....and I live in chronic pain which doubles the no motivation factor for me....BUT....it's getting better
If you want to read some REALLY good info about our major neuro transmitters and some simple foods you can eat and HOW they change us....here's an article I love:  

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Foods-that-Increase-Dopamine-Naturally/show/594?cid=66

If there's anything I want to do it's FEEL GOOD....so maybe give it a read and see if any of it resonates with you.  Hang in there Tooter...you're doing good!

[Jenelle2020]

Hi there, sorry you are suffering the depression, I can feel your pain, I have been there! My story is similar to Sonrissa's. I came off methadone in March of this year and I was sick to my stomach, severe anxiety and depression and really thought I was going to lose my mind, I kept going back to the doctor and he would put me on something to help the anxiety but anything I tried had bad side effects and the depression was getting worse and worse. This went on for 8 months until I absolutely could not take it anymore. My doctor did tell me that I needed antidepressants but I declined at first, then I went back and as a last resort I went on them and I cannot tell you what a Godsend they have been for me, I suffered horribly all those months, was so nauseated, had a knot in my stomach, no motivation, no energy etc. It took a while to adjust but I am feeling so much better and wish I did this months ago, I didn't want to go on another drug either but it was just too much for me, my life was a daily struggle and I thought I was going to end up in the looney bin! I feel incredibly better now!  Good luck to you in your recovery.

[Sonrissa]

Tooter, it was probably about 6 or 7 months out, and my depression was getting worse. To the point that I turned away from everyone, even here. I wouldn't get out of my PJs for days. I didn't want to get up, or shower. I felt like I was sinking, and fast. I finally talked to my doctor. I tried a couple of different antidepressants, including all natural ones. I finally was prescribed Pristiq. It took about a month, and then I really noticed a difference. It really has helped me. Unfortunately, it's expensive and my insurance won't cover it cause it's only available, right now, in a brand name. But, for me personally, it's worth it.

There are lots of opinions on taking ADs. I don't like taking any pills. I tried the natural supplements. I had to do what was best for me. I shudder to think of where I would be today, if I hadn't gotten the courage to talk to my doctor, and try different treatments. I found what works for me, at least for now. You do what is right for you!  Feel better, soon!

[VICourageous]

Toot..I waited until my 7-8 month I think it was..That was when I told you that I was dealing with real emotions and I did not understand what was going on. Anyway I tried the celexa..BUT I gave it up and went with the SAM-E that is talked about on here..You can not take it with a AD med..SO anyway I find it works so much better..Considering my own issues right now it is helping a lot. The AD meds are good but for me they Flat-Line my Emotions..So I do like the SAM-E..I try to do ALL natural becasue of the 3 different meds I came off of and how they hit different receptors and areas of the Brain. I wanted to give this all more time..Try it I think you will really like it...lol
I sure will pray for you that the depression will lift..This is all part of the Process as long as you do not have a History of really bad depression..Really try it all natural and give it time..Clean-n-ks knows alot about these and so does NG..I am sure there are many who do..I just never liked a AD med..Good Luck..
Bless

[tooter212]

what antidepressant did you take and how long did it take to start working

[Sonrissa]

OK, here's an idea. I've said this a million times. I have a huge problem with motivation, too. I make lists. All kinds of lists. Things I need to do, grocery lists, reading lists.... So, make yourself a list of small, or large projects you want to get done. Then, each day try to cross off at least one thing on your list. It really makes me feel better. I love to complete something off of the list. It not only helps to motivate me, but I get a good feeling of accomplishment when I can cross something off, or complete my daily list.  Try it!

Hang in there, you are doing great!  I would give the depression maybe another month, and if it doesn't get better, or if God forbid gets any worse, then talk to your doctor. I needed an antidepressant, and it really helped me. I'm so glad I gave in and talked to my doctor! Take care!

[tooter212]

Thank you, we both needed that!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VICourageous]

OH The good old NO-MOTIVATION & ENERGY.. We would PM each other back and forth for awhile about this issue. Ask Toothy! Ha! I can not tell you how long it will be but I can say it will pass..You will find yourself slowly creeping up to it and one day you do more then you even realized. Hold Strong you are getting here...
Bless

[mommymarieme]

When you guys find the miracle for motivation send it my way too! Lol it really does get better I promise you just have to push yourself to do things and then after a while it starts coming back and you will have some spurts of energy. :) you are doing GREAT!

[tooter212]

We went to eat before I could do anything. Now I'm back and in my chair. If you come up with something to get us motivated let me know! I've got a headache now just thinking about it

[Jenny9906]

I'm in the same boat.  I seriously can't get off my butt. No matter how much I try to think about how I'm going to do something, I just can't bring myself to. I only do things that I absolutely have to do and nothing more. I hate hate HATE this! I'm so sick of sitting around, and have no motivation to do anything about it!

[tooter212]

Thank you guys, I needed to hear this. I'm going to get up off my dead butt and do something . Pray you have a wonderful day

[Kbusymom]

Aww, Tooter sorry you are feeling this way.  I think it's normal and we have to just accept the ups and downs.  I'm  not motivated either; it's all I can do to get to work and parent my girlie.  I keep saying I'm going to exercise, but I haven't.  I also think we have to give time time- that dreader word.
I went to a meeting last night and one of the topics was "Don't give up right before the miracle happens".  I think your miracle is around the corner!
Stay strong :)

[ariley13]

It will pass. The cravings for cigs is probably your brain reaching for anything at this point. I understand exactly where you are at with the depression. I had severe issues with anxiety for my first 4 months and it was crippling at times. I waited it out and it did pass. Everyone kept telling me to exercise, force myself, blah, blah, blah. I thought, 'are you nuts? I can't even function I'm so paralyzed with anxiety!" Guess what though, it did help a lot. There's nothing wrong with talking to your dr and seeing what your options are. I would try to at least give it a full 3 months before you make any big decisions. I know that may not always be possible, but 90ish days seems to be a huge turning point for most. Hang in there Tooter. You really are doing great.

[tooter212]

I quit smoking about 6 yrs. Why am I dwelling on it so much now. I can just taste it. I can't smoke anymore because of my health (poor circulation) I had bypass and the Dr. said I came close to losing my legs. One is 70% blocked now. Anyway the urge to smoke sometimes is so great it scares me. Will this pass?