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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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Fatigue, Tiredness as side effects
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.

Fatigue, Tiredness as side effects

by Pam__0__0, Jul 21, 1999 12:00AM

Posted by Pam on July 21, 1999 at 10:05:58
I am diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder.  I don't know if I have any personality disorders that accompany this.
I'm currently on 225 mg. daily of Effexor, 1000 mg. of Depakote, and 50 mg. of Trazodone for my psychiatric symptoms.  In addition, I take Claritin for allergies, Ibuprofen for bursitis (as needed), and a multivitamin/mineral supplement daily.
My problem is the extreme fatigue and sleepiness that I suffer.  I just don't want to do much but sleep.  I sleep ten hours a night, and I prefer to catch a little nap in the afternoon (about twenty minutes) when I can.
I've become used to using coffee to get me going in the morning and as a pep-me-up in the afternoon if needed.  I'd like to cut some of this caffeine out of my life, especially since I am experiencing some borderline hypertension.  Is there anything I can do to help me deal with this awful fatigue?

Posted by HFHS MD-JM on July 26, 1999 at 18:24:38
Pam,
   Your question is regarding fatigue that you feel is related to your medication.  Depakote, Trazadone, Effexor and Ibuprofen can have this effect.  I encourage you to discuss this issue further with your psychiatrist.
  
   One thing that could be considered is to discontinue the Trazadone as its
primary purposes is for sedation.  This may reduce or eliminate your daytime fatigue.  Good luck and once again discuss these issues further with your personal physician.  This information is provided for general educational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords:  Depakote, Desyrel/trazadone



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