I am currently on a modest dose of Norytrptyline (50mg). I would like to get off anti-depressants entirely, but under current circumstances (no psychiatrist, no friends in the area, and a sudden onset 18 months ago of Hashimoto's combined with chronic fatigue) I must rely on chemicals in
the short term.
Before the onset of Hashimoto's and chronic fatigue, I found that anti-depressants generally removed any desire for women, with rare occasions where it fully returned. It seemed to be less a physical issue and more something erasing the emotions to get everything going, though it is hard to know exactly what is wrong since I am alone. Unless I can recover somewhat that's not likely to change, so I'm placing much importance on fixing this issue, which is much more severe now that I have Hashimoto's/CFS. There are other, serious side effects as well to the various antidepressants I've been on; I'm leaving those out so as to stay on one topic.
I find that in the mornings I cannot think clearly nor exercise enough discipline to get up and take care of things. I'm typically tired, in a fog and unmotivated when I wake up. Between that and the physical fatigue I stay in bed too long, generally gaining more energy a few hours after getting up. While those are depressive symptoms themselves I've been on higher doses before and wish I'd understood the side effects - in short I need a path off the drugs not going backwards with more of them.
My internist has prescribed Celexa to replace Norytrpilene on the theory that it is more specific than the latter and should have fewer side effects. I do not have any other physician, as the fatigue severely limits my daily functioning. I have previously used Wellbutrin and discontinued it due to anxiety and sleeplessness. It was useful in terms of having more energy, and while on it I would literally pop out of bed as if kicked. I'm thinking that at a lower dose I might get some of the energy without needing to pile on more drugs to deal with Wellbutrin's side effects. My goal is to get off of these things entirely as they have all had evil side effects.
I understand that Celexa and Wellbutrin are in different drug classes and work though different biochemical paths but do not understand what the difference is.
i. How can I make an intelligent decision on which one to substitute for Nortyrptyline?
ii. Which is more likely to reduce libido and ability? Can either one increase them?
iii. Will Celexa act as a sedative like Norytrytyline (which is very helpful for sleeping, but also builds dependency)?
iv. The previous dose of Wellbutrin prevented sleep - that required sledgehammering the issue with Ambien. Will a lower dose have that problem?