Do all antidepressants make you tired?

Antidepressants are a controversial topic in the medical community, and many people have questions about them. One question that often comes up is whether or not all antidepressants make you tired. The answer to this question is complicated and depends on a variety of factors.

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between antidepressants and fatigue, including why some people experience fatigue while taking these medications and what can be done to alleviate it.

Understanding Antidepressants

Before we dive into whether or not antidepressants cause fatigue, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. Antidepressants are medications designed to treat depression by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

There are several different types of antidepressants, each with their own unique properties:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These drugs increase levels of serotonin in the brain.
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These drugs increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA): This class blocks reabsorption (‘reuptake’) of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAO inhibitors prevent an enzyme from breaking down monoamine neurotransmitter like dopamine.

Why do Some People Experience Fatigue on Antidepressants?

While there is no clear-cut answer as to why some people experience fatigue after starting an antidepressant medication – here are some possibilities:

1. They may be experiencing side effects caused by thier specific medication
2. It could be a natural response from new medications which takes time for your body to adjust
3. Depression itself causes fatigue – Often times individuals who take anti-depressents have already been experiencing chronic fatigue or tiredness and it may not be the medication causing It.

Not Always!

However, let’s make one point here that antidepressants don’t always cause fatigue – in fact many people feel revitalized and a substantial decrease in their depressive symptoms when they take it. Like explained before this varies case by case

Factors That Influence Fatigue Levels on Antidepressants

Several factors can influence whether or not someone experiences fatigue while taking antidepressant medications:

Dosage

The dose of antidepressant medication that someone takes can have an impact on how tired they feel. Higher doses are more likely to cause side effects like drowsiness, so doctors will usually start with a low dose and slowly increase as needed until therapeutic results are seen.

It is recommended never to adjust your own dosage without consulting your physician first.

Time of Day

Some people find that taking their medication at night results in better sleep quality and less daytime drowsiness. However, others may benefit from taking their medication during the day so that they’re more alert in the morning..Consulting with a Physician would help you decide what time-taken work for you

Medication Type

Different antidepressant types affect individuals differently which makes finding’fit-for-purpose’ anti-depressents unique
For example – if someone has insomnia accompanying depression just could result in increased hypersomnia than previously experienced

Tips For Minimizing Fatigue on Antidepressants

Feeling exhausted while dealing with mental illness itself is challenging enough- however we want to provide some ways for instance dealing with pesky ‘medication-induced-drowsiness’:

1. Aim To Have Regular Exercise
   Exercise releases endorphins (hormones created naturally) get stimulated within our body making us happier whilst also tiring us out! Who knows maybe getting genuinely sleepy couldn’t come easier? Plus exercising is actually clinically proven 🤯🤯

2. Proper sleep schedule:
   It’s very important to give yourself ample sleeping time in order to avoid feeling tired and drowsy because of depression or medication-induced fatigue

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated
   Drinking plenty of water can help keep energy levels high – dehydration contributes to lethargic feelings so make sure your taking adequate measures here.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you are experiencing severe fatigue, trouble concentrating, or a lack of interest/motivation whilst recent anti-depressant being prescribed/adjusted it could be indicative for other underlying problems (which unfortunately cannot be resolved by just stopping the medications). Consult with your physician immediately if there becoming persistent.

Conclusion

Antidepressants do NOT always cause fatigue/tiredness-some people actually experience better night rests & reduced somnolence when treated with these drugs

Additionally factors such as dosage, timing and medication type all factored into antidepressant-induced-fatigue- consulting a professional would most likely improve individual quality life thanks psychiatric evaluation!

And now that we’ve established how people dealing with mental illness can take care of themselves whilst overcoming pesky side effects – let’s cheers our way forward towards lessening the stigma surrounding mental health!