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What Causes Severe Fatigue While On Phenylalanine?
Question: Can't get motivated. Feeling very tired mentally and wanting to sleep a lot. Cannot work as mind not motivated. Occasionally I can be very motivated.
Please advise how to get motivated.
I take phenylalanine and 5htp some nights. These help at times. I try to do exercise on the treadmill daily.
Sometimes I drink alcohol, this often motivates me when having it. Usually once or twice a week I'll drink alcohol (have done for 10 years).
Please advise how to get motivated.
I take phenylalanine and 5htp some nights. These help at times. I try to do exercise on the treadmill daily.
Sometimes I drink alcohol, this often motivates me when having it. Usually once or twice a week I'll drink alcohol (have done for 10 years).
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
What you are describing is consistent with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. 5HTP at night may have some small benefit, and exercise will vertainly help very much, but really the treatment for this condition is a combination of an SSRI antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
I'd recommend starting with Escitalopram 10mg daily. It may take up to 4-6 weeks to show full benefit, but this would almost certainly help you. Psychotherapy would also be useful if there is a therapist in your area -- I also offer text-based therapy on this website via my private link which I will paste below. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and will likely worsen your condition over time, so I recommend avoiding it entirely.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
What you are describing is consistent with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. 5HTP at night may have some small benefit, and exercise will vertainly help very much, but really the treatment for this condition is a combination of an SSRI antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
I'd recommend starting with Escitalopram 10mg daily. It may take up to 4-6 weeks to show full benefit, but this would almost certainly help you. Psychotherapy would also be useful if there is a therapist in your area -- I also offer text-based therapy on this website via my private link which I will paste below. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and will likely worsen your condition over time, so I recommend avoiding it entirely.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks for reply.
I'm trying to avoid anti-depressants. I find the 5htp can help at times, but don't want to take daily. The phenylalaline perks me up. The alcohol is great whilst I use it, but again wont use it more than trice a week. (i know it can be bad)
I have a good diet (apart from all that beer!) and do a little exercise daily to keep myself fitter.
I also have multivitamin.
Are there any other supplements that might help when im not feeling motivated? Other than those I mentioned? I did try gaba, but this hasn't done anything, I read it can't pass the blood brain barrier unless you're an athlete.
Motivation can come and go. Right now I feel motivated, which is great.
I'm trying to avoid anti-depressants. I find the 5htp can help at times, but don't want to take daily. The phenylalaline perks me up. The alcohol is great whilst I use it, but again wont use it more than trice a week. (i know it can be bad)
I have a good diet (apart from all that beer!) and do a little exercise daily to keep myself fitter.
I also have multivitamin.
Are there any other supplements that might help when im not feeling motivated? Other than those I mentioned? I did try gaba, but this hasn't done anything, I read it can't pass the blood brain barrier unless you're an athlete.
Motivation can come and go. Right now I feel motivated, which is great.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are no supplements that have been proven to be effective for depression in large-scale clinical trials. This includes 5HTP, which is likely not helping you much. If you want to avoid antidepressants, you can try psychotherapy, which can be equally effective.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are no supplements that have been proven to be effective for depression in large-scale clinical trials. This includes 5HTP, which is likely not helping you much. If you want to avoid antidepressants, you can try psychotherapy, which can be equally effective.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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