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What Causes Tiredness When On Antidepressant?
Question: what can I take so that I am not tired every day. I already take an antidepressant and Ativan for anxiety, I also take vic0dan for back pain. I would like to get off of the vicodan if possible, but I am not sure if that is making me tired. I do not want to drink energy drinks or do the 5 hour energy shots. I am afraid I will get addicted to them. I only take the Ativan at night it helps me relax, I think the vicodan is making me tired but I just cant stop taking it cold XXXXXXX if I can quit taking the vicodan what pain pill can I take.
Brief Answer:
You can try modafinil
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
You did not mention the antidepressant, which you are taking. Chronic fatigue is part of depression and that would improve with proper treatment with antidepressant. There is no need to take vicodin for pain. Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone and with continuous use, you could become addict to it. Better to take it on sos basis.
You can try few stimulants like modafinil or armodafinil, that would help to keep you active. If you want to stop vicodin, you can do it gradually. First decrease it to half and try to stop it.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
the antidepressant I take is venlafaxine. I take 75 mg. Do u think if I stop taking the vicodin I will be less tired. What should I take in place of the vicodin. The venlafaxine without taking vicodin might help me be less tired. Is it possible that I do not get the whole effect from the antidepressant if I am taking the pain pill.
Brief Answer:
Better to stop vicodin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Easy fatiguability is part of depression and it would improve with increasing dose of venlafaxine. Currently, you are taking 75 mg, which is the basic effective dose and in your case, dose can be increased up to 150 mg. At this dose, gradually tiredness would decrease and there should not be need of any pain killer. In case, body-ache stays, you can take pain killer on sos basis.
In drug interaaction, venlafaxine will increase the level or effect of hydrocodone oral by altering drug metabolism, that may be the reason, you feel more tiredness after taking vicodin. Better to stop taking it regularly and take it on sos basis.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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