Reducing Fatigue as a Side Effect of Taking Antidepressants

1. Why Does Taking Antidepressants Cause Fatigue?

Many people wonder, "Do antidepressants cause fatigue?" The answer is yes.

Fatigue is a common unwanted side effect of an older class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants, which include Asendin (amoxapine), Elavil (amitriptyline), Norpramin (desipramine), and Tofranil (imipramine). However, even newer generations of antidepressants often cause fatigue. These medications include Aropax, Brisdelle, Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Remeron (mirtazapine), and Zoloft (sertraline).

The reason why antidepressants cause fatigue is that some of these medications work by affecting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and serotonin. This action causes the active ingredients in the medication to remain in the space between nerve cells, where they regulate mood.

At the same time, these antidepressants can also affect other neurotransmitters, including histamine and acetylcholine, which can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, and sedation.

The Final Side Effect of Antidepressant Medications Could Be the Cause of the Fatigue You Experience When Using This Class of Drugs.

2. What Can Help Reduce Fatigue from Taking Antidepressants?

Currently, there are several ways to reduce fatigue caused by medication. Methods to alleviate fatigue from antidepressants include:

2.1. Sleep Hygiene

Research shows that good sleep hygiene plays a significant role in reducing fatigue when using antidepressants. You can improve your sleep hygiene with the following methods:

• Establish and maintain a consistent bedtime routine: This means going to bed at the same fixed time each evening and waking up at the same time each morning, applicable on all days, including weekends.
• Avoid screens, laptops, mobile phones, and TV for at least one hour before bedtime.
• Keep the bedroom dark and quiet with dim lighting, thick curtains, and blackout shades, or by using earplugs and an eye mask.
• Ensure that the mattress, sheets, pillows, and blankets are comfortable.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine in the evening.
• Take a warm bath at least 1.5 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid heavy meals at night.

If you feel extremely fatigued during the day, you may take a short nap. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the optimal duration for a nap for adults is about 20 minutes and no more than 30 minutes. This is because napping too long can lead to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

2.2. Engage in Light Exercise

Exercising is also a way to reduce fatigue caused by antidepressants. Regular physical activity can enhance health, improve mood, and boost physical fitness. A study conducted in 2015 by the European Sleep Research Association found that 150 minutes of exercise per week significantly improved symptoms of insomnia, reduced depression and anxiety, and thus alleviated fatigue caused by antidepressants.

After taking antidepressants, you can try engaging in light exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercising outdoors also helps your body get exposure to natural light, which in turn aids in establishing a good sleep-wake cycle.

The best times to exercise can be in the morning or in the evening after work. This allows your body temperature to rise and then fall at the right time for sleep, helping you to sleep better. Enhancing physical health through exercise also helps reduce the progression of depression.

2.3. Taking Antidepressants at Night

Many people experience fatigue after taking antidepressants, which affects their performance in work and study throughout the day. In such cases, you might consider taking antidepressants at night.

First, you need to consult with your doctor to determine whether it is possible to take the medication at night. Taking antidepressants in the evening can lead to deeper sleep, and you may feel more alert during the day due to getting adequate rest at night.

2.4. Maintaining the Use of Antidepressants for a Period of Time

Typically, the fatigue caused by antidepressants lasts for a few weeks after starting the medication. For most people, this side effect gradually decreases as their bodies adjust to the medication.

If you find that fatigue from taking antidepressants lasts longer than a few weeks after starting the medication, you should consult a doctor for a check-up. The doctor may ask for a follow-up after the first few weeks of taking the antidepressants to see if the fatigue persists. If the fatigue from taking antidepressants continues, the doctor may suggest solutions for the excessive fatigue by adjusting the dosage or completely changing the prescribed treatment.

3. Important Considerations When Taking Antidepressants to Alleviate Fatigue

To reduce the fatigue caused by antidepressants, several precautions should be taken during the medication process:

• If you experience any side effects while taking antidepressants, you should consult a doctor immediately. Physicians may request patients to return for a follow-up after two to three weeks to assess whether the fatigue from the medication has improved.
• If the fatigue from taking antidepressants does not improve after a few weeks, the doctor may reduce the dosage or prescribe a slower-releasing antidepressant.
• Do not stop taking antidepressants on your own. Before discontinuing the medication, consult your treating physician. Stopping antidepressants can cause unwanted physical side effects, especially for those who have been on the medication for a while. When you stop taking the medication, your body may begin to experience headaches or flu-like symptoms. Stopping the medication also means you risk returning to depressive symptoms. Continuing to take antidepressants helps prevent the recurrence of symptoms and reduces the risk of more severe episodes.

The article above provides information on how to reduce the side effects of fatigue caused by taking antidepressants. We hope the shared information will be helpful for you in managing stress and improving your quality of life.

Source: verywellmind.com