Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
Fluoxetine, considered one of the most stimulating SSRIs, is associated with increased awakenings and impaired sleep continuity.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an atypical antidepressant, works by altering the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition to being the only antidepressant consistently associated with weight loss, it's also associated with fewer rates of sexual side effects and sexual dysfunction than SSRIs and SNRIs.
This is because antidepressants can increase your energy and motivation levels, which may be very low while you are depressed. Early in your treatment, you may experience more energy and motivation before your feelings of depression have started to lift.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
Ritalin in the brain
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
Antidepressants do not cure myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). They may relieve symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and pain. But they will not affect the course of the illness or the speed of recovery.
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living.
What are the most common antidepressants? Sertraline hydrochloride, used for multiple mental health and mood disorders, is the most prescribed antidepressant on the list with more than 18 million prescriptions in 2021.
Several drugs are stimulants, meaning they increase the activity of brain chemicals. Examples include modafinil (Provigil), armodafinil (Nuvigil), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate), and amphetamine salts (Adderall).
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are also prescribed to treat fatigue.
You may be too exhausted even to manage your daily affairs. In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
When amphetamines are injected or smoked, they reach the brain quickly and produce a “rush,” or surge of euphoria, immediately. The effects of amphetamines are often different from person to person. Amphetamines can make people: alert, confident and energetic.
The original “happy pill” was fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. This medication, approved for use in 1987, was the first drug of its kind to be prescribed and marketed on a large scale. The use of this medication is very common, especially for the treatment of depression, but it is not without its risks.
It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy. Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
Current treatments for depression do not seem to improve brain fog symptoms, although serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) generally appear to be more effective than SSRIs. One type of SSRI, vortioxetine, seems to have some effect on cognitive symptoms and overall functioning, though.
With most SSRIs—including Lexapro—you might notice your appetite, energy, and/or sleep start to improve within the first two weeks of beginning the medication. It can take 6 to 8 weeks or more, however, to improve other symptoms (like decreased interest in activities or depressed mood).
There are significant links between depression and exhaustion. If you are living with depression, feeling too tired to do anything is probably a common occurrence. When you are depressed, your energy levels tend to decline, with symptoms such as sadness and emptiness further exacerbating feelings of fatigue.
Unfortunately, SSRIs can sometimes be too effective. The level of serotonin can become unbalanced and leave the individual unable to process and feel their “high highs” or “low lows.” So, while it helps people not feel depressed, it can also stop people from feeling their highs (laughing, enjoyment, motivation, etc.).
Low motivation can be a common symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. You can practice self-help and self-care as much as you can, but you may find that seeking professional help is more helpful for your emotions. Online therapy is beneficial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.