I know no one is a doctor, but I will give a background of myself and hopefully someone may be able to point me in the right direction. I am thinking of trying an anti-depressant, I have not wanted to take one because of the side effects for the most part, or what I have heard (muscle fatigue - I go to the gym a lot, sexual side effects, and weight gain)

Why am I thinking about taking them? I don't know... I've felt like I've been in some sort of a "brain fog" for at least a year or two, I never wake up refreshed, I get tired after noon and always need naps, trouble concentrating, low sex drive, and my appetite fluctuates. Also random anxiety. I seem "pale" sometimes, and have light blue circles under my eyes almost always.

My history: I went to my physician and explained my symptoms, he suggested a blood test - (test, thyroid, etc) and everything came back normal. He then prescribed me Zoloft (which I have yet to take, just because of the sides I've read). After a few months of research, I look into sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, because I possess many of the symptoms.

So then I go to an E.N.T. specialist and have him examine my tonsils/adenoids. He says they are a little larger than normal and he suggests a sleep study. So I get a sleep test done a few weeks ago for sleep apnea, everything came back fairly normal, I slept like ****... but no disorders. I was honestly hoping there would be a little something, but I'm overall glad there wasn't - who wants to sleep on a machine for the rest of their life (or surgery)?

So I'm back at where I started, trying to figure out what I need to do. Anti-depressants would be my last resort, because I'm trying to figure out the root of it all first. I am going to start doing cardio, try 6 fishoils a day (1080 mg EPA), and try to have a good balanced diet.

I'm not super stressed out about anything, and it's effecting relationships because I never feel like myself anymore- always tired, or drowsy. I also have very little emotion, like I used to. I don't break down, I just show NO emotion like I was once able to. I don't get too happy, sad, or angry very often... and if it is an emotion, it's mostly anger, because I fly off the handle on silly things.

So that's where I've been, and where I am now, sorry for the long write-up, tried to sum it up as much as possible ;p

Keep in mind, I'm not like SUPER depressed with suicidal thoughts, etc. I'm just in this constant "brain fog". I've experimented with Ritalin and Adderall, and they both help quite a bit to help me concentrate. Once Adderall dies off in the 4-5 hours, I get even more depressed though (which is normal from that drug). I don't know if they help me because I'm just physically tired and it's a stimulant, or if I truly need them.

Please, your help is greatly appreciated.

hi,

it sounds like you have dysthymia. a low grade depression that just comes over you like a fog that just lasts and lasts. behavioral (or cognitive) therapy would help, i think. talk to a therapist, it's a good way to go.
take care,
jenn

hi,

it sounds like you have dysthymia. a low grade depression that just comes over you like a fog that just lasts and lasts. behavioral (or cognitive) therapy would help, i think. talk to a therapist, it's a good way to go.
take care,
jenn



Wow thanks so much for your input! Dysthymia actually sounds like me... and yet I never did any research on it! I am still reading about it, but yea, it sounds very accurate.

My doc prescribed me Zoloft awhile back... I never took it - I read that Dysthymia can be treated very well by Zoloft and other SSRIs....

Let me ask you, should I go this route? Also, if I did take an SSRI, is it something that would repair an imbalance in my brain, for instance serotonin? Once I took Zoloft for a few months, or even 6 months... would I be able to stop taking it and feel fine?

well, i would have to say i'm not sure, you would have to be on meds for awhile, but it is possible i think to taper off them. it depends on the med, how it workis for you, you would have to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist. i think seeing a therapist might be a good idea, especially if you need to work some things out, i think though too, it could just be rampant chemicals in your brain, which in case would warrant meds. but definately talk to your doctor and kudos to you for learning more about dysthymia.
take care and blessings to you

imho anti depressants should be a last resort. How about therapy?

I used to have a problem with feeling drowsy, especially in the afternoon. Many days I couldn't get by without a nap. I had developed a sensitivity to sugar which is not uncommon with depression. With changes to my diet, I've felt more energized and my mood has improved. Limiting sugar, starches, and simple carbs has made a big difference.

My advice would be to give the cardio, fish oil, and balanced diet some time. All of them have helped me. A good cardio workout will boost serotonin and other feel good chemicals.

Therapy is a good way to look at root causes of depression.

Breezes, how much fish oil per day?

Thank you.

Salty