Certain antidepressants may cause fatigue and drowsiness, especially during the early stages of treatment. While you are waiting for your body to adjust to your medication, the following are some tips for coping with fatigue from antidepressants:
- Take naps during the day.
- Get some mild exercise, like walking.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until the fatigue passes.
- Take your medication at bedtime.
If the fatigue does not abate:
- Talk with your doctor about switching to a less sedating antidepressant.
- Talk with your doctor about augmenting your antidepressant with a psychostimulant such as Provigil (modafinil).
Sources:
Leibowitz, S. M., S. N. Brooks and J. E. Black. "Excessive daytime sleepiness: considerations for the psychiatrist." Psychiatric Clinics of North America 29.4 (2006) : 921-45.
Thase, M. E. "Modafinil augmentation of SSRI therapy in patients with major depressive disorder and excessive sleepiness and fatigue: a 12-week, open-label, extension study." CNS Spectrums 11.2 (2006): 93-102.
