Depression & Fatigue
drugs and depressionThere are many classes of drugs that seem to lead to or aggravate depression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve ( naproxen sodium ) or Advil (ibuprofen) can exacerbate depression in those who already suffer from it. Steroids such as prednisone can have the same effect if taken over a long period of time.
Many other medications, including tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can also act as contributing factors to depression. If you think a medication you are taking may be causing depression, consult your doctor.
symptoms of depressionSymptoms of major depression include:
As aforementioned, fatigue and lethargy are two of the most common symptoms. During their most recent depression episode, 96% of respondents in a Canadian study cited fatigue or lack of energy as specific symptoms. Furthermore, 72% of these same respondents said that these symptoms severely interfered with their lives.
"Unfortunately, many of these patients are experiencing poor quality of life due to fatigue, both before and after treatment. In fact, patients in this survey identified fatigue and lack of energy as the most debilitating symptom of their depression," says Dr. Sidney Kennedy, principal investigator of the CANMAT Canadian Depression Study.
In cases of mild depression, psychotherapy alone or natural antidepressants such as St. John's Wort may be effective cures. Mild exercise in the form of regular jogs or brisk 30-minute walks have also been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms. In cases of severe depression, however, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is often required to restore the chemical balance in the brain and address any underlying issues that may have acted as contributing factors.
There are many medications available to treat depression, but they don't necessarily all target the same symptoms. "Even after treatment many patients experience symptoms, such as fatigue and lethargy, which we have been told are the most debilitating, often resulting in a reduction in work and social functioning," explains Dr. Kennedy. "What this has led to is the recognition that some antidepressants are more energizing than others. For example, in most patients, medications that act upon the norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain will result in this increased energy."
In light of this information, physicians are beginning to believe that only medications that act upon both the norepinephrine and dopamine will result in increased energy.
take control of your lifeDepression is a serious and common disorder that affects both the mind and body. If left untreated, it can last for years, either consistently or reappearing periodically. It is not a disorder that can simply be willed away and it is definitely not a sign of personal weakness. There are many treatment options available, so if you feel like you may be suffering from depression, don't wait until you can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel. Talk to your doctor and get your life back.
Preliminary results of the Canadian Depression Study, CANMAT